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Message from the Dean

"Freedom of Movement" is Our Keyword

"Freedom of Movement" can also be said to characterize the new century.

Finally, almost all regions of the world are accessible. Since now traveling around the world can sometimes be less expensive than vacationing domestically, it may not be an overstatement to say that economic barriers to freedom of movement have already been broken. It is true that there are still political barriers, but few are strong enough to close the doors completely.

But one barrier still exists. Remaining with us from the isolationist policies of four centuries previous is the "barrier of the heart."

To overcome this barrier, first hold strong to your goal. Listen well to what is said to you. Open yourself to the world outside. Before long, the barriers of your heart will crumble and fall.

The study of foreign languages that caused so much pain will suddenly become a pleasure.

The faculty of the School of International Studies is here to help you to reach that goal and claim your right to Freedom of Movement.

April, 2000

Ippei Wakabayashi
Dean, School of International Studies

ippei@shonan.bunkyo.ac.jp

Bunkyo University Faculty of International Studies

Department of International Communications

Intercultural Communications Major

To foster confidence in conducting communications on the individual, group, and organizational levels, students are exposed to the many challenges that arise due to internationalization and the interaction with foreign cultures. That fundamental tool in international communication, the study of language, is stressed, in particular the development of the ability to put into practice knowledge of the English language. Long-term exchange programs as well as short-term training periods abroad are utilized in mastering linguistic abilities as well as enriching comprehension of foreign cultures.

Global Environment Major

In a global community in which all the cultures of the world are in constant contact, environmental, scientific, and information revolution-rooted problems cannot be solved by individual countries on their own. While keeping in mind the various relationships countries share, students use a background in sociology and the humanities to study environmental science and politics in order to acquire a broader perspective of the global environment.

Department of International Relations

International Politics and Economics Major

The international arena is too complicated, too multifaceted to understand with background in just one discipline. This major combines political science, law, economics, and international affairs in a brand-new, interdisciplinary approach to find solutions to the problems that arise in the international community.

Tourism Major

As internationalization spreads, we face major changes in the economic landscape. To keep up with these changes, all facets of management are studied, while touching on contemporary business theory. The international hospitality industry, to include air service, hotel administration, food service, and tourism, is focused on from a business point of view.

Short Term Study Abroad Program of Bunkyo International Studies


Bunkyo Department ofInternational Studies offers a short study abroad program, and it is mandatory for all sophomore students of Communication major. There are two choices for students. One is Oregon State University, and another is Monash University. Despite of the crisis after September 11th., all students have finished the program both in Oregon and Monash without any troubles and accidents.

All 30 students who had been at Oregon State University, and all 81 students who had been at Australia's Monash University arrived safely back in Japan on December 17 and 27, respectively. These two programs had spanned the famed September 11 tragedy and other alarming events, and although the school, staff, and faculty, including the president himself, took all necessary precautions to make the experience a success, having students abroad at such a time in world history must have caused studentsユ families great concern. Thank you all for your bravery and cooperation. A presentation on the experience will be held on January 12 from 4:00 until 5:00, after which parents will join us in a small social gathering.
The event will be organized by the Faculty of International Studies Short-Term Foreign Study Presentation Planning Committee. Shown will be 24 Hours at Monash University, Homestay Notebook, From My Memoirs, "Trying the Short-Term Foreign Study Program," "Pictures of Me in Oregon," "Pictures of Me in the United States," "Dormitory Life, and Conversations with Students," and other presentations to illustrate the trials and tribulations of studying abroad.

Bunkyo University Faculty of International Studies Students Participate in Kosovo Relief Efforts
=A Report from Bunkyo Volunteers=

At the end of summer 2001 (August 25 through September 11), ten students from the Faculty of International Studies participated in relief work in Kosovo. Students interested in Kosovo relief work joined together under the direction of Faculty of International Studies Professor Kyoichi Nakamura. Click here for a full report.

Statement from Wakabayashi, the Departmental Chair of International Studies: Rejoinder to Paul Risser, President, Oregon State University
The Role of University in a Society in Responding to a National Tragedy


On September 11, the cities of New York and Washington D.C. were hit with pain andsorrow. I would like to express my deep condolences to those who suffered losses from these events. In response to this tragedy, President Paul Risser of Oregon State University, at which the Faculty of International Studies is holding its Short-term Foreign Study program, has made an important announcement. I, too, as a professional of higher learning, believe that President Risser has made some veryimportant points that require our close attention. I have summarized his words below, but I do encourage you to read the full text at the following link.

A message from President Paul Risser

President Risser starts by stating that, at Oregon State University, we are preparing forthe arrival of more than 17,500 students who come from all 50 states, and from dozens of countries around the world, emphasizing that Oregon State University is an international and multi-cultural community.

The Oregon State University is a community made up of people from diverse backgrounds and differing experiences. Helping one another is fundamental. President Risser continues:

We must not allow our varied beliefs and emotions to separate and isolate us. We must be open and respectful of differences in our views. If we let this tragedy divide us, or if we seek to blame members of our community because of the way they look or speak or dress or express varying opinions, we risk allowing this painful tragedy become even more destructive to our community and our country.

President Risser then adds this important message for us those who are in an academic community:

The caring values that characterize Oregon State University can be a powerful antidote to fear and hatred. If we remember that, we will become stronger and better as individuals, as an institution, and as a community.

September 17, 2001 Ippei Wakabayashi Dean, School of International Studies

From the Editors

In response to the events of September 11, Bunkyo University Departmemt of International Studies Professor David Loy has issued his statement from the Buddhist perspective. This can be read at the following link.

A New Holy War Against Evil? A Buddhist Response by David R. Loy

Professor Loy has also been interviewed in the Japanese English-language newspaper The Japan Times regarding this piece.

Online: Buddhist perspective on the new holy war by Angela Jeffs

We, too, must take part as the international community formulates opinions on these events. The Department of International Studies is now accepting submissions of personal opinions and reactions.

Professor Hiroichi Yamaguchi, who specializes in the study of the exploitation of developing countries and Japan-Asian relations, has added to this a study on doubts concerning the new retributional war.

Questioning the War of Retribution

The article Bunkyo University Faculty of International Studies Professor Takaharu Okuda has distributed to students scheduled to attend his class Asian Regional Studies touches on the subject of the September 11 tragedy. As a specialist who often performs research within the sphere of Islam culture, Professor Okuda's article appears here for its immense value to us all.

"An Introduction to International Studies"
=Class Report= Bunkyo University School of International Studies announces the compulsory class entitled An Introduction to International Studies. This class is required of all first-year International Studies students. An Introduction to International Studiesｲ presents topics from a variety of fields in order to provide students with the background, understanding, and perspective necessary for the discipline.
The class provides three distinct benefits to students of International Studies.
• First, students are equipped with the wide range of knowledge necessary to embark on their study of International Studies. A video on World War I helped to sharpen students understanding of the study of peace. A jomonbue concert encouraged students to contemplate the different relationships through which we all are bound. A lecture on Bob Marley highlighted the racial movement. Japan's colonial period history was reviewed in light of the current textbook dilemma Topics similarly as diverse as these were visited in this all-inclusive class.

• Second, students are given the opportunity to experience lectures from many different professors of the department. Each professor appeared before us to present the field of their specialty. This format was perfect for so interdisciplinary a class as An Introduction to International Studies.

• Third, students are able to experience a discussion-based class structure. The class was divided into groups for discussions. This format also provided an opportunity for first-year students to get to know one another.

"An Introduction to International Studies" will again be held for first-year students next year.

July 25, 2001

Last Revised April 24, 2002
Please email any feedback to Webmaster: kokusai@shonan.bunkyo.ac.jp

Faculty of International Studies
Bunkyo University

1100 Namegaya, Chigasaki, Kanagawa
253-8550 JAPAN

Phone: +81 467 53 2111
Facsimile: +81 467 54 3722