Interview with the Dean

“The Future is Now.”

Seiichi Kanise

These famous words by the American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead mean that you must act now to realize ideals that you envision for the future. In the midst of the blistering pace of globalization, how can you prepare yourself? One answer is　joining Meiji University's School of Global Japanese Studies.

The School of Global Japanese Studies aims to prepare students who have a thorough understanding of Japanese culture and society as well as intercultural sensitivity enabling them to contribute to the global community of the twenty-first century. Accordingly, the school seeks highly motivated young people from around the globe. In its inaugural year, the school reserved approximately 10% of its enrollment quota for international students and intends to increase rapidly that percentage to 30%. The school has also given the highest priority to accommodating international students by providing a choice of three entrance　procedures.

Following enrollment, students not only attend lectures taught by a diverse array of instructors, but also receive many opportunities to deepen their understanding of Japanese and international students through activities such as student forums and Japanese/English language speech contests. While Japanese language education　is provided to improve Japanese language skills, in 2011, the School of Global Japanese Studies will also introduce an English Track for students who desire to take courses taught exclusively in English.

When one talks about “knowing Japan,” people tend to think only of the tea ceremony, Kabuki theater, and other traditional cultural forms. While these are, of course, important, the School of Global Japanese Studies is characterized by its focus on the study of contemporary Japanese culture, the so-called "cool Japan"　and Japanese social systems that are currently garnering attention worldwide. In addition, the school emphasizes courses in international studies.

Finally, the School of Global Japanese Studies has several exclusive study abroad programs. The most unique is the six-month hospitality program that includes an internship at Disneyworld in Florida, USA. International students are also eligible to participate.

Come, join us. The future is now!