The Faculty of Law, Kyushu University, offers a unique legal education course in English. The LL.M. Program was launched in 1994 as the first program of its kind in Japan. It is a Master course program in law conducted entirely in English. Since its establishment, 107 students have successfully graduated and obtained the degree Master of Law. This year (2003), 11 students are expected to graduate in September.

The LL.M. students come from practically every corner of the world; Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, China, Mongolia, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, the US, Mexico, Brazil, and El Salvador, to name but a few. The variety of nationalities not only creates a truly international atmosphere, but it also helps students to deepen their insights into legal cultures as well as exposing them to different points of view. The classroom is often a place to learn about life and people, as well as about law in a global perspective.

The LL.M. consists of two courses: the International Economic and Business Law Course (IEBL) and the Japanese and Comparative Law Course (JCL). The former aims to provide students with the ability to confront the challenges in economic and commercial affairs in a globalized world. The latter aims to provide students with a better understanding of the concepts and structures of Japanese law. In doing so, we hope to overcome the language barrier that is often a significant obstacle to studying the Japanese legal system. In this context, the LL.M. is making efforts to accumulate Japanese legal cases translated in English.

Since 2001, the LL.M. has welcomed new categories of students from Asia. They are the students of two new programs: one is the JDS administered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the other is the YLP run by the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture. The purpose of both programs is to support the future leaders of Asian countries in developing their specialized knowledge and enabling Japan to contribute (indirectly) to the well-being of Asian peoples. These programs also help create a world-wide network of future leaders. Every year, around 15 participants of the YLP and 2 or 3 JDS students join the LL.M. courses and study together with the other LL.M. students for one year (in the case of the JDS, the duration is for 2 years) . By receiving JDS and YLP students, the LL.M. program has enlarged its perspectives, such as by setting-up the JCL course, and reinforced the faculty staff with new additional members.

It should also be emphasized that the LL.M. offers an excellent opportunity for Japanese students, as they can enroll and obtain credits of the Master’s course when course work is completed. It may serve as preparation for studying abroad, or as a "semi-overseas" studying experience while still being at Kyushu University.

Thus, the LL.M. program is achieving substantive legal education in English in Japan, while opening up a window to the globalized society.

IMPRESSIONS OF STUDYING IN LL.M., KYUSHU UNIVERSITY

Amar Amarjargal (Mongolia)

First of all, the LL.M. is different from the law programs in my home country. It is comprehensive while brief, free while strict, broadly useful while new. It is international with a Japanese flavor.
The greatest impression I have is that the program has given a lot to me. It has taught me how to work independently. Maybe more attention should be paid to the motivation of students to speak out and to be more specific, and frequent accountability on students progress.
Finally, the program made me realize that my country is so similar to, and so different from, other countries. Amarjargal.

Katarina Svancarova (Slovakia)

Before coming to Kyudai last October, I had worked as a trainee in a Law Office. During that period, I usually had to deal with the most common corporate and civil issues. To exaggerate a little, I may say that I used just Civil and Commercial Codes and a few more laws, completely ignoring any wider perspective. The courses I have attended during this year in the LL.M. Program helped me understand international relationships and now I have the impression that I understand law as a whole more than before.
Sadly, during this year I have also realized that I still know so little and that there is so much to learn!

Sun, Xun (China)

Kyudai, one of the best national universities in Japan, offers a very distinguished English-taught one-year LL.M program, which matches its international personality. Do not worry about your Japanese proficiency, since they have plenty of English materials about Japanese laws. The professors are thoughtful and kind. The classes are suitably sized and have a warm atmosphere. You will encounter interesting topics in Japanese law, and meet intriguing characters from countries you have never visited.
Internship opportunities will give you deep insights into the workings of Japanese ‘Kaisha’ and ‘Bengoshi’. And last but not least, you will definitely be impressed by Hakata Bay. You will have a great time here in the city of Fukuoka.

A Representative for a Swiss Canton Constitutional Assembly:

Ms Isabelle Chervet is an LL.M. student from Switzerland. Right now, she is busy with her final term paper to finish the LL.M. and obtain the degree of Master of Laws. When she finishes in September, she will be engaged fully in the activities of the Constitutional Assembly of the Canton of Friebourg, Switzerland as a deputy member.
Isabelle ran for an election of the Assembly in March 2000 when she was 21, and won the 5th place out of 15. For the 3 seats to be elected, she was the second runner-up. Isabelle thought that it was the end of the story, and she came to Fukuoka to study. However, a totally unexpected letter arrived from Switzerland on January 10, 2003, informing her that two deputies had resigned and, according to the result of the election, Isabelle would be granted one of the vacancies at the Assembly.

After having checked very carefully that the Assembly schedule would not clash with the LL.M. classes, she accepted the mandate. She made two quick trips for the ceremonial meetings during the school break, and then her full time activity as an Assembly deputy will begin from October. However, her final goal is still to work as a lawyer.