Koichi Yawata
Dean, Center for the Promotion of
Global Education
Professor, Faculty of International

Hello, Everyone. I am Koichi Yawata, Dean of the Center for the Promotion of Global Education (R-Globe).

The Center for the Promotion of Global Education (R-Globe) serves as an important platform for connecting Ryukoku University with the world. Located on the first floor of the Wagenkan Building (Fukakusa Campus) and the Chikokan Building (Seta Campus), the R-Globe Office is staffed by approximately 20 people who provide support for outbound Ryukoku University Students and international students from overseas, and conclude educational and research exchange agreements between Ryukoku University and institutions around the globe.

Ryukoku University has two specific institutional goals for promoting internationalization: the development of global human resources who can play an active role in international society and the realization of a multicultural campus. An important mission of R-Globe is to contribute to the realization of these goals by forging connections between the world and our students who, in accordance with the University’s ‘Founding Spirit’, have acquired a rich humanity which embodies the spirit of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.

In addition to regular International Students who have passed the entrance examinations of their respective Faculties and Graduate Schools, Ryukoku University has a large number of other students from diverse backgrounds, including hundreds of international students.

Ryukoku University Students pursue study abroad mainly through programs based on our Student Exchange Agreements (133 Partner Universities in 44 countries and regions as of February 2025) and privately-funded study abroad programs, through which students choose their own study abroad destination and duration of stay. In addition, long- and short-term programs are held at a Ryukoku University's U.S.-based satellite office (Honolulu, Hawaii), where overseas language training programs are offered as part of liberal arts courses or as undergraduate courses. In addition, our ‘Global Commons’ on campus offers a variety of exchange and learning opportunities conducted by Ryukoku University’s International Students.

In June 2024, a student organization consisting of Ryukoku University students who have studied abroad or are interested in intercultural exchange – GLOBAL StaRt (Global Start) – was established. The participants provide information to those who wish to study abroad, are actively involved in planning and organizing international exchange and language learning events, and provide assistance in solving problems often faced by international students in Japan.

In this age of globalization, we are witnessing a conspicuous division among nations, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions. It is our hope that by studying abroad and interacting with international students at Ryukoku University, our students will develop into human resources who are able to express their own ideas without fear, have a sense of magokoro (sincerity) and a tolerance for diversity, and are individuals who will take the initiative in helping to realize ‘coexistence’ in all aspects of society.

We hope that everyone will connect with the world, broaden their horizons, and have a variety of experiences. If you wish to study abroad, there are numerous chances to encounter International Students on Fukakusa Campus, Seta Campus, and Omiya Campus, so please feel free to consult with the R-Globe Office if you would like such an opportunity.