Training professionals dedicated to clarifying and solving regional problems

The Department of Regional Administration ideally aims to broaden interest in law, politics, economics, and local government while training professionals active in various areas of benefit to society. The department emphasizes practical and hands-on learning in Okinawa and trains leaders with broad outlooks and deep understanding.


Department Characteristics

The department helps students deepen their understanding of the needs of local citizens while staying focused on Okinawa’s public concerns. It also encourages students to clarify their future visions of the local community and public administration.

1. As part of the College of Law, students learn to think logically and make sound judgments independently so they can help create a just community.
2. Students gain a deeper understanding of the local situation, Japan, and the world by directly confronting Okinawan issues, such as the US military bases, the regional economy, employment, welfare, and international marriage and divorce.
3. Through direct involvement and practical experience, students rediscover the value of interacting with others and of getting involved in the local community and will thereby develop their ideas about administrative policy.

The Department of Regional Administration seeks applicants who want to study in the fields of law, politics, and public administration to expand their views and outlooks and become future leaders who can contribute to the development of the local community. The department especially seeks applicants with the following attributes:

1. A strong interest in local, national, and international affairs, a strong desire to contribute to the community through local government and private business, with a plan for one’s future, and the ability to take the initiative.
2. An ability to discover regional problems and develop solutions through logical thinking based on acquired knowledge.
3. An ability to come up with ideas when looking for solutions, to expand discussion by exchanging opinions with others, and to produce specific results.
4. Experience in appealing to people with various values and the ability to cooperate with others to achieve a goal.
5. Reading, writing, and other basic high school skills in Japanese and social studies subjects that are prerequisites for improving one’s ability to discern and find solutions for contemporary social issues.

In their freshman seminar, students develop a productive learning style in a small-group atmosphere by finding, reading, and understanding academic papers and materials and then making presentations. The seminar also helps student deepen their ties with the classmates they’ll be studying with over the next four years. In Administrative Affairs I and II, students acquire knowledge through book learning and hear from former and current government employees and other experts with experience in politics and administrative affairs. From their sophomore year, students deepen their understanding of local government, public administration, policy process, and public works. Through the department’s unique curriculum, students study law, administration, and politics to acquire the ability to discern and analyze hidden social problems so they can develop ideas and policies to improve the local community.