International Comparison

Why do non-regular employees have poor working conditions?
Analyzing Japan through international comparisons

In “political economy”, we analyze economic phenomena not only by applying economic theories but also by conducting political analysis. By examining labor market reforms in Japan since the collapse of the bubble economy in the 1990s through international comparisons, my research seeks solutions to Japan’s economic and social problems.

Religion and International Relations

Gaining a deeper understanding of international relations through three links with religion

Many people in Japan today may have a negative attitude toward religion. However, understanding religion is essential to comprehend international relations in depth. It is important to learn about what religion is and examine how it influences international relations from various regional and historical standpoints.

International Political Economy

Analyze international relations while having an awareness of the interaction between politics and economics

The United States and China seem to be at odds if we focus solely on politics and security. But economically, they are closely connected and interdependent. International political economy involves being aware of this sort of interaction between politics and economics, while understanding events in international relations.

Capitalism

Looking at People’s Lives and International Relations from the Perspective of the Capitalist Economic System

The capitalist economic system brings a vast range of product diversity and the freedom to buy what you want anytime. Our natural desire for diversity and freedom is one of the forces that can cause a change in a country’s system. Let’s think about how the principle of capitalism, which has both positive and negative aspects, directly affects human consciousness and behavior and in the long run, influences international relations.

Pacifism in the Constitution of Japan

What is the international order pursued in the Constitution of Japan?
The perception of the constitution in the context of international relations

Constitutions are made as a result of war. So they can’t be understood without knowledge of international relations. The meaning of Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan has changed according to the change of international relations and politics. It is important to look at this realistically and take action toward the transformation of the international order that the pacifism of the Constitution requires.

International Politics

Can We “Eliminate War?”
Study the Field of International Politics with the Hope

Did you know that in the last 100 years, the number of war casualties per capita has dropped to 1/10 of what it once was? The study of international politics, which emerged from the tragedy of World War I, is steadily achieving results. By understanding the nature of human beings, I hope to unravel the mechanisms by which wars occur and contribute to the creation of systems that prevent war.

Comparative Politics

How do we fight the backslide of democracy?
Understanding successes and failures through international comparisons

According to a 2022 survey, only 34 countries in the world are free and democratic. On the other hand, there are more and more authoritarian and autocratic countries. Why do political leaders in the world attempt to undermine democracy? How can we stop the trend?

Global International Relations

Reexamining international relations from its beginnings, bridging the West and the non-West

Global International Relations is an approach that emerged as a movement to bridge the West and the non-West by critically looking at traditional studies of International Relations that take a Western perspective to be self-evident. It attempts to develop new theories inspired by past perspectives and other disciplines.

Development Economics

Economic development in developing countries cannot be achieved by economic rationality alone.

The process of economic development in a developing country is complex, as decisions and actions people and government make are influenced by various factors.
To investigate how economic development can be realised, it is essential to accept such complexity and study a wide range of fields.

Migrant Workers and Racism

Listening carefully to the sacrifices of overseas Filipino migrant workers

There is an overwhelming inequality between those who have no other choice and are forced to do migrant labor abroad and those who enjoy the benefits of foreign labor. I believe it is important to connect the findings from the qualitative research with theory and incorporate them into studies of what migrant workers have had to sacrifice.

Working for an International Organization

Theory and Empathy Are Needed in the Field of International Humanitarian and Development Assistance

I have been involved in humanitarian and development assistance at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), where I realized the importance of “empathy”. International relations are, after all, people-to-people relationships. Partner believes in the human being in front of him.

Cultural Anthropology

Dive into a Different Culture and Rethink Your “Norms”

I am studying the metamorphosis of Shinjuku Kabukicho as a community. The streetscape, the flow of people, the people's gestures walking around, everything is a subject of observation. I am using cultural anthropology methods such as interviewing people from various professions, taking questionnaires, and investigating government influence.

Media Literacy

Understanding the Media is Essential to Understanding the World

Students of international relations need to know how news is created and the approaches behind it. I think it is important to improve one’s ability to discern the facts within the news, based on an understanding that news is not reality conveyed as is, but simply one version of reality. In other words, it is essential to improve one’s media literacy.

International Economics

Using Economics to Predict the Next Action of People and Nations

Some people may think economics is the study of money. But that is not the case. Economics is the science of decision making. It tries to predict a person’s next action by exploring why the person made a particular action. You could say said that economics is a discipline that tries to explain all human behavior.

Rediscovering Japan

An Accurate Knowledge of One’s Own Country Facilitates Internationalization

Some people may think that the College of International Relations is a place for learning about foreign countries, but that is not the case. This is because students of this College also study Japan in depth. Japan is viewed anew from a different perspective. In other words, we “rediscover Japan.” I think this is an essential perspective for the study of international relations.

Advanced Science and Technology and Global Law

Nanotechnology, AI, and Robotic Weapons, How Will the International Community Manage the Risks of Science and Technology?

The development of advanced science and technology always requires risk management. Research institutes and private companies have established self-regulatory rules. We are researching how guidelines establish by individual institutions may be applied to "global law" to improve the international management of advanced science and technology.

New Threats

Protecting People and Nations from the Global Threat of Narcotics

Narcotics are one of the new threats that could destabilize human life and the survival of a nation. The narcotics industry is a global business. Mainly produced in South America, narcotics are distributed throughout the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world. The industry has a great influence on countries around the world and international relations. Knowledge and perspectives from international relations are needed to find solutions to these threats to the world.

Developing Countries and International Cooperation

What Is the Sustainable International Cooperation Required in the Global Era?

The development and international cooperation methods in developing countries are diverse, differing depending on the era, country, and region. In Southeast Asia, grant aid is used for infrastructure and human resource development. In recent years, paid (loan) aid has become the mainstream, and civil society and private companies are increasingly becoming involved in international cooperation.