Background of Establishment and Objectives

Human movement on a global scale is becoming more and more intensified with globalization. Likewise in Japan, the number of foreign people inhabiting the country is reaching nearly 2% of the total population, and the number of foreign persons who settle down in the country is rapidly increasing. As a result, multilingual and multicultural societies where people with differing languages and cultural backgrounds inhabit are being generated. Consequently, conflicts and problems varying in magnitude are arising as well.

Following the foundation of the Multicultural Community Learning Support Center within the University in October 2004, through partnerships with local communities, the Board of Education and elementary schools as well as junior high schools, great achievements have been made by promoting learning assistance for foreign children among volunteer students. At the same time, however, we have come to be strongly aware of the need to engage ourselves in the education (human resource development) and research aspects of Japanese society’s multilingualization and multiculturalization, which corresponds with the primary roles of the University, instead of merely supporting volunteer activities. In addition, the University began receiving requests for various kinds of support from municipalities, international exchange organizations and corporations.

In order to actively respond to these social needs, the University came to establish the Center for Multilingual Multicultural Education and Research in April 2006, with the objective to contribute to the resolution of problems faced by multilingual and multicultural societies in the fields of education, research and social contribution.

Classroom scene of “Introduction to Multilingual and Multicultural Society”, an introductory course of the Add-on Program

Contributing to the Formation of an Extensive Network in Japanese Society in the Aspects of Language and Culture

Even in Japan, problems have begun to arise in various aspects including education, healthcare, law, disaster prevention, labor, community life and human rights due to multilingualization and multiculturalization. In order to address these problems, it is necessary for a wide variety of institutions, organizations and groups to cooperate with one another.

On the other hand, misunderstanding and conflicts arising from language and cultural differences are indicated to be the major factors behind these problems. With researchers and students knowledgeable in 26 languages and cultures, the University has the proper conditions to make unique contributions to resolving these problems. By taking advantage of the above characteristics of the University and through partnerships and cooperation with various institutions and groups such as municipalities, international exchange organizations, corporations, NGOs, NPOs, civic groups and educational institutions, the Center will continue to work in the aim of transforming the Japanese society into a one in which people with differing languages and cultures can coexist with a sense of security.