Osaka University of Commerce GUIDE BOOK For International Students Introduction The philosophy behind the University Osaka University of Commerce is a private institute for tertiary education, and is a part of the Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation. Its origin dates back to 1928, when the Osaka Joto School of Commerce was established. Nurturing Individuals Who Will Benefit the World The University was founded in 1949 as the Joto Vocational University , and the name was changed to the Osaka University of Commerce a few years later . The four pillars of thought that support the philosophy Today, the University has two faculties, the economics and business administration as well as the Graduate School of Regional Policy Studies, ● Kindness and Courtesy with approximately 5,000 students enrolled altogether. Strong, outstanding individuals with a sense of responsibility who understand the type of “kindness and courtesy” that is recognized in the international community ● Fundamental and Practical Learning Individuals who sincerely involve themselves in activities in the service of “fundamental and practical learning” ● Flexible Thinking Individuals who can demonstrate “flexible thinking” that enables them to respond to changes in any situation ● Enjoyment of Life Individuals who always demonstrate positive thinking and display an “enjoyment of life” even under difficult circumstances Founding Philosophy written on a hanging scroll in calligraphy by Noboru Tanioka, the founder of Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation. (“All those who study at this university shall contribute to society.” ) 1 2 A message from the President History The true meaning of enjoying life After World War II, many new businesses sprang up in the Osaka area, and Higashi-Osaka became the most developed city in the region. Established at its center, Osaka University of Commerce began from the desire to nurture talented individuals who would both take up new challenges and benefit the world around them. OUC is based on the following four pillars: "Kindness and courtesy"; "Fundamental and practical learning"; "Flexible thinking"; and "Enjoyment of life." 1928 Among these, it is the last one, "Enjoyment of life," that expresses the university’s most distinctive feature. It Osaka Joto School of Commerce embodies our idea that for individuals to be truly beneficial to the world at large, they must first be happy themselves. established Those who continue to feel a sense of challenge and who can enjoy tackling issues through positive thinking, even (later becoming Osaka University of while experiencing difficulty and failure: they are the winners in life. It is my hope that all of our students will be able Commerce High School) to acquire the spirit behind this "Enjoyment of life." If you feel unsure, the most important thing is to "challenge″ yourself People today are passive in both their study and play. There should still be ways that we can actively enjoy and live our lives. There are many fun things to do in the world; among them, it is most important for us to challenge ourselves and learn new things. Please throw away the "manual" and reach for your own self-fulfillment through action and creating things yourself. "Don’t be a follower." It is from this concept that OUC has designed a curriculum that is based on the maxim: "First of all, think for yourself." For example, our OBP Course teaches students to create their own plans and work towards revitalizing the local community. Naturally, many of these plans fail. However, we shouldn’t just follow a safe path according to previous examples of success; we ultimately have much to learn from our failures. If you find yourself unsure of anything during your four years of university life, whether in study or in 1952 play, I hope that all of our students will always choose the path of "action." By repeating this choice even after graduation, you will grow to be bigger and better human beings. Keep working towards the objective of not fearing Joto Vocational University 1999 failure, of challenging everything; Osaka University of Commerce will support each and every person starting their renamed as Osaka University of Graduate School journey towards that goal to the best of our ability. Commerce(OUC) program culminating in The educational foundation Ph.D.Degree established Ichiro Tanioka named as Tanioka Gakuen. Chairman of the Board of Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation President, Osaka University of Commerce Born : 1956 1997 2008 Education: Graduated from Faculty of Law, Keio University Graduate School Business Innovation Completed his Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California established (Regional major(Master’s Degree) Completed his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Southern California Policy Studies, established Degrees: Ph.D. (Sociology), M.P.A. (Public Administration ) Master’s Degree) 1949 Joto Vocational University established 3 4 Japan - Osaka Higashi Osaka City Our campus is favorably located in the city of Higashi-Osaka, a hub of Japan’s business ventures. Higashi-Osaka is a key commercial area. In recent years, the Japanese approach to Japan business, which is highly regarded worldwide, has embraced qualities traditionally Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is 377,944 associated with merchants in Osaka. It is our hope that students at our university will square kilometers. Japan consists of 6,852 islands, including the four large main islands.surrounded by the sea, Japan make a careful study of the spirit of this prototypical Osaka merchant, who as a has four seasons to enjoy. businessperson is able to trust people, see them clearly for who they are, and value In Japan, there are a number of World Heritage Sites, such as Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan, as well as Himeji Castle and interpersonal relationships. Itsukushima Shrine. Traditional Japanese food, or Washoku, is registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is a colorful and healthy cuisine using seasonal ingredients. It contributes to Japan’s status as a country with one of highest average life expectancies in the world. At Osaka University of Commerce, we provide a variety of initiatives and opportunities Japanese people are known to have a sober nature, and discipline is important to them. In Japan, the “Omotenashi” to meet new people, so that all students can enjoy life as a university student while hospitality, which is the spirit of prioritizing the care of guests over all else, is deeply rooted, and international students becoming fascinated by their field of study and developing personally. More than 1,250 are welcomed warmly. of our graduates have gone on to become CEOs, and many are active in the world of The public transportation system in Japan boasts of its timely departures and arrivals, and helps you to reach your sports. Each has discovered and realized an enjoyable way of life for him or herself. Our destination safely and securely. Japan is a country in which international students who feel anxious after leaving their home country can live with peace of mind. students’ ability to carve out a path for themselves, bolstered by the support of numerous others whom they have met, is a testament to the effectiveness of the University’s approach to education, which is designed to draw out the hidden potential of each student. At Osaka University of Commerce, we will do our best to support students as they strive to transform their lives and find a more enjoyable way forward. Osaka Osaka is the largest city in Western Japan. Although Osaka is Japan's second smallest prefecture in terms of area, it has the third largest population in Japan and boasts of having the country’s second largest economy after Tokyo. A large number of global corporations, such as Panasonic, Sharp, Daikin, and Nissei, are based in Osaka. Osaka also has many universities, technical schools, and other educational institutions, and hosts over 10,000 international students. Osaka has evolved independently and has long been an important political and economic center. The Kita (northern) district of Osaka, with Osaka station at its center , is home to many retail businesses, hotels, office buildings, and an enormous underground shopping complex. The Minami (southern) district offers one of the most popular shopping districts in Western Japan, and also has an entertainment district with a history longer than that of Hollywood and Broadway. This area has many theaters where traditional arts, such as Kabuki, Bunraku, and Rakugo, are performed. 5 6 Undergraduate Program Faculty ／ Department ●Faculty of Economics － ● Department of Economics Solving economic issues to work towards a better society "Economics" takes the history of a country, its social structure, and other factors into consideration and attempts to change that social structure for the better, in order to enrich citizens’ lives. It plays the role of a doctor for society by solving the various economic ills encountered by consumers, companies, and the nation. When talking about "economics," one might think of it as a difficult subject, but it is actually a science that is very close to our lives. All of our daily actions, like shopping, going to the movies, and using our cell phones, are connected with "economic" activity. By learning the theory of and acquiring knowledge about economics, it is possible to solve the problems facing both Japan and the world. ●Faculty of Business