Globalization and Legal Education

Kyushu University has several special academic courses taught in English for international and Japanese students. Three of these courses are legal education programs offered by the Graduate School of Law, namely the LL.M. Program, the YLP Program, and the LL.D. Program.

The LL.M. Program

Orientation for LL.M., YLP, LL.D., students

In the fall of 1994, the Faculty of Law established Japan's first LL.M. Program taught in English: the Master's Program in International Economic and Business Law. As of 2001, 82 students have graduated from this Program. The Program has now developed into two courses: the International Economic and Business Law Course ("IEBL") and the Japanese and Comparative Law Course ("JCL"). The IEBL Course is designed to provide international and Japanese students with the ability to confront the many challenges of international economic affairs and of commercial transactions in a global society. The purpose of the JCL Course is to introduce international students to the structure and basic concepts of Japanese law as well as to familiarize students with the methodology of comparative law. The core courses are taught in English. Elective courses in specialized areas of study are taught in Japanese and in English.

The Program is limited to 13 students per academic year. Each year, 10 students will be supported by scholarships from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and 2 or 3 students supported by scholarships from the JICA.

The YLP Program

The Young Leaders' Program was established by the MEXT as a one year masters program in three specific fields: Public Administration, Business Administration and Law. This program aims to contribute to the fostering of future national leaders in Asian countries. In addition, while deepening the participants' understanding of Japan, it should help to form a network of national leaders who will play a key role in establishing friendly relations and improved policy planning among Asian countries including Japan.

The Graduate School of Law administers the "Young Leaders' Program in Law" under the framework of the MEXT's scholarship system. In 2001 we invited 8 international students from 6 countries (China, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand, The Philippines, and Vietnam) to participate in this program.

The LL.D. Program

Inaugurated in the fall of 1999, the LL.D. Program in International Economic and Business Law offers students the unique opportunity of preparing a doctoral thesis in English while studying at a Japanese university. Participants pursue a closely supervised program of research for at least 4 consecutive semesters (2 years) prior to submitting a final dissertation. Drawing upon a Faculty with particular strengths in the field of international law, the Program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to complete high level research, as well as offering a Japanese perspective on contemporary international economic affairs.

The Program is limited to 4 students per academic year. A maximum of 3 students will be supported by scholarships from the MEXT and 1 or 2 students supported by scholarships from the JICA. These three programs are usually taught by members of the Faculty. However, an annual series of intensive courses are also offered and are taught by attorneys, Japanese government officials and members of the local business community. Several Visiting Professors from overseas also regularly contribute to these programs.

Any inquiries should be addressed to hojyo@law.kyushu-u.ac.jp.
Please visit our web page: http://www.law.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/llmlld/index.html

Chairperson of the LL.M., YLP and LL.D. Programs Committee. Professor of Public International Law, the Graduate School of Law, Kyushu University. LL.B., LL.M. and LL.D. (University of Tokyo). August 2000 - July 2001, Visiting Professor, Ludwig-Maximilians University (Munich, Germany). Specialist in the history of the law of nations, territorial disputes and the use of force.