A to Z of Research Projects

Link to the center

This Center provides students from around the world the opportunity to learn not only the Japanese language, but also Japanese customs and culture. For regular undergraduate and graduate students who are not native speakers of Japanese, a Japanese as a Foreign Language program is available. One of its important goals is to encourage and improve upon the teaching of Japanese by cultivating the next generation of Japanese language teachers.

Outline :

Researchers in humanities as well as in science and technology collaborate in the production of online contents for research and educational purposes in conjunction with Keio University Art Center and Keio University Library. Together the project is developing methods for high-resolution digitization and archiving of cultural heritage, especially through the digitization of rare books such as the Gutenberg Bible held in Keio as well as in overseas libraries, the production of digital contents, and the archiving of research materials (photographs, records, audiotapes and printed matters) made in the 20th Century.

Expected outcome :

This project is unique in that it is engaged in the digitization and archiving of cultural artifacts and production of digital contents as a coherent continuous research process. It develops advanced methodologies for the production of research-purpose high-resolution digital facsimiles and online research and educational contents, while it can also foster librarians and curators capable of handling various digital resources and archiving them for researches in the Humanities.

Total number of researchers : 8
Duration : 2001.04 ~ 2009.03

Main collaborative researchers :
Keio University : Fujio MAEDA
Keio University : Takami MATSUDA
Keio University : Toru ISHIKAWA
Keio University : Masaaki KASHIMURA

Collaborative organizations :
British Library, UK
Chester Beatty Library, Ireland
Centre for Computing in the Humanities, King's College, London

Outline :

This research project examines the health transition in modern Japan, c.1860-1960. It takes a comprehensive view about "health", and explores its three distinct aspects, namely medicine, patients, and diseases. In terms of methodology, it employs epidemiology and environmental studies, as well as more orthodox cultural and socio-political analyses. It also digitalizes databases and important documents and make them available on the web.

Expected outcome :

It pioneers an interdisciplinary field of of "health history", contributing health policy, medicine, epidemiology, ecology, as well as history. This is the first attempt of that kind in Japan.

Total number of researchers : 7
Duration : 2007.04 ~ 2010.03

Main collaborative researchers:
Aoyama Gakuin University : Wataru IIJIMA
Osaka City University : Kohei WAKIMURA
Juntendo School of Medicine : Mikio WATANABE

Collaborative organizations :
Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (Kyoto)

Outline :

Along with the guideline drawn by the Development Assistance Committee of OECD, ex-post evaluations are conducted for two particular projects carried out in Thailand and Pakistan amongst ODA loan projects by Japan Bank for International Cooperation. The two projects to be examined are: 1) Regional Development Program II (Thailand); and, Rural Roads Construction Project (Pakistan). Roles of local governments in processes of participatory ODA loan projects are also to be examined, which is to make a proposal for future official development assistance programs.

Expected outcome :

Tangent points between theories and practices can be detected through the project evaluations on the basis of principles of economic science. Reports utilizing statistical methods leading to robust inferences even under the circumstance in which data availability is limited are aimed at.

Total number of researchers : 2
Duration : 2007.07 ~ 2008.08

Main collaborative researchers:
Keio University : Kazuhiro TAKANASHI

Discussion with local people in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Link to the center

Founded in 1983 as a commemorative project for the 125th anniversary of Keio University, the Center houses and maintains a considerable collection of documents and historical materials related to founder Yukichi Fukuzawa and Keio University. Other objectives are to conduct research on the activities and achievements of Keio alumni who were disciples of Fukuzawa, as well as to further the study of modern Japanese culture and Keio University’s role in the development of Japan in the modern era.

Link to the institute

Established on the Mita Campus in April 2000, G-SEC represents a new type of research platform for the development of novel approaches to crisis management in a diverse array of fields and specific situations. Data gathered by research in a broad range of fields is examined and analyzed with the aim of developing collective solutions. Often, a succession of local issues results in a chain reaction eventually leading to a major crisis that extends beyond the region of immediate concern. A primary objective of G-SEC is to identify emerging crises in their initial stages. All Keio University institutions have access to G-SEC facilities.

Link to the center

The Health Center performs medical studies concerning the support and improvement of daily health for Keio students from elementary school to postgraduate school, as well as for staff members. Regarding children under 15, the Center’s full-time pediatricians are doing clinical research into areas such as growth, obesity, anorexia nervosa, infectious diseases and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Regarding those over 15 and staff, the Center’s full-time internists are doing various researches based on people’s annual health checkup. For lifestyle-related diseases, clinical studies are mainly performed about the genotypes relevant to a disease, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, bone metabolism, and fatty liver. Concerning respiratory diseases, the internists study bronchial asthma, provide nonsmoking instruction, and are evaluating of a new diagnostic method for tuberculosis (anti-tubercle bacillus antibody). They are also examining the usefulness of plasma BNP concentration measurement for diagnosing new cardiac diseases. The Center also has full-time psychiatrists who are investigating psychiatric disorders and maladjustment problems.

Outline :

Along with the recent trends of globalization, the system of nation-states is now in process of liquefaction, and regional integration are inclined to be enhanced. Especially in the European region, trans-nationalization is promoted by the EU. Its effects causing strong influences are shaking up raison d'etre of nation (sovereignty) states and transforming the international society. This research project aims at comprehensive studies of drastically changing the international society with inter-disciplinary approach.

Expected outcome :

The significance of the research project lies in the processes in which researchers with different academic background could carry out comprehensive analyses through brain-storming about the new trends of rapidly changing international society by globalization .It is sure that this will bring a new paradigm for the international society.

Total number of researchers : 20
Duration : 2007.09 ~ 2012.08

Main collaborative researchers:
University of Shizuoka : Yasuyuki KOKUBO
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies : Hirotaka WATANABE
Takasaki City University of Economics : Nobuhiko YOSHITAKE
Nagasaki University : Youko WADACHI
Hiroshima City University : Atsuko HIGASHINO
Shobi University : Masahide KOBAYASHI

Collaborative organizations :
University of Essex (UK)
Fudan University (China)
University of Caterbury (NZ)

Link to the institute

The Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB) is a full-fledged laboratory for bioresearch set up at the Tsuruoka Town Campus of Keio in 2001. Utilizing leading-edge biotechnology, the IAB measures and analyzes the cellular activities of organism and microbes, simulates various cell functions and activities by computer, and applies its findings to areas such as medical care and food fermentation. The IAB is gaining worldwide notice as a pioneer of integrated systems biology, a new IT-driven bioscience.

Link to the institute (The site is in Japanese only)

The Institute for Cultural and Linguistic Studies operates independently from the University faculties. As an institute for purely humanistic studies, it is unique in Japanese private universities. The central aim of the Institute is to meet contemporary academic demands connected with the study of human language, through studies of the languages and cultures of various parts of the world in different periods of history. Although the main focus of these studies is on linguistic problems, the Institute pursues its goals on an interdisciplinary level, independent from the language studies existing in other faculties.

Link to the institute

The Institute for Media & Communications Research was established in 1946 for the purpose of research and education in connection with mass communication. The founders believed that the obvious malfunctioning of Japan's mass media prior to and during WWII was one of the major factors contributing to the country's aggressiveness. They firmly believed that a "sound" flow of information was a prerequisite for a "sound" society. Researchers at the Institute have undertaken a wide range of projects, forming research teams with scholars from other Keio faculties and other institutions, and publishing their results in many books as well as journals.

Link to the institute (The site is in Japanese only.)

Shido-Bunko is a research institute for bibliography of Oriental Classics. Based on a private library donated by Takakichi Aso, the center holds about 140,000 books such as Japanese Classics, Chinese Classics, and basic studies. The Institute is responsible for field survey of Japanese and Chinese books, creating copies of classics using microfilm technology and digital photographing, comparison studies of various books and creating detailed bibliographical database.

Link to the institute (The site is in Japanese only.)

The Institute of Physical Education was established in 1961, as an organization for research and education associated with physical education and sports. It promotes extensive research into the mechanisms whereby physical activities contribute to mental and physical development and health, teaching theories related to physical education and sport science, and factors determining successful sports performance. The Institute’s research results are made available to students, faculty and student-athletes, as well as to residents of the Hiyoshi community through lectures and extension courses.

Link to the center

The Intellectual Property Center (IPC) was founded in 1998 to research issues related to intellectual property rights, with the aim of developing and promoting new policies that can be applied to society as a whole. The Japanese government has conferred Technology Licensing Organization status on the IPC, which is currently active in patent technology licensing in such technical fields as biotechnology, communications and new materials.

Link to the center

The International Center is Keio’s hub for international cross-cultural activities. In addition to providing academic and daily life support for foreign exchange students at Keio, the Center also assists Japanese students wishing to study abroad. It offers International Studies and Japanese Studies courses, given in English, that cover culture, history, politics and economics. There are also summer school programs in the UK, USA and France.

Link to the observatory

The Keio Economic Observatory was established in 1959 for the purpose of conducting theoretical and empirical research on economic and industrial studies in the context of existing economic conditions in Japan. The Institute consists of three sections: Economics, Law and Behavioral Science. The Institute’s own research staff is supplemented with specialists from various Keio University departments.

Principal Tasks

The Observatory has five principal tasks:

1. To undertake research activities, both of an academic and practical nature, which increase our knowledge about reality and/or support the enhancement of social science theories.
2. To carry out research projects entrusted to it by industrial or governmental groups outside the University.
3. To collect reference books, documents and other materials concerning industrial and labor problems, making them available to researchers within and outside the University.
4. To publish periodical reviews.
5. To organize seminars and conferences on economic, labor and managerial problems.

Innovation is essential to society, and to promote new research and education approaches K-FRECS was established in 2001 at the Shin-Kawasaki Town Campus of Keio (K2) and the Tsuruoka Town Campus of Keio in Yamagata Prefecture (TTCK). At these locations various Keio faculties can come into direct contact with the local community. Under the auspices of local industry and government, Keio University's superior academic and human resources are applied to leading-edge research activities in the form of collaborations that transcend the traditional barriers surrounding academia.

Link to the Kawasaki (The site is in Japanese only.)

Link to the Tsuruoka

Link to the institute (The site is in Japanese only.)

The Institute was founded in 1984 as the Keio Center for Area Studies, as part of the project commemorating the 125th anniversary of the founding of Keio University. In 2003, it was renamed the Keio Institute of East Asian Studies. The Institute enthusiastically promotes exchanges and joint projects with other research institutes, researchers, businesspeople, journalists, etc., as an arena for conducting studies on various East Asian issues in an interdisciplinary and comprehensive way.

Link to the institute (The site is in Japanese only.)

The Keio Leading-edge Laboratory was created in 2000 during a restructuring of the Graduate School of Science & Technology. Supporting research into cutting-edge technologies, the Laboratory ushers major advances into the real world, enabling new basic technologies to be applied by both public and private enterprises. Collective research results may generate not only new products, but even whole new industries. Additionally, the Laboratory hosts an annual exhibition at the Tokyo International Forum called "Keio Techno-Mall." Each year, more than 1,000 participants from both the private sector and the academic community contribute to the overwhelming success of the event.

Link to the laboratory (The site is in Japanese only.)

The Keio Research Center for Foreign Language Education serves the needs of students and faculty members across all Keio University campuses and affiliated schools. The Center provides foreign language education, research and services. In terms of education, it provides specialized classes such as those that prepare students for standardized tests, advanced classes, classes that focus on particular skills, and other classes that the individual faculties are unable to provide. The primary aim is to supplement the language classes provided by the various faculties. In terms of research, there are currently four projects aimed at improving foreign language education: a Policy Discussion Forum, a Self-study/ICT Development Team, an English Placement Development Team, and a K-12 English Forum. With regard to services, the Center provides a variety of lectures, workshops and study abroad programs.

Link to the institute

Established in 1996 on the Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC), the Institute supports the cutting-edge research necessary for education based on the identification of problems and the search for solutions. At present, the Institute utilizes SFC’s own advanced computer network to investigate, evaluate and formulate new policy approaches for corporate, governmental, NGO and academic institutions. Another objective is to find new ways to gather, propagate and analyze information related to the environment with the aim of expanding knowledge concerning environmental issues.

Outline :

The KTS and ToTCoP are longitudinal twin studies which aim to reveal genetic and environmental effects on human psychological, behavioral and neurophysiological traits such as cognitive abilities, personality, sociability, sensibility, brain activities and so on. The KTS is a young adult cohort with 1300 pairs of twins and the ToTCoP is an infancy and early childhood cohort with 5700.

Expected outcome :

The longitudinal twin study is to clarify higher order processes of human behavior from genetic point of view, which complement the molecular genetic approach.

Total number of researchers : 20
Duration : 2004 ~ 2009

Main collaborative researchers:
Keio University : Mitsuhiro OKADA
Keio University : Yutaka ONO
Keio University : Tatsushi TODA

Collaborative organizations :
Graduate school of arts and sciences, University of Tokyo
Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
Kokoro Reseach Center, Kyoto University

Link to the center

The Research Center for the Arts & Arts Administration was founded in 1993 to explore new possibilities in the relationship between the arts and contemporary society. Staff members principally consist of professors from various Keio faculties and museum curators. The Center emphasizes a theoretical approach, but also maintains close ties with the contemporary art scene. As an academic hub of arts-related information, the Center aims to develop and improve people's perception of culture and the arts.

Link to the center (The site is in Japanese only.)

The Keio Research Center for the Liberal Arts was founded in 2002 in order to investigate for the ideal form and content of “liberal arts” that should be passed down to succeeding generations. Thus far, it has conducted various comprehensive research and analyses, suggested new systems and curricula based upon proposals resulting from the research, and examined the educational efficacy of those proposals through experimental classes and induction courses.

Link to the institute

The Research Institute for Digital Media and Content (DMC) was established in 2004 under a Japanese government funded program to encourage the development of strategic research centers. The institute promotes the creation of contextual digital content, and is engaged in the development of research, the advancement of international distribution, and the cultivation of personnel resources in conjunction with other institutions. Through the DMC, Keio University aims to transform the way knowledge is provided to society as well as to support changing modes of intellectual interaction. This will enhance Japan's role as a knowledge-generating nation and contribute to the knowledge base of the global society.

Link to the center (The site is in Japanese only.)

With the aim of promoting clinical studies, education and research in the field of sports medicine, the Center was created in 1989. Its current projects are:

1. Preparation and practice of exercise prescription for the prevention and therapy of geriatric diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and osteoporosis.
2. Prevention and treatment of sports-related accidents and injuries. For instance, medical screening for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in professional sumo wrestlers (more than 900 men) is carried out by Center staff members.
3. Promotion of the competitiveness of Keio athletes as well as others, including Japanese Olympic athletes, based on scientific theory and practice.
4. Promotion of interaction among athletes, scientists, psychologists and medical doctors to provide new approaches to and perspectives on issues in exercise science and sports medicine.

Outline :

Coral atolls have been viewed as the most precarious landforms thus having an extremely severe environment for human settlements in the Oceanic realms. It appears that atoll islets of foraminiferal sand and coral shingle accumulated on reef flats are considerably weaker than high islands against sea-level rise and climatic fluctuation, but there should be the diversity of their vulnerability. This project aims to examine it by a viewpoint of landscape history that synthesizes archaeology, geo-science and historical anthropology.

Expected outcome :

While the chain of coral islets keeping separate a turquoise lagoon of each atoll from its surrounding ocean appears a typical Oceanic paradise, its surface environment has usually been portrayed as the opposite in geographic accounts as well as early historical documents. This stereotyped image is succeeded to scientific reports on the global warming and the future climatic changes as well. There is, however, the variety of atoll landscapes in contrast with the prevailing image of poor and monotonous ecosystem. The present landscape of a particular atoll must be viewed as a historical product invented through the entanglement between two agencies, natural and human. The holistic understanding of landscape history should, therefore, be helpful not only to evaluate the present vulnerability of a particular atoll but also to examine better and effective relationships between the two agencies so as to protect Oceanic atoll societies against future global warming. For instance, agricultural pit and bank complexes, consisting of remarkable undulations and tall trees on spoil banks, provide the diversity to atolls. Our geoarchaeological excavations in Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands, revealed this landscape had been invented since 1800 yr BP at least. In addition the latest GPS survey there illustrated that the distribution of agricultural pits fitted in well with the range of freshwater lens, the volume and quality of which is affected by the width and size of islet, and its permeability of underground sediments. The landscape of agricultural pit and bank complexes is a useful mark indicating good conditions in aspect of both land formation and human subsistence. The maintenance of pit-agricultural landscape as well as coast lines would therefore be crucial for Oceanic atoll island countries facing future sea level change and climatic crisis, although many pits have been already abandoned and covered with wild vegetations.

Total number of researchers : 4
Duration : 2006.04 ~ 2008.03

Main collaborative researchers:
Ochanomizu University : Satoshi TANAHASHI
University of Tokyo : Hajime KAYANE
Nippon Dental University : Shunji YOSHIDA

Laura Islet of Majuro Atoll in Marshall Islands, Eastern Micronesia.

Geoarchaeological excavation with local people in Majuro Atoll.

Link to the center (The site is in Japanese only.)

The Teacher Training Center acts as a Keio-wide magnet to attract educational and scholarly activities in all areas of school education. The Center provides a teacher-training course for college students who intend to be high school teachers, and has produced many competent teachers since its foundation in 1982. It is not only a "teachers' college" but also a research institute for teacher education in Keio University; accordingly it carries out research projects regarding educational issues. In connection with these projects, open seminars are held every year. In addition, the Center emphasizes recurrent education for in-service teachers, and therefore provides open seminars for teachers every summer and on other occasions of in-service training.