Messages
President
“A university where students can not only learn about the world but also learn about Japan.”
The International University of Japan (IUJ) is a graduate university that welcomes approximately 200 new students each academic year. Although this is a relatively small number when compared to other universities, students from about 70 countries from all over the world gather on our Urasa campus.
Our university provides a “global space” within Japan, meaning that “Students can learn about the world and learn about Japan” while enrolled at IUJ. In general, students live in dormitories on campus and English is used as the only language of instruction, enabling students to receive an in-depth graduate education in international relations and international management at a global standard. IUJ prides itself in that not only the faculty use English well; the university staff, who assist students in a range of matters, are also proficient in English.
Many students come to IUJ with support from organizations such as JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), ADB (Asian Development Bank), and the IMF (International Monetary Fund). A number of students are also dispatched to study at IUJ from Japanese companies. In addition, many students from Japan and abroad have entered IUJ independently by taking advantage of the extensive scholarship system available to applicants.
“A university where the world cooperates.”
Students enrolled at IUJ will study and live together 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at the Urasa campus in Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture. Due to this contact, a dense and diverse network is sure to be formed amongst those who enter our university. In other words, IUJ is a place “where the world cooperates,” providing a range of future benefits: benefits to our students and their ongoing or future careers, to our students’ current and potential employers and colleagues, and to our students’ home countries.
“A university with a visible presence in Niigata and Minamiuonuma”
IUJ also aims to become “A university with a visible presence in Niigata and Minamiuonuma.”
Every year in early summer, the International Festival on the Urasa campus is co-sponsored by Minamiuonuma’s local government. The festival is a unique event where local people join together with IUJ students, faculty, and staff members to enjoy food, songs, and dances from all over the world. In mid-winter, at the IUJ Snow Festival, not only students, their families, faculty, and staff members, but also local high school students participate in snow sculpture competitions, mochi pounding, and cross-country skiing. In addition, at the IUJ Musubiba College, which is held almost every month at MUSUBI-BA, a business development base in Minamiuonuma, IUJ faculty members conduct presentations from their own fields of research on topics related to the lives of local people. Various themes are selected for these presentations, and opportunities are provided for discussions and exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere.
In this way, the International University of Japan is a university unlike any other.
Why don’t you join us and study at IUJ to become a global leader?
Takeo Kikkawa
President
Dr. Takeo Kikkawa Profile:
Professor Emeritus of University of Tokyo
Professor Emeritus of Hitotsubashi University
Outside Director, Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.,
Visiting Fellowship, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development
Doctor of Economics (University of Tokyo) September 1996
Finished Doctoral Course of Graduate School of University of Tokyo on Economics March 1983:
Graduated from University of Tokyo (Department of Economics, Business Administration Course) March 1977
Graduated from University of Tokyo (Department of Economics, Economics Course) March 1975
Chairperson
It is with a profound sense of honor and responsibility that I assume the esteemed position of Chairperson. As I step into this role, succeeding former Chairperson Mr. Shoei Utsuda, who devoted a decade of unwavering dedication to the advancement of this institution, I am acutely aware of the weight of this duty. With steadfast resolve, I hereby pledge my utmost efforts to ensure that the University continues to ascend to new pinnacles of excellence, fostering a legacy of innovation, scholarship, and global impact.
A distinguished institution since its founding in 1982, the International University of Japan has steadfastly embraced both internationalism and practicality as the cornerstones of its educational philosophy. Welcoming students from many diverse nations, we are committed to fostering individuals who will contribute meaningfully to global society.
Today, the world once more stands at a pivotal juncture, marked by unprecedented transformations, uncertainty, and increasing complexity. Pressing global challenges – ranging from climate change to economic tensions – are leading to deepening divisions and conflicts, all of which underscore the urgent need for increased adaptability and collaboration. Advancements such as Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX) are accelerating, along with the rapid proliferation of groundbreaking technologies like generative AI. The ability to navigate these ever-changing dynamics has never been more crucial.
To surmount these turbulent times and chart a path toward a sustainable and prosperous future, it is imperative to cultivate a broad perspective, keen insight, a profound appreciation for diversity, and a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
At our university, we provide students with a truly multinational and multicultural learning environment, equipping them with the ability to comprehend diverse viewpoints and approach challenges from multifaceted perspectives. Our rigorous curriculum, which seamlessly integrates theory and practice, is complemented by the guidance of esteemed faculty members—distinguished scholars who have earned their doctorates from renowned universities worldwide. This foundation instills confidence and pride in our students as they embark on their respective journeys in society.
Situated in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata, our residential campus fosters an immersive academic experience, where students engage in deep intellectual discourse, forge enduring friendships, and cultivate lifelong international networks. To date, our alumni hail from over 140 countries, with approximately 5,400 exceptional individuals making impactful contributions across many sectors—including international organizations, government agencies, corporations, and NGOs. Their remarkable achievements stand as a testament to the University’s unwavering dedication to excellence.
As we look ahead, the University remains committed to responding swiftly to the evolving demands of the era, continuing its mission to nurture the next generation of visionary leaders equipped with a global outlook.
We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and guidance as we advance together toward a brighter future.
Fumiya Kokubu
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees,
International University of Japan
Mr. Fumiya Kokubu Profile:
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
Date of Birth
1952
Education
March 1975
Bachelor of Economics, Keio University
April 1975
Joined Marubeni Corporation
April 2005
Executive Officer, Marubeni Corporation
April 2008
Managing Executive Officer, Marubeni Corporation
June 2008
Representative Director and Managing Executive Officer, Marubeni Corporation
April 2010
Senior Executive Officer, Marubeni Corporation
April 2012
Executive Vice President, Marubeni Corporation
June 2012
Representative Director and Executive Vice President, Marubeni Corporation
April 2013
Representative Director and President, Marubeni Corporation
April 2019
Chairperson of the Board, Marubeni Corporation
April 2025 – Present
Director and Honorary Advisor, Marubeni Corporation
June 2025 – Present
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees,
International University of Japan
Major External Appointments
May 2022 – May 2024
Chairperson, Japan Foreign Trade Council
July 2021 – January 2025
Japan Member, APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)
May 2022 – Present
Chairperson, Japan Machinery Exporters’ Association
June 2023 – Present
Chairperson, Special Committee on Ukraine Economic Reconstruction,
Japan Business Federation (Keidanren)