Congratulations to all new students on your entry to the University. All of the staff of the Faculty of Economics of Kokugakuin University extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you.
　What kind of impression do you have of “studying at university”? Maybe in high school there was “one correct answer” for most lessons. Let’s ask a question that is a little strange. If we ask, “You bought 2 pencils for ¥100 each. How much was that?” there would be one answer of “¥200,” right? Similarly in a textbook type of entrance examination, if you don’t mark the “correct” answer, you won’t get that point.
　In this regard, at the University where there are problems for which there might be multiple correct answers, it will be important for all of you to think about the answers for yourselves, to find your own answers, and to hold your own opinion. Even saying that, it does not mean that you should neglect to acquire fundamental knowledge for which there is “one correct answer.” That kind of knowledge forms the foundation, which enables you to think with your own head.
Let us explain using an example from economics. In the second half of 2008, the economies of all countries around the world, including Japan’s, worsened. It is said that the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States was behind that. So, what is the subprime mortgage crisis? We can’t give a detailed explanation here, but let’s say we understand that it is related to the lending and borrowing of money. The lending and borrowing of money is always accompanied by “interest (interest rate),” so let’s ask another question. “In practical terms, what is interest, and what kinds of interest are there?” Yes, this “What is interest?” can likely be regarded as a type of fundamental knowledge. However, the big problem of “Why was the whole world plunged into a recession at the same time by the subprime mortgage crisis, and what kind of economic measures should Japan take?” has many possible answers. Being told that that this problem is not a matter of fundamental knowledge, but rather “Think this out for yourself!” doesn’t help clear it up.
　So now you understand, right? Acquiring fundamental knowledge, then being able to use that as a foundation, or as a tool to think through (specialized) problems that interest you for yourself, can be called the core of university studies.
　Thus, everyone’s studies and research at Kokugakuin University Faculty of Economics begin with the obligation to take basic courses, some of which are compulsory, and after completing a certain number of credits (by passing with a grade of a certain level or higher). The course for freshmen, “Japan’s Economy,” is one of those, and the question above of “what is interest?” is likely to be one of the first subjects to learn. After acquiring that basic knowledge, and being fully prepared, everyone (in a broad sense) is ready to set out on the vast sea of economics. Of course, the nature of that voyage is up to each of you.
　Now, go ahead and click away at this site! You’ll probably find a variety of specialized fields all laid out for you. We have not stinted in our efforts so that your grand voyage will be filled with rich discoveries, and hope that you will enthusiastically pursue discoveries that you make you think, “This is interesting.” Let’s enjoy studying together!

The objective of the Faculty of Economics is to foster educated specialists who contribute to society, who have fundamental ability regarding the economy and economics and knowledge of the Japanese economy, in a rapidly changing modern economy and globalization.

Department of Economics
Fostering people with a broad perspective who can clear a path to the future for society and various organizations by cultivating their ability to understand diverse aspects of the Japanese and global economies, with a foundation of systematic understanding of economics.
Department of Socio-Economic Networking
Fostering people who can take a networking perspective to think about problems themselves based on the sites where the problems occur and come up with solutions for problems, while addressing new classes of problems such as environmental and regional problems.
Department of Business Management
Fostering promising businessmen who have fundamental knowledge and thinking regarding economics, and have learned specialized knowledge of organizational management or accounting, and specialists who can work in diverse fields of activity.