Academics

'Law' has existed since the societies of ancient times, for example, in the Code of Ur-Nammu (ancient Mesopotamia) and the Code of Hammurabi (ancient Babylonia). 'Law' dates back to ancient Rome as well, and since then it has incorporated a wide range of ideas and continues to do so. Furthermore, faculties of Law, as research and educational institutions, are considered some of the oldest places to nurture and train professionals, along with faculties of Medicine and faculties of Theology. As such, 'law,' 'jurisprudence,' and 'law faculties' are understood to be traditional and rigorous.

However, law, jurisprudence, and law faculties are not all about rigor. As the saying goes, "Where there is society, there is law." Law exists everywhere in our daily lives, birth, employment, enrolment, marriage, residence, travel, transport, ownership, inheritance, to name a few. In every aspect of our lives we depend on the law and we are inseparable from it. Law plays an invaluable role, sometimes controlling society, sometimes facilitating our activities, sometimes resolving disputes, and sometimes distributing limited resources. Therefore, law is a familiar 'practical science' that will be useful in any future profession and any situation.

Furthermore, the law has dynamism. It can be said that Japan has recently reached a turning point. It is undergoing major changes, such as a shift from expansion to equilibrium and contraction, the widening of various disparities, the emergence of diverse social values, globalization, and fast-paced technological innovation. In such an environment, students of the Law Faculty should be capable of administering the laws that currently exist as well as be able to explore “the law that should exist in the future” in a forward-looking manner, making proposals to society. This is the social role of the Faculty’s students.

Chuo University was founded in 1885 as the Igirisu Horitsu Gakko (English Law School), and the Faculty of Law has embodied the same spirit, prospering for nearly 140 years. It boasts a comprehensive research and teaching environment incorporating numerous specialists, not only research faculty but also many practitioner faculty members, a rich curriculum to train students in legal and social competences, and unparalleled scholarship, study abroad, and qualification support systems. The Law Faculty is determined to continue fulfilling our social responsibilities, moving forward into the rapidly changing future while respecting our long-standing traditions.

The Faculty of Economics was founded in 1905 and has the second longest history among faculties at Chuo University.
 
Our faculty offers four departments: Economics, Economic Systems and Information Analysis, International Economics, and Public and Environmental Economics, with an aim to apply Chuo University’s founding spirit -- “Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice” -- to societal changes, and to better address current trends including informatization, globalization, aging population and declining birthrate, power decentralization, and increasing concerns for the global environment.

Economics is an academic field closely tied to society. One of the most important features of the Faculty of Economics is that the students learn from a balance of four different perspectives: “theory” including Marxian Economics, and Macro/Micro Economics; “history” including the history of Japanese and international economies and the discipline of economics itself; “systems” that support actual economic activity; and “policies” to further improve the real world.
 
In today's complex society, the subjects of foreign languages, health and sports, and general education are necessary for the formation of a solid knowledge base and sound human development. By studying these subjects in a multifaceted and self-directed manner, students can acquire communication skills, logical thinking, a wide range of educational knowledge, and a critical thinking mindset, while at the same time cultivating foresight and the ability to find and resolve problems.

The Faculty of Economics provides education based on three pillars - seminars, global human resource development, and career education - through the efforts of all the faculty members. In particular, seminar education, which is the core of these three pillars, aims to channel students' inquisitive minds to the skills necessary for working professionals. This is done by applying the research of the faculty to the education of the students, and by utilizing the specialized knowledge gained in the seminars in various fields in Japan and abroad. This is the literal embodiment of the university's founding spirit - "Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice" - and the university's message, "Knowledge into Action.
 
The slogan of the Faculty of Economics is "Experiencing the real thing, becoming the real thing. Creating the future with Chuo Economics.” We want to convey the underlying strength of our faculty to our students, nurturing young people who will create the future, trusted by people and active in every part of society. This is our shared ambition and wish.
 
I sincerely hope that each and every one of you will grow up to be a citizen with the breadth and depth of knowledge and the critical spirit that will enable you to play an active role in all aspects of society.

Chuo University’s Faculty of Commerce was established in 1909 and has a long history and tradition. Since establishment, we have educated many talented individuals who are leaders in various fields, including business, academia, politics, government, culture, entertainment, and sports. In particular, the number of students who pass the CPA exam has always been one of the highest among Japanese universities. Building on these successes, we will continue to cultivate outstanding professionals who will become the foundation of society.

The Faculty of Commerce is a faculty where students can learn many things, with a focus on "companies.” We study companies from various angles and we are constantly researching the way companies function in each new era.

There are various aspects to understanding a “company.” For example, what kind of competitive strategy should a company develop in a severe economic climate? Or, what kind of organization is necessary for employees to have a sense of pride and fulfillment in their work? These are both "management" issues.

In addition, how should companies raise funding? How should the financial mechanisms that support companies be organized? These are "financial" issues.

Furthermore, how can we properly connect a company's products with the needs of consumers? This is a "marketing" issue.

Finally, what processes are necessary in order to accurately report a company's results to investors and society? This is where "accounting" comes into play. Companies that address these basic themes in a balanced way will gain the trust of society and grow significantly.

In line with these basic themes, Chuo University Faculty of Commerce has established four Departments: the Department of Business Administration, the Department of Accounting, the Department of Marketing and Trade, and the Department of Banking and Corporate Finance. At the same time, we have devised curricula that lower the barriers between Departments as much as possible, so that students in the Department of Business Administration can study finance and students in the Department of Accounting can study marketing.

In order to learn about companies in depth, it is also necessary to study about the economic and social conditions surrounding companies, their coexistence with the natural environment, and the culture and history of various countries and regions. The Faculty of Commerce focuses on education in economics, law, liberal arts, and a variety of foreign languages as research and education fields that stand alongside specialized fields. This is because we believe that acquiring a holistic education is the most important element in order for individuals to thrive as the world moves forward.

In 2022, the Faculty of Commerce changed the Department of Marketing and Trade to the Department of International Marketing in order to further develop the knowledge and experience we have gained to date. We also offer unique classes, including those on social business in which students work to solve local issues, and others on sports business in which students work to manage soccer clubs. These activities have been widely covered in the media. Furthermore, we have established our own diverse scholarship system to support various activities, including study abroad and the taking of qualifying examinations.

Beyond these efforts, the Faculty of Commerce is committed to ongoing innovation. Why not join us on our journey in pursuit of future excellence!

Welcome to the website of Faculty and Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chuo University!

It is well known that education and research are the backbone of a university. In order to conduct high-level education and research, it is essential to have excellent human resources and an environment that supports them. The Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering have both. The Faculty offers a variety of learning opportunities in 10 departments: Mathematics; Physics; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Precision Mechanics; Electrical, Electronic, and Communication Engineering; Applied Chemistry; Data Science for Business Innovation; Information and System Engineering; Biological Sciences; and, Integrated Science and Engineering for Sustainable Societies. Based on the founding spirit of Chuo University, "Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice,” we provide education that enables students to acquire practical knowledge, problem-solving skills, creativity, and expertise that can be utilized in society.

In addition to the highly specialized courses offered in each department, the educational power of the Faculty of Science and Engineering as a whole is enhanced. One particular area we focus on is the enhancement of AI and data science education. Besides the “Chuo University Interfaculty AI and Data Science Program,” which started in 2021 across the entire University, we have also introduced courses unique to the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and are providing a full range of AI and Data Science education programs led by specialists centered in the Department of Data Science for Business Innovation.

Another focus is globalization. We are taking the opportunity to enhance our English curriculum further with the introduction of an entrance examination using external English tests from AY 2022. In addition to the study abroad programs offered for Chuo University as a whole, the Faculty of Science and Engineering offers an extensive range of unique programs, including short-term study abroad programs and global internships. Furthermore, we have introduced a new selection of courses related to entrepreneurship, and through the linkages with these courses, we aim to nurture individuals with entrepreneurial minds who can truly prosper globally.

In addition, the Graduate School of Science and Engineering offers nine majors: Mathematics; Physics; Civil, Human and Environmental Science and Engineering; Precision Engineering; Electrical, Electronic, and Communication Engineering; Applied Chemistry; Data Science for Business Innovation; Information and System Engineering; Biological Sciences; as well as a doctoral-program-only course in Electrical Engineering and Information Systems. Leading researchers and outstanding graduate students engage in cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields that include basic science, engineering, and the integration of arts and sciences. Please visit our website for news of faculty and graduate school student award recipients. As you will see, the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering overlap and combine for seamless education and research opportunities. The location of the Korakuen Campus (Bunkyo ward), where both the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering are based, offers a significant advantage for our research. Numerous seminars and workshops of academic societies are held nearby, and annual meetings of academic societies and international conferences are often held on the Korakuen Campus. These events are invaluable for our research in terms of gathering information and networking, ensuring that the Korakuen Campus functions as a research hub. Another appeal of the Korakuen Campus is its quiet and green surroundings, despite its location in central Tokyo.

In 2023, the Faculty of Law relocated to Chuo’s Myogadani Campus, which is very close to Korakuen, establishing a two-campus system of Chuo University. This relocation offers further integration of the humanities and sciences, specifically collaboration with the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Global Informatics located on the Ichigaya Tamachi Campus, enabling students from our Faculty to take lectures at the two neighboring Faculties. We believe the proximity of these Faculties offers us an excellent opportunity for further growth.

Having introduced the current situation of the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, we must also mention our many outstanding graduates. There are more than 70,000 graduates from the Faculty and Graduate School of Science and Engineering alone, and about 600,000 graduates from Chuo University as a whole. Many of these graduates have made remarkable achievements in their respective fields, embodying Chuo University's motto of "Knowledge into Action.” Their presence and support greatly strengthen our research and education.

I hope this introduction has given you a glimpse of the appeal of the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. But better yet, come visit the Korakuen Campus and see for yourself.

Faculty of Letters as a place for cultivating diversity

The Faculty of Letters at Chuo University was established in 1951, soon after the end of the Second World War, and this year marks its 72nd year. Success in setting up the Faculty of Letters, which is focused on understanding human beings apart from law, politics, businesses, industry, and so on, might symbolize the arrival of a peaceful era. During the 70 years of the Faculty, Japan has remained at peace. Some of our alumni and students who studied in the Faculty are playing active roles in contemporary Japanese culture, such as engaging in the fields of newspaper manga serials and films that fascinate people all over the world, as well as working as a producer of widely known groups. The Faculty of Letters nurtures such diverse individuals and we hope that the world will continue to allow this learning to take place.

The Faculty of Letters appears to consist of one Department, but it is a truly diverse and dynamic Faculty offering opportunities to study 13 majors, one programme, and over 700 subjects in depth. Although the name of the Faculty is 'Letters', there is a wide range of specializations within the Faculty, from the study of history, sociology, philosophy, education, and psychology, to the study of religion and outer space, enabling students to find something of special interest.

The name 'Faculty of Letters' is far from trendy and may seem old-fashioned to some. However, in reality, the Faculty of Letters is a Department that is always up-to-date and never becomes obsolete. It covers fields that are at the forefront of the times, fields that develop logical thinking skills, and fields that enable students to learn about the past and people from all over the world, and reflect on the present.

“Diversity" is said to be one of the survival strategies of living organisms, the idea that diversity and complexity enable humans to survive in the face of environmental and societal changes. What was previously thought to be useless can become beneficial as the environment and times change. The Faculty of Letters is truly diverse. In today's unpredictable society, what you study, think and experience in this Faculty will surely enhance and enrich your life.

The Faculty of Policy Studies was established in 1993 as the sixth Faculty of Chuo University. It was the second Policy Studies Faculty established in Japan, with other universities opening similar faculties since then. However, the most distinctive feature of the Faculty of Policy Studies at Chuo University is that the Faculty has upheld a philosophy of fusing policy and culture since its inception.

When the Faculty was established, society was facing a series of dramatic changes, such as the end of the Cold War, new international conflicts, and the end of a 55-year Japanese government regime. The same can be said now regarding increasing uncertainty in society, both domestic and international, with unpredictable changes becoming the norm.

In such social conditions, multifaceted study of both policy and culture in the Faculty of Policy Studies is essential. We cannot ignore the ingrained culture and values of society when reshaping society to be future-oriented. To bring the utility of our whole society toward reform, we should not fail to consider the perspectives of today’s citizens and residents. We need to ensure that no individuals or groups are denied dignity or omitted from the structure of the whole society.

To realize these goals, the Faculty of Policy Studies consists of two Departments. The Department of Policy Sciences offers systematic studies in law, politics, public administration, and economics and business administration, while the Department of Cross-Cultural Studies begins with basic courses in ethnicity, religion, and the arts, then advances to study of civilization and sociocultural theory. Both Departments simultaneously deepen multifaceted thinking through studying civil-society theory and culture-related policy theory.

Global learning is one of the pillars of reform at Chuo University's Tama Campus, and the opening of the Faculty of Global Management in 2019 was an important step in this direction. Since its establishment, the Faculty of Policy Studies has placed emphasis on English language education, while developing global studies that combine global perspectives with diverse and unbiased local perspectives, such as socio-cultural theory across nine regions and nine languages other than English, as well as courses in comparative culture and cultural exchange.

As part of the 30th anniversary of the Faculty of Policy Studies, a series of alumni lectures is being organized. Graduates in various fields take the stage and share how their multifaceted perspectives cultivated at the Faculty have been the foundation for their respective careers and activities.

30 years have passed since the establishment of the Faculty, and we are grateful to our alumni for reminding us of the significance of what the Faculty has put into practice. Going forward, the Faculty of Policy Studies will continue to grow as an unparalleled institution in Japan.

“Be Ahead of the World” is a slogan of GLOMAC (Faculty of Global Management, Chuo University). The goal of our Faculty is to provide education and research for global leaders of the next generation. Management, economics, global area studies, and other related academic fields together with foreign language courses in English, Chinese, and Japanese are offered in order to stimulate your potentiality to work for the people and to benefit the world. Seeking “sustainability” for the prosperity of the world is one of the key issues you should be interested in pursuing education at GLOMAC.

We have many talented students from Japan and from overseas at GLOMAC. We hope that you will make a lot of friends, and will learn and understand a variety of different viewpoints of people who have different cultural backgrounds.

We encourage you to make meaningful connections and embrace the opportunities provided at GLOMAC.

The iTL Faculty is stepping forward to embrace the demands of the AI and IoT era. Although the Faculty focuses on basic knowledge of IT - Information Technology (information systems) and the ability to manage information with Law, it is an arts and social science faculty that, through global liberal arts, equips individuals with unique problem solving skills based on synergistic knowledge of academic fields.
 
Recently the Council for Principles of Human-centric AI Society, under the auspices of the Cabinet Office, stated the importance of STEM education, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS, and of learning ELSI knowledge, ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS, which enables individuals to understand AI’s ethical, legal, and social impacts. In short, Japanese policymakers now recognize the importance of synergizing basic IT education with the study of arts and social sciences.
 
We look forward to welcoming you to the iTL era and together embracing the excitement of a future in the field of information.

- An invitation to postgraduate study of law -

The Chuo University Graduate School of Law was established in 1951 when the Chuo graduate school system was inaugurated, and since then, we have nurtured many outstanding researchers, practitioners, and other professionals over the past half-century. Chuo University was established in 1885 as Igirisu Horitsu Gakko (English Law School) upholding its founding spirit, "Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice." This spirit is the very essence of the modern rule of law, liberalism based on experience and social pragmatism, which has been handed down to the present as the basis of the university's legal research and education, and is also the purpose of research and education at the Graduate School of Law. In 2004, The Chuo Law School, which specializes in training legal professionals, was established. However, while the Graduate School of Law and the Law School each have their distinctive characteristics, the objectives of training researchers and fostering highly specialized professionals that the Graduate School of Law has traditionally had have remained mostly unchanged.

The Graduate School of Law, which comprises five departments -- four in law (Public Law, Private Law, Criminal Law, and International Business Transaction Law) and one in Political Science -- offers a wide variety of specializations in each of its Departments, enabling it to respond flexibly to the diverse academic needs of individual graduate students. The approximately 70 full-time faculty members (including those affiliated with the Chuo Law School) involved in research guidance also specialize in a wide range of fields, including law, economics, finance, political science, public administration, and sociology. Bridging the interdependence and borderless relationships between law, economics, politics, and other disciplines that have developed increasingly along with the globalization of society, each faculty member is committed to working with graduate students to seek alternative perspectives beyond their fields of study, offering the synthesis necessary to understand increasingly complex social phenomena.

Furthermore, the University has specialist study groups, such as the Public Law Study Group, the Basic Law Study Group, the Civil Law Study Group, the Criminal Law Study Group, the International Relations Law Study Group, the Political Science Study Group, and the International Relations Study Group, in which students are free to participate. There are also opportunities to participate in projects at the Institute of Comparative Law in Japan, the Institute of Social Sciences, and the Institute of Policy and Cultural Studies, where students can explore the cutting-edge study of researchers inside and outside the University, offering students significant academic exchange that will enhance their futures.

Research of law and political science in graduate school demands setting your own research theme, collecting and reviewing literature, and summarizing your ideas in a thesis. For doing so, two abilities are required. One is to identify the differences between the benefits of solutions based on different interpretations and to synthesize the various vectors involved in problem-solving, applying a firm perspective gained from a broad range of peripheral knowledge, in other words, a legal mindset. The other is, as legal scholars who advocate substantive justice, to have a high aspiration and passion to contribute to the realization of social justice by looking directly at society and interpreting the law.

The French writer André Gide is claimed to have said, 'Trust those who search for the truth. Doubt those who have found it,” a frequently cited quote. In the study of law, which seeks to find the truth among what might be called a complex subset of factors, the truth is not easy to find, as in other disciplines, but the significance of searching for a more valid 'truth' in society is always profound and immeasurable.

We encourage our students to further develop their talents as legal researchers at our Graduate School of Law and hope that the knowledge and skills they gain from their studies will help them to make great strides. The Graduate School of Law has prepared a ideal environment for this and awaits those who wish to join us.

Today's economy and society face many difficulties, including inequality, poverty, financial instability, the negative impacts of rapid informatization, and climate change. It is now expected that we will contribute to solving these social issues, not only at the governmental and corporate levels, but also at the individual level.

The issues facing modern society are complex, involving multiple subjects and problems, and the solutions require a systematic understanding of the phenomena surrounding these issues. We believe Economics is a discipline that provides such systematic thinking. This is because studying Economics and analyzing specific problems from an Economic point of view help to develop various skills and awarenesses. These include data management, understanding of human psychology, reasoning based on models, the design of experiments, appreciation of international relationship dynamics, understanding of things from an historical perspective, and consideration based on institutional perspective. We believe all of these are necessary to solve the problems that face modern society.

Since its establishment in 1951, the Graduate School of Economics has continued evolving in response to the demands of the times and has produced many researchers and highly specialized professionals that are now members of society. In addition, since 2019 we have been offering three-course system for Master Programs: a Researcher Course for students who wish to become researchers in the future; an Advanced Professional Course for students who wish to work in professions that require advanced and specialized knowledge and skills; and, a Certified Tax Accountant Course for students who wish to become certified tax accountants. From the 2024 academic year, we will change the entrance exam system and conduct the exam for each of these courses individually to nurture students with further practical skills. In addition, we will offer a group of fundamental subjects that reflects characterization of an Advanced Professional Course, including professional data and analysis. In each course, more than ever, students will acquire necessary skills and enhance their professional specialty with a true sense of purpose.

In addition, one of the strongest aspects of the Graduate School is the opportunity for students to develop and clarify their points of view regarding issues through presentations and discussions, and to improve themselves through friendly rivalries with their peers. To create these opportunities, we provide numerous ways for students to engage in discussions with instructors and other graduate students, such as in seminar classes, as well as in other seminars conducted in the Graduate School.

If you want to understand modern society and acquire the high-level expertise necessary to improve society, please join us and enjoy your studies in the Graduate School of Economics. A wide variety of talented and enthusiastic professors await you.

Welcome to the Graduate School of Commerce

To become a capable person who plays an active role in periods of uncertainty

The modern economic society is entering a period of unprecedented uncertainty. ICT technologies including AI are being adopted at a dramatic speed, and deep globalization is steadily progressing on a grand scale. Geopolitical risks, such as the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022 and most recently in Gaza in 2023, are increasing and furthermore, natural disasters attributable to global warming that cause severe harm, such as storms and floods, occur frequently. In conditions where long-term vision is exceedingly difficult, business entrepreneurs are facing difficulties guiding their businesses precisely. Professionals are expected to possess both high-degree expertise as well as flexible and comprehensive conceptual skills.

Those thinking about undertaking postgraduate study have different career plans and are excited about Graduate School life and study. Graduate school is the final stage of school education, offering the highest level of institutional academic study. It is a place where students can deepen the knowledge they have already acquired and gain more advanced analytical and research skills. The Graduate School of Commerce covers a wide range of fields in management, accounting, commerce, finance, and economics, and offers a Master's Degree Program and a Doctoral Degree Program. The Master's Degree Program includes a research course and a business course that offers practical and theoretical study designed to meet the needs of those seeking broad and diverse learning.

Postgraduate students studying at the Graduate School of Commerce can be broadly divided into three types. First, some wish to become researchers. In the Master’s Degree Program, they focus their research and write master’s theses in the research course. In the Doctoral Degree Program, they put all their effort into their doctoral thesis. At Chuo University, fostering researchers and teachers is an essential function for the sustainable development of Chuo as an advanced education and research institution. Second, some students aim to pursue careers as highly qualified professionals. They study with dedication and commitment to pass qualification exams, mainly in the field of accounting, to become certified tax accountants or certified public accountants. Third, the majority of students aim to be active in the wider world of business. They mainly study business courses to acquire specialist knowledge and analytical skills in the fields of theory and commerce, as well as to hone their conceptualization skills.

With faculty members from a wide range of fields, the Graduate School of Commerce offers a curriculum that provides not only research guidance in specialist fields but also the latest knowledge and consideration of perplexing issues facing modern businesses, consumers, and society today. We believe that having access to in-depth academia will allow you to hone your research skills while developing the ability to see things from a bird's eye view and to deepen your personal sense of social justice and ethics, characteristics valued at Chuo University.

Join us at the Graduate School of Commerce and let us help you open up your future.

Welcome to the website of Faculty and Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chuo University!

It is well known that education and research are the backbone of a university. In order to conduct high-level education and research, it is essential to have excellent human resources and an environment that supports them. The Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering have both. The Faculty offers a variety of learning opportunities in 10 departments: Mathematics; Physics; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Precision Mechanics; Electrical, Electronic, and Communication Engineering; Applied Chemistry; Data Science for Business Innovation; Information and System Engineering; Biological Sciences; and, Integrated Science and Engineering for Sustainable Societies. Based on the founding spirit of Chuo University, "Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice,” we provide education that enables students to acquire practical knowledge, problem-solving skills, creativity, and expertise that can be utilized in society.

In addition to the highly specialized courses offered in each department, the educational power of the Faculty of Science and Engineering as a whole is enhanced. One particular area we focus on is the enhancement of AI and data science education. Besides the “Chuo University Interfaculty AI and Data Science Program,” which started in 2021 across the entire University, we have also introduced courses unique to the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and are providing a full range of AI and Data Science education programs led by specialists centered in the Department of Data Science for Business Innovation.

Another focus is globalization. We are taking the opportunity to enhance our English curriculum further with the introduction of an entrance examination using external English tests from AY 2022. In addition to the study abroad programs offered for Chuo University as a whole, the Faculty of Science and Engineering offers an extensive range of unique programs, including short-term study abroad programs and global internships. Furthermore, we have introduced a new selection of courses related to entrepreneurship, and through the linkages with these courses, we aim to nurture individuals with entrepreneurial minds who can truly prosper globally.

In addition, the Graduate School of Science and Engineering offers nine majors: Mathematics; Physics; Civil, Human and Environmental Science and Engineering; Precision Engineering; Electrical, Electronic, and Communication Engineering; Applied Chemistry; Data Science for Business Innovation; Information and System Engineering; Biological Sciences; as well as a doctoral-program-only course in Electrical Engineering and Information Systems. Leading researchers and outstanding graduate students engage in cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields that include basic science, engineering, and the integration of arts and sciences. Please visit our website for news of faculty and graduate school student award recipients. As you will see, the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering overlap and combine for seamless education and research opportunities. The location of the Korakuen Campus (Bunkyo ward), where both the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering are based, offers a significant advantage for our research. Numerous seminars and workshops of academic societies are held nearby, and annual meetings of academic societies and international conferences are often held on the Korakuen Campus. These events are invaluable for our research in terms of gathering information and networking, ensuring that the Korakuen Campus functions as a research hub. Another appeal of the Korakuen Campus is its quiet and green surroundings, despite its location in central Tokyo.

In 2023, the Faculty of Law relocated to Chuo’s Myogadani Campus, which is very close to Korakuen, establishing a two-campus system of Chuo University. This relocation offers further integration of the humanities and sciences, specifically collaboration with the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Global Informatics located on the Ichigaya Tamachi Campus, enabling students from our Faculty to take lectures at the two neighboring Faculties. We believe the proximity of these Faculties offers us an excellent opportunity for further growth.

Having introduced the current situation of the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, we must also mention our many outstanding graduates. There are more than 70,000 graduates from the Faculty and Graduate School of Science and Engineering alone, and about 600,000 graduates from Chuo University as a whole. Many of these graduates have made remarkable achievements in their respective fields, embodying Chuo University's motto of "Knowledge into Action.” Their presence and support greatly strengthen our research and education.

I hope this introduction has given you a glimpse of the appeal of the Faculty and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. But better yet, come visit the Korakuen Campus and see for yourself.

New Vision toward the spirit of an uncertain age

The Graduate School of Letters is a comprehensive graduate school consisting of 13 majors (Japanese Literature Course, English Studies Course, German Studies Course, French Studies Course, Chinese Studies Course, Japanese History Course, Asian and African History Course, European and American History Course, Philosophy Course, Sociology Course, Socio-Informatics Course, Education Course, and Psychology Course). With a variety of full-time faculty members who have in-depth knowledge of various academic fields, languages, cultures, regions, and society, we cover extensive research fields ranging from humanities to social sciences, some of which are close to natural science. There are traditional fields, such as Philosophy and Literature, and cutting-edge fields, such as Socio-Informatics, but the goal of all faculty members is to nurture researchers and highly skilled business professionals. To date, more than 200 students have earned doctoral degrees and many of these individuals are making notable achievements as researchers, as well as making significant contributions as educators to guide and nurture future generations of researchers. As highly skilled professionals, many other graduates are active in practical fields, including education, business, and civil service, with the practical skills they have developed.

It has been more than 20 years since 9/11 and 10 years since 3/11, and we live in a society where COVID-19 has become the norm. We are unable to readily tackle the global issues responsible for the climate crisis and we stand by helplessly viewing the catastrophic ravages of war in Ukraine and Gaza as we continue to face an “unfathomable VUCA^* period.” At the core of the Graduate School of Letters is the cultivation of "culture," which is essential in the current age. This means cultivating imagination and creativity, in order to gain insights into the nature of problems and pave the way for a new perspective.

The Graduate School of Letters has cultivated fundamental and progressive knowledge as the vertical axis of each of its 13 majors, but also offers cross-disciplinary courses that transcend the boundaries of these majors allowing students to connect diverse knowledge organically. “Cross-border knowledge” gained through cross-disciplinary studies facilitates our acquisition of broad perspectives, and this enables us to reconfirm the meanings of pursuing knowledge as the vertical axis and provides clues toward deepening our learning and becoming spiritually rich individuals.^＊＊

Approach everything rationally, and become harsh. Pole along in the stream of emotions, and you will be swept away by the current. Give free rein to your desires, and you become uncomfortably confined. It is not a very agreeable place to live, this world of ours. . . .^＊＊＊ (translated by Alan Turney)

This is a rather famous passage from Soseki. It is undeniable that the recent period of uncertainty is accelerating people’s feelings that it is “not a very agreeable place to live.” However, it is vital to gain insights into the essence of feeling “not a very agreeable place to live,” and we believe it is the raison d’etre of the Graduate School of Letters to fulfill this task. We are determined to maintain our long-standing attitude of not being afraid of being “harsh,” “swept away by the current,” or “uncomfortably confined.” We welcome researchers who join us as fellow explorers to open up new visions of the spirit of an uncertain age.

^＊ VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It began as a military term and now represents the structural factors during a period of uncertainty.

^＊＊ In addition to cross-disciplinary major courses offered in the Graduate School of Letters, students have access to courses offered in other Chuo graduate schools through the “open domain system.”
https://sites.google.com/a/g.chuo-u.ac.jp/newbunkeidaigakuin/c

^＊＊＊ “rationally, emotions, free rein to one’s desires” can be replaced with the term “Intelligence, Passion, Will.” According to a monthly magazine published by the Agency of Cultural Affairs, “Q&A related to words,” more than 60 percent of respondents answered the meaning of “sticking a pole in a flowing river” incorrectly as “going against a trend, to lose momentum of something”.

New challenges in the VUCA world:
The importance of autonomous learning

The Graduate School of Policy Studies was established in 1997 with its Master program, followed by the Doctoral program in 1999. We are relatively new compared to other Chuo graduate schools, but as of March 2021, 448 students had earned the Master’s degree and 90 students had attained the Doctor degree.
 

Policy Studies is a field that aims to take a comprehensive approach to problems by utilizing methodologies from different disciplines rather than being based only on a single type of academic study, such as Law or Economics. This means being inter-disciplinary rather than adhering to a single discipline.  The goal is to contribute to society by finding and defining a problem based on inter-disciplinary perspectives, coming up with an appropriate methodology to solve the problem, and ultimately refining and organizing the methodology into proposals or policies. 

In recent years, the term “VUCA world,” characterized by four acronyms, Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, has been in use, during a time in which unprecedented circumstances are occurring one after another, and situations that have never been expected within conventional frameworks are appearing worldwide. In the VUCA world, the ability to judge for oneself and to decide actions to be taken based on one’s own decision is highly valued.

The current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example. It is precisely in a time like this that students acquiring the attitude of proactively learning and finding solutions to problems through the approach of “Policy Studies” is becoming more important than ever.

The Graduate School of Policy Studies has a wide variety of professors, all of whom are experts in their respective fields. In our School, several professors take charge of each research theme and strive to support each student in achieving their goals. What is important is to keep your awareness high, critically analyze observable social phenomena, and have the courage to step into areas beyond the conventional approaches. 

Why don’t you undertake a new challenge in the age of the VUCA world? Come join us in the Graduate School of Policy Studies which aims to nurture “autonomous learners” who can contribute to global society from a perspective that transcends the traditional boundaries of specialized academic fields and diverse national and cultural backgrounds?

To survive in this turbulent IT society!
Chuo Graduate School of Global Informatics is focused on meeting the expectations of individuals who wish to be capable of identifying and responding comprehensively to the global changes surrounding information technology.

More than ever, society needs talented IT professionals, but what kinds of talents are needed? Innovative technologies and businesses that have impacts across the world arise one after another in the field of IT. New concepts, such as Web3, Metaverse, and DX, have rapidly appeared, and most recently generative AI is speedily grabbing attention. Talented professionals must be up to date on cutting-edge technology and the latest knowledge, or they will be left behind. However, if you are just following the latest IT trends, you might end up being a “useful” professional without getting deserved credit.

Current information technology cannot be separated from society and the economy. Under such conditions, well-grounded consideration is essential in examining issues related to information technology. There are few professionals who understand IT structure precisely, and who are able to consider issues of law and regulations, social dynamics, and business relationships globally in a well-balanced manner. With such basic knowledge in mind, it is indispensable to think logically with substantive analysis. The Graduate School of Global Informatics has been established to nurture professionals who are competent and capable of bolstering the future of such an information society through academic study.

It is most often those who have gone out into the world and struggled in business or in the field of policy that recognize the importance of such a background. To meet the demands of working professionals who wish to undertake recurrent education and reskilling opportunities, the Graduate School, Ichigaya Tamachi Campus, is located in the city center at Tokyo Metro Ichigaya Station, Exit 6, convenient for students who commute. In addition, the curriculum is designed for working individuals who take courses after work or on weekends.

The Graduate School of Global Informatics also welcomes those who wish to pursue postgraduate studies immediately after completing their undergraduate degree. The School is convinced that by completing our graduate studies, students will be able to enhance their future careers. Studying with classmates who have actual working experience allows recent undergraduates to gain insights into the business world, as well as enabling them to engage in more practical and valuable research.

In order to realize this high ideal of education, the School boasts faculty members who possess cutting-edge insights and keen enthusiasm for the fields of “AI and data science,” “Social design and social implementation,” “Information law,” and “Global communication.” Many faculty members also have a wealth of practical experience, with some participating in government policy deliberations. The School is proud to offer a system that provides practical research guidance based on a strong and stable academic foundation.

The Graduate School of Global Informatics welcomes new students eager to acquire the abilities needed to identify and respond to the real world global changes taking place in the information technology field.

Welcome to the world of legal professionals —Having no perfect answers is interesting

This is not limited to the field of law, but I believe that realizing there is no single answer to all the world’s problems is the beginning of our growth.
 

Human society would be free from many troubles if all battles were between good and bad or innocence and evil. Unfortunately, this is only the case in samurai dramas and superhero movies. Simplistic justice in such settings misconstrues proper judgment in the real world, where conflicts between two good and innocent parties often arise, and resolutions are very challenging.
 

Competent legal professionals are not only capable of convincing others of the validity of their opinions, but at the same time they have the modesty to recognize their own weaknesses and show respect for others.
 

While respecting Chuo University’s founding spirit of “Knowledge into Action” and recognizing that the objective of the Law school system is to serve as a bridge between theory and practice, Chuo Law School has been committed to developing down-to-earth legal professionals who are not obsessed with reaching immediate conclusions. This is possible due to a wealth of CLS programs, including educational offerings through collaboration among various researchers and law practitioners, externship opportunities and job-hunting support from an extensive alumni network, and practical support from graduates who work as junior lawyers.
 

Along with the Faculty of Law’s plan to relocate from Hachioji to Bunkyo-ku in 2023, the Chuo Law School is scheduled to move to a new campus in Surugadai. This will enable Chuo Law School to better address academic and professional needs, including combined courses and programs for students aiming to pass the bar examination while law students.
 

Please join us in getting to know the appeal of a world without perfect answers as you develop the critical thinking skills of a Law professional.

The Chuo Graduate School of Strategic Management is a business school for working professionals, upholding a mission to "foster change leaders who can change themselves, their organizations, and society by putting strategic management into practice."

Recognizing we live in a VUCA world, the modern business environment is facing ever-greater waves of change. Changes such as environmental challenges, the development of AI, and geopolitical changes are all transforming our society and business practices. In such an era, change leaders are required who not only respond to change, but who also take these trends as opportunities to make such changes meaningful. By fostering such change leaders, we aim to help people change themselves as well as the organizations they work for and, in turn, change society for the better.

The mission of fostering change leaders is rooted in Chuo University's spirit of practical learning. Since the opening of Igirisu Horitsu Gakko (English Law School) in 1885, Chuo University has been committed to contributing to society by nurturing individuals dedicated to underpinning society and pioneering the future by returning to the University’s founding spirit of "Knowledge into Action”

This spirit, which aims not only to study but also to utilize what is learned to create value for society, is reflected in the official name of the graduate school, the "Chuo Graduate School of Strategic Management." It reflects our desire for students to study not only "business strategy" as an academic discipline, but to learn to "manage strategically" and to continue to put this into practice beyond their studies. By learning and organically linking five disciplines of “Strategy,” “Marketing,” “Human Resource Management,” “Finance,” and “Business Law,” and by "Knowledge into Action," we foster change leaders who have the ability to think strategically and to put strategy into practice.

To this end, the Chuo Graduate School of Strategic Management offers a program in which students can acquire the theories, frameworks, and latest business knowledge essential for thinking strategically. The program entails comprehensive learning of the five disciplines, from the basics to application, ensuring students cultivate the ability to put strategy into practice through “Action and Reflection,” “Field Learning,” and “Project Research.”

The first, “Action & Reflection,” is a cycle in which students practice what they learn in the classroom (action) and then reflect on the results (reflection), thereby linking knowledge to practice and enhancing their ability to put strategy into practice. “Action & Reflection” is required in many courses, including the compulsory subject of “Leadership Core” as well as in the semi-annual Reflection Seminar, where you can share your thoughts and ideas with like-minded classmates, reflect on what you have learned, and consider how you will apply your learning to your work in order to become a change leader.

The second, "Field Learning," is a program in which you explore the issues companies and society are actually facing, proposing solutions based on hands-on experiencing in the field. This program can be described as a practical experience-based program that truly embodies the spirit of practical learning.

The third, “Project Research,” is the culmination of two years of learning, in which full-time faculty members and students spend one year working closely together. By compiling your own issues and what you have learned in our program into a thesis or business plan, you will create new business knowledge capable of changing society.

The Chuo Graduate School of Strategic Management offers an unparalleled original program and a wide variety of professors to guide you as you change yourself, change existing business, change organizations, and change society. We are confident you will develop your abilities to the fullest in this rich learning environment and realize the "change" that you are striving for.