Division Introduction


What is U-GJS?

The Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies (U-GJS) was established on October 1, 2024 at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) through a generous donation from the Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education. The U-GJS supports and cultivates the next generation scholars while promoting the globalization of the field. By encouraging academic dialogue across generations, it integrates fresh perspectives from young scholars and enhances their educational development. Through these initiatives, we aim to create an open and internationally engaged Japanese Studies community, bringing scholars together across borders.

Purpose of U-GJS

From a global perspective, while Japan’s international economic presence may be shifting, interest in its culture and modernization experience continues to grow steadily across various regions. Consequently, there is a growing need to address the global shortage of educational resources in this field. To meet this challenge, it is essential to enhance both human and material resources, positioning Japanese Studies as a dynamic field for global knowledge exchange and collaboration.
U-GJS aims to explore the needs of Japanese Studies worldwide, cultivate its international outreach and establish Global Japanese Studies as a platform for the global circulation of knowledge with a focus on Japan.

Mission

Leveraging Nichibunken’s extensive global network and accumulated expertise in Japanese Studies domestically and abroad, the U-GJS actively pursues a diverse range of initiatives guided by the following three missions.

Creating Global Japanese Studies as Nexus for Worldwide Circulation of Knowledge

Mission 1Empowering the Next Generation of Academics

  • We offer fellowships to emerging international scholars, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to shape the future of global Japanese Studies.

Mission 2Building a Cross-Generational Global Japanese Studies Platform

  • We reexamine knowledge on Japan and foster intellectual exchange by hosting gatherings and leveraging international networks, creating integrative knowledge platform.

Mission 3Developing Innovative Educational Materials

  • We develop innovative teaching materials bridging academia and practice.

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