The College of International Relations was founded in April 1988 as the seventh college of Ritsumeikan University - the first of its kind in Western Japan. The decision to establish the College was a proactive response to the then emerging need for education to develop individuals capable of assuming leadership roles appropriate to the rapid internationalization of Japanese society. That year also marked a key milestone for Ritsumeikan University in its endeavors to transform itself and reform its educational programs. From its inception, the College has remained at the forefront of international relations education in Japan, thanks to the support from those concerned both inside and outside Ritsumeikan University and the dedicated efforts of students, faculty and staff members who aspire to open up a new frontier. It is because of their support that we are able to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the College’s foundation this year. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has generously supported the College to date.
Over the past three decades, the College has produced more than 8,000 graduates, many of whom have made meaningful contributions in a range of fields, thus fulfilling the College’s social responsibility. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in many areas, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, international organizations, international aid agencies, general trading companies, development consultancies, and international NGOs to serve as an interface between Japan and the international community. Still others have chosen paths in such fields as central and local government offices, banks, securities houses, manufacturing enterprises, logistics companies, journalism, and faculties at educational institutions ranging from junior and senior high schools to colleges and universities.
In the words of Professor Emeritus Makoto Sato: “The College of International Relations is perpetually reinventing itself; it is a college that constantly changes its system based on analysis of current conditions.” For 30 years, we at the College have never ceased to promote transformation in a sincere effort to cultivate the kind of graduates most needed from international relations schools. Some initiatives in this regard include establishment of the Global Studies Major (International Relations Program taught in English) in 2011 and the American University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program in 2018. With world politics and economy expected to undergo major changes in coming years, we will continue to strive to open up a frontier of education and human resources development to meet the expectations placed on such schools in Japanese universities, and our challenge of establishing a paradigm for international relations schools in Japan will persist far into the future. We look forward to your ongoing support in that regard.

I started my studies at the College of International Relations with the vague dream of pursuing a career that would have me jetting around the world. From a very young age, I had admired those in the diplomatic service, an idea that had been instilled in me by my father. I had also become keen to learn English while I was in elementary school, after an experience on a family trip to Australia where I met a boy the same age as me and felt the frustration of not being able to fully convey the many things that I wanted to tell him. Starting with an appreciation of the Beatles and the Carpenters, I had begun to enjoy foreign music and movies, and learned that English can also differ in pronunciation. At the time I began my studies, in April 2005, the college was probably one of few such faculties specializing in international studies in Japan. And now, as we mark the 30-year anniversary of the college’s establishment, fortune would have it that I have the great pleasure of celebrating this special occasion as the chair of the alumni association.
While our thoughts and opinions may have differed, my classmates and I all set our sights beyond Japan. We worked hard toward our goals, all the while I was cursing my own lack of ability but determined not to be outdone. Once you start out in the world of work, it is easy to become bogged down in the tasks right in front of you and almost forget the aspirations you once held as a student. But when I meet good friends or others who have studied at the college either before or after me, I am instantly taken back to my university days. I am able to remember our time studying together and our naive, embarrassingly noble aspirations. We gained such great assets from our time at the college. My current work does not involve me flying around the world, but I am striving to form the basis for the development of future generations who will successfully pursue roles in global society. I sincerely hope that the College of International Relations will receive your support and cooperation to ensure that it continues to be a place of learning that allows many students to become highly capable graduates.