Japan’s University Education in Social Sciences and Humanities Under Globalization

Abstract

Japanese society is currently facing high pressure with the structural change of global economics and politics. In 2010, Japan slipped from the 2nd to 3rd in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), replaced by China. In 2011, the biggest earthquake and tsunami in recorded history to hit the Eastern part of this country took place, and was followed by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which is expected to result in long term damage. Based on its strong social capital, most of the country had already returned to a usual life by the end of 2011. However, the cost for the recovery is adding significant pressure to the national budget, which is already burdened by a huge debt of more than 200% of its GDP. Faced also with the on-going ageing population phenomena, it is a necessity for Japan to strengthen its linkage with neighbouring countries, most of which are recognized as emerging economies.