TAKAHAMA, Mitsunobu
Meiji University's School of Commerce, founded in 1904, was the first private school of commerce in Japan and boasts a 120-year tradition and track record of excellence. Throughout this long history, the school has produced outstanding businesspeople while constantly adapting to the changing times. As well as emphasizing traditional commerce education, we have also focused our efforts on helping students acquire the flexible thinking and creativity necessary for today's business environment.
First, the School of Commerce positions commerce as a "comprehensive market science" and encourages students to study the market structure from multiple perspectives in a variety of areas, including economics, management, marketing, trade, finance, and accounting. Students are encouraged to develop the ability to play an active role in today's increasingly complex business environment as individuals with a multifaceted perspective.
Since its founding, the educational approach of the School of Commerce has been centered on the philosophy of cultivating individuals who can combine academic theory with practical knowledge. Although learning theory is important, knowing how to apply it as practical knowledge is vital. In addition, we emphasize the importance of internationality, thus the School of Commerce focuses on the promotion of international exchange. Through short and long-term study abroad programs, student exchanges with partner universities, and the International Student Supporter System, we encourage students to develop cross-cultural understanding and an international perspective. It is one of the educational goals of the School of Commerce to nurture our students’ ability to respect diverse values and to be confidently active in the international arena.
The curriculum of the School of Commerce is structured so that students can learn by taking not only specialized courses but also liberal arts courses which are organized in stages ranging from basic to advanced. In the second and subsequent years, students acquire more advanced specialized knowledge and practical skills. In addition, the "double core" system allows students to enhance their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through small-group discussions and presentations in both the specialized seminar for Commerce and the seminar for comprehensive interdisciplinary studies.
Finally, as theories in the field of commerce are becoming more sophisticated, advances in information technology, more than ever, require students to acquire the ability to analyze data. It is no exaggeration to say that mastery of statistical methods to a certain degree is now essential. The distinction between humanities and sciences is becoming a thing of the past. Rather than thinking that you, as one of our students, are not good at it, you should rise to the challenge. We believe that there is no doubt that if you challenge yourself, you will see your world expand.
I sincerely hope that through your studies at the Meiji University School of Commerce, you will meet many new friends and enjoy a fulfilling student life.