CSPA
Comparative Studies of
Politics and Administrationin Asia2025

Kyushu University
Graduate School of Law

CONTENTS
1. About Kyushu University
2. Dean's Welcome
3. Conceptual Structure of the CSPA Program
4. CSPA Program* Why study at the CSPA?
* Program* Term and Degree* Double Degree Opportunity* EU DIPLOMA* Ph.D. Option* Financial Aid* Japanese Language Course

5. Faculty
6. Alumni Voices
7. Admission* Eligibility* Tuition Fees
* Application Procedure
8. Alumni Network
9. Facilities and Services* Library* Technology* Health Care* Supporters* International Student Center* Inquiries

1

2

3

Kyushu University
Kyushu University celebrates its centennial in 2011 since its foundation as an Imperial University in 1911. During
these years, the university went through several fundamental reforms as Japan's higher education system had beenreformed: the introduction of a new educational format after the World War II, and the reorganization of national
universities to University Corporations in 2004.
Kyushu University has always been one of the leading universities in Japan consisting of 19 faculties, andInterdisciplinary Graduate School and various kinds of well-rounded research institutes and facilities. In 2009, it waschosen by the Japanese government as one of the 13 core universities for extended international education. At
present, there are more than 2,500 international students from over 109 countries. The total number ofstudents amounts to 18,658, while the faculty members number 2,133.

Faculty of Law
The faculty of law, since its establishment in 1924, has been a center of excellence for legal and political education in
the Kyushu region. Its graduates, amounting to 21,787 have been active in the ﬁelds of judicature, governmental
services, businesses, journalism as well as research and education. A separate professional law school wasestablished in 2006 in accordance to the reform of the national legal education system.
The faculty launched its two Master courses entirely managed i n English ﬁrstly L L.M i n 1995, then Comparative
Studies of Politics and Administration in Asia (CSPA) in 1999.

4

MESSAGE
FROM THE DEAN
Dean's Welcome

Professor MURAKAMI
Hiroaki
TOKUMOTO
MinoruDean, Graduate School of Law
Kyushu University

In our increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, young professionals arein Asia (CSPA) program oﬀered by the Faculty of Law at Kyushu University is a pioneering stepin the study for resolving pressing contemporary issues in Asia.

at Kyushu University are speciﬁcally designed to oﬀer students the necessary skills andknowledge to meet the challenges of a global world. With the professors having a wide range

leaders.
As Dean of the Faculty of Law, I have been fortunate to oversee the remarkable progress inersity.

5Research Literacy
Introductory
Academic Literacy
Courses

Politics
Introduction to Politics

Basic
CoursesNational GovernanceResearch Methodology
Local Governance

Advanced
Courses

Thesis Workshop

Public Policy

International Relations

Introduction to
Public Policy

Introduction to IR

Development andGood Governance
Governance andPublic Philosophy

Global GovernanceRegional Governance

Energy&Environmental IR and Human Rights
Japanese Politics
PolicyJapanese Diplomacy etc
IR in East Asia
etc
Security Policyetc6Why study at the CSPA?

managed and how policies are formulated. This is the study of governance. The CSPA will provide you with a framework andmanagedand howchanging world
thatpolicies
we live arein. formulated. This is the study of governance. The CSPA will provide you with a framework andchanging world that we live in.
ProgramTerm and Degree
The program consists of two years study, each year with two semesters, beginning in October. A student withoutstanding performance may ﬁnish the course in 1 year. The program will confer upon those who successfully complete

ProgramTerm and Degree
The program consists of two years study, each year with two semesters, beginning in October. A student withperformance may ﬁnish the course in 1 year. The program will confer upon those who successfully complete
Courseoutstanding
oﬀered in 2016-2017
all course requirements a degree of Master of Laws. Successful completionof the program
includesboth the courseworkin the AsianContext
・Border Studies
・and submission of a masters thesis reﬂecting a deep understanding
・ of issues involved in comparative studies of politics
・・・
and administration in Asia.
・Local Governance and Capacity Building・EnergyOpportunityand Environmental Policy in Contemporary World
・
Double・Degree
・Thesis・
The Faculty of Law has signed a Double Degree Agreement withMasterWorkshopof European Studies Programme (MAES) of
Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. The CSPA students have an opportunity to apply for the Double Degree
Double Degree Opportunity
Programme. In this programme, two Master degrees may be obtained in two years of enrolment in the CSPA: Master of
The Faculty of Law has signed a Double Degree Agreement with Master of European Studies Programme (MAES) of
Laws from Kyushu University, and Master of European Studies from Catholic University of Leuven.
Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. The CSPA students have an opportunity to apply for the Double Degree
Programme.
programme,
two Mastermay beandobtained
two years ofat:
enrolment in the CSPA: Master ofFurther
detailsInofthis
Masterof European
Studies:degrees
Transnational
GlobalinPerspectives
Laws from Kyushu University, and Master of European Studies from Catholic University of Leuven.
https://ghum.kuleuven.be/maes
EU DIPLOMA
All students registered on a graduate program at Kyushu University are eligible to take the EU Graduate Diploma oﬀered
by the KYUSHU UNIVERSITY EU Centre.
EU DIPLOMA
All students
registeredon a graduate
program at Kyushu University are eligible to take the EU Graduate Diploma oﬀered
Further
details
are available
at: http://eu.kyushu-u.ac.jp/
by the KYUSHU UNIVERSITY EU Centre.
Further details are available at:
Subject to separate University admission requirements, students with ﬂuency in Japanese language may choose tocontinue their education in pursuit of a PhD degree.
Subject to separate University admission requirements, students with ﬂuency in Japanese language may choose to
Financial Aid
Several studentships or bursaries may be available for those who are admitted to the program.
Financial Aid
Several studentships or bursaries may be available for those wh
Japanese Language Course
International
students may participate in the Japanese Language Course oﬀered as extra-curriculum activities at theJapanese
Language Course
International Student Center with no extra charge.

7

Faculty
Jiro Hasumi
Prof. Hong
Pyo Lee Program
ProgramDirector
Director

He mainis a politicalphilosopher
particular interestin thetheories of citizenship and education
His
academicinterest is within contemporary
East Asianinternpolicy. He was awarded his PhD from University of Cambridge for his thesis entitled “A Critical
Examination of the Aims of Political Education as a Constituent Part of Citizenship Education: With
Particular Reference to the Contemporary Policies of England and Japan” (2008).
Asian Regionalism: Issues and Visions (2016).

Prof. Kaoru Izumi

Prof. Kaoru Izumi

n mass media.
He is a specialist in Korean Politics, specially in the field of democratization and the power
structure. On top of the academic activities, he is also active in mass media.

Prof. Nobuo Okawara

Associate Prof. Toru Oga

A Study of ‘Forms’ in
He is an Associate Professor in International Politics. His research interests include international(ed. Sekiguchi, 2009) in Japanese.
relations, East Asian regionalism, and human rights regimes. He is the author of numerous articles
in International Relations of the Asia-Paciﬁc, Malaysian Journal of International Relations,Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, and so on.

Prof. Serghei Golunov

His main research interests focus on a wide range of Border Studies’ issues (primarily on

Associate Prof. Takuma Nakashima
He has conducted research on the Diplomatic History of Japan, especiallyag 2014).the Okinawa reversion
negotiations during the Sato administration from 1964 to 1972. His research interests include theJapan-U.S. Prof.
security
the U.S. alliance politics, and Japan's Three Non-Nuclear
Associate
Jiroarrangements,
Hasumi
Principles. He completed his PhD and MA at Kyushu University and BA at Kagoshima University. He
was awarded the Suntory Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities in 2013 for his book Reversion
of Okinawa and the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements (Yuhikaku).
(2008).

Associate Prof. Edward Boyle (International Research Center for Japanese Studies)

He currently
researches
borders and borderland spaces in Japan and Northeast India, as well as in
AssistantProf.
Edward Boyle

Asia more broadly, and examines issues relating to maps and representation, scalar governance,
territoriality, connectivity, migration, infrastructures, memory, heritage, and history. His work
intersects with political science, geography, history, and scholarship on international relations. He
holds a BA from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London and an MA and PhD from
Hokkaido University.

8

Alumni Voices
AlumniJuraboeva
voices (CSPA, 2001-2002, Uzbekistan)Nargiza
UNDP Regional Coordinator
Nargiza Juraboeva
2001-2002,
Uzbekistan)
I have(CSPA,
very muchenjoyedmy year at CSPA. The
UNDP Regional Coordinator(BARD)

year programme. It oﬀered a variety of subjects
I haveverywarm
muchmemories
enjoyed myyear at CSPA.
TheandI haveof lecturers
who used
to teach me back in 2001-2002. I have especiallyyear programme. It oﬀered a variety of subjects
and I have warm memories of lecturers who used
to teachback inprogramme
2001-2002.that
I haveespeciallyI believe thatfor a meone-yearincludedtheon CSPA in the Kyushu University where I
have come to meet a team of scholars
during the study. I have really beenon CSPA in the Kyushu University where I
immensely enriched through the way of
have come to meet a team of scholars
teaching provided us. It was indeed self-development,
during the study. I have really been
immensely enriched through the way ofsuitable human resource for the development of the society.
teaching provided us. It was indeed self-development,IWebelievethat tremendous
for a one-year
programme
thatfacultyincluded
received
supportfrom theonthe
allsuitablehuman
resource
the report,
development
the society.
Bangladesh.
Recently,
oneforstudy'ServiceofDelivery
andGood Governance: A Micro Level Study' has been published,in which I have adopted theframework that was
Bangladesh. Recently, one study report, 'Service Delivery andtaught in the Kyushu Univ. The report is highly appraised andGood Governance: A Micro Level Study' has been published,widely cove in one ofin which I have adopted theframework that wasStar). I am also organising training courses as well as
taught in the Kyushu Univ. The report is highly appraised andwidely cove in one ofStar). I am also organising training courses as well asof Kyudai have helped me to a great extent. I have been
deﬁnitely beneﬁted to build my career having studied inJapan.
of Kyudai have helped me to a great extent. I have been
deﬁnitely
beneﬁted
to comfortable.
build my careerstudiedinLife in Kyudai
was veryMy havingfamily andmyselfJapan.

made themselves fully available for advice on coursework
We received tremendous support from the faculty on all
madethemselves
fully available
for–advice
on ofcoursework
ﬂoor hasalways beendear to me
it is onethe mainplaces that keep the programme running.
ﬂoor
hasdoubts,
alwaysmybeen
to me
it is oneof the main
Without
yeardearat CSPAhas– greatly
contributed
toplaces
that
keep
the
programme
running.
my career path. It helped me start up with an internship in
Without
doubts, Imy
year
at CSPAgreatlyfor
contributedtohomecountry.
have
now
beenhasworking
the United
my career path. It helped me start up with an internship inhomecountry.
I havenow been
working
for the United
exposure
to diﬀerent
culturesand ability
to understandandrespect people from various backgrounds. CSPA is a placethat oﬀers such diversity, along with many other brilliant
exposurediﬀerent
culturesabilityto understand andthings thattoareso special
aboutandlivingin Japan.
respect people from various backgrounds. CSPA is a placethat oﬀers such diversity, along with many other brilliant
things that are so special about living in Japan.

9

Dr. Abdul Karim (CSPA 2002-2004, Bangladesh)
Joint Director,
Bangladesh
Academyfor Rural Development
Abdul
Karim (CSPA
2002-2004,
Bangladesh)(BARD) Director, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development
Deputyduring our stay in Japan. We like to be there once again!
Life in Kyudai was very comfortable. My family and myself
during our stay in Japan. We like to be there once again!
Alumni in total counts 102 persons from 31 countries between 1999-2017
Philippines
4
Afghanistan
3 (1) Indonesia
8Australia
2
Japan
1 (2)
Roumania(1)
Russia3
Bangladesh
14
Korea
2 (2)
Belgium
5
Kyrgyzstan
7
Spain
1
Canada1
Laos
1
Sri Lanka
1
Thailand
6 (2)
China
5 (2) Mexico
1 (2)
UK
2
Colombia
1
Mongolia
4
USA
3 (1)
Comoro1
Nepal
1
Uzbekistan
15
Gabon/French 1
Netherlands
1
Vietnam2Germany(1)
Norway1
Guatemala3
Pakistan1(current students)
Peru(1)
Iceland1

Carlo Kreuger (CSPA 2012-2014, The Netherlands)
Senior Associate, State Street Trust and Banking Co., Ltd.
Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia
I ﬁrst heard about the CSPA in 2010 when I
was an exchange student at Kyushu
University.
already
fallen in lovewith
the CSPA
programHaving
at Kyushu
University
backin
Fukuokaand Kyushu
University,
was study
eager
2006, I was
nervousbecauseit was a Inew
to come back for my master's degree.
During my bachelor's degree in Japan Studies I specialized in
excited about the opportunity to study this new
Kyushu University when I joined the CSPA in 2012 was like a
dream come true.

INOUE,
Hinako(CSPA(CSPA2012-2014,2017-2020,The
Japan)
Carlo
Kreuger
Netherlands)
Lawson,INC., Japan
Kyodo News
I ﬁrsttwo
heard
about
CSPAI in2010 whenThe
years
forthewhich
studiedin theIwas
exchange
KyushuCSPA anProgram
wasstudent
one of atthe
mostUniversity.
Having alreadyfallenlovebeenwithprecious experiences
in mylife.in I've
Fukuoka
KyushuUniversity,inI was
keen on andstudying
regionalism
Easteager
Asia.
to come backfor myhasmaster's
degree.
Althoughregionalism
been promoted
During my bachelor's
Japan Studies
inby degree
politicalinfactors
as wellI specialized
as economic
motivation, I had had no opportunities to learn the political
KyushuUniversity
when Iin
joinedthe CSPA in 2012
wasIlikeadynamicsof the region
my undergraduate
days.
was,
dream
comeverytrue.excited to learn in the CSPA program. Every
therefore,course provided by great professors inspired me to get a deepSince
day one the
CSPA isfacultyassociatedunderstandingof whatgoingandon in
East Asia.staﬀ have beenSince
day one theand associatedhave been
the programs
andCSPAthe faculty
professors
were easystaﬀ
to follow
andeach session was conducted in an enjoyable manner. I
tremendously
helpfulovercoming
whateverwetremendously
helpful in in
overcoming
whateverobstacles weenjoyed the discussionsclass, fuelledby the excellenceof
In the rich diversity
of in
the
CSPA students,
I feel obstacles
that not only
werefacingwith
ourstudiesor
privately.
Duringthis
two-yearwerefacingwith
ourstudiesor
privately.
Duringthis
two-yearthe professors and enriched with the valuable insight derived
my academic skills but also my personality as a global citizen
periodI have cometo knowthem toandbe morethanstudents
just myperiod I have come to know them to be more than just myhas developed.
Sharing
our thoughts
ideas withprofessors,
I
have
come
to
see
them
as
my
friends.
professors, I have come to see them as my friends.
from/ all over the world enables me to expand my sights. It
The course also provided lectures by guest professors andalso
has told me that there are tons of things I am to know
publicAs for the program, the CSPA provides a large varietyof policyAs for the program, the CSPA provides a large variety of
about the world. Even if I couldn’t fully understand what I
face, knowing that I didn’t know is, I believe, much better thanthemselves broadly and ﬁnd a subject closest to their liking.
themselves broadly and ﬁnd a subject closest to their liking.
I don’t know that I don’t know. I think those experiences madeMoreover,students coming
fromprogram
all over thetheMoreover, with students coming from all over the world, theframe andwith
understandthe CSPA
as world,
a whole.
me able to work as a journalist of Kyodo News in Japan.
discussions in the classroom, exposing you to many points ofopen-minded and with a deeper understanding of the world.

discussions in the classroom, exposing you to many points of
Kyushu University, where I spent my seven years, is ﬁlled withmy memory of youth. Now Fukuoka is my second hometown!
open-minded and with a deeper understanding of the world.

IDuringalso tremendously
enjoyedthe CSPA held
my studies,
I had thetheworkshops
chance tothat
experiencethewonderful city of Fukuoka. The city has a more relaxed feelI also tremendously enjoyed the workshops that the CSPA held

livingcompared
to Japan, butalso provided
us
Therecircumstances
is deﬁnitely a friendly
atmospherein Fukuoka
city, andwithaunique
view
into
the
academicworkingsofthese
it is easy to feel the culture and get acquainted with both thecountries.

living circumstances compared to Japan, but also provided us
with a unique view into the academic workings of thesecountries.

environment,
allowing
to challengebothwelcome diﬀerent
pointsyou
of view,
cultures,yourself
and customs,
academically as well as personally. Moreover, it enables you toenvironment, allowing you to challenge yourself bothacademically as well as personally. Moreover, it enables you togreat memories and new friends. It has greatly beneﬁted me,
as it is thanks to the CSPA that I had the freedom and capability
to start a career at a large Japanese company.

great memories and new friends. It has greatly beneﬁted me,
as it is thanks to the CSPA that I had the freedom and capability
to start a career at a large Japanese company.

10Admission
Eligibility
The Program is open
open toto applicants
applicants with
with aa bachelor'sbachelor's degree
degree(political science degree or equivalent of social sciences) froman accredited
All applicants
will be expected
accredited University.
University. Allapplicants will
expected tohave engaged in some form of political study on either thecollege or graduate level. Strong English ability is a requirementof the Program and proof of English ability may be requested.

Tuition Fees
The tuition for the academic year 2024 is 535,800 yen. In
addition, the admission fee of 282,000 yen must be paid forthe ﬁrst year, which makes the total amount for the ﬁrst year
half
817,800 yen.
817,800
yen. AA student
student can apply for remission of all or half
the amount of tuition fees at each semester if his/her grades
are excellent and he/she has diﬃculty in paying tuition. Feesfor registration, admission, and tuition are waived forJapanese Government Scholarship students.

Application Procedure
Applicants are requested to submit an original and one copy
the materials
materials listed
listed below toto thethe CSPACSPA Admissions
Admissions oﬃce,
oﬃce,
of theGraduate School, Kyushu University.
The application deadline for October 2025 entry is available
on the international programs website.
http://law.kyushu-u.ac.jp/cspa/(1) Completed Application Form;;(2) (For non-native English speakers) Proof of English Proﬁciency.
AATOEFLscoreof 80+
or equivalentis required.
minimumscoreof (Internet-baced)
TOEFL 550 or equivalentis required.
(3) Research Proposal of your Master thesis in two A4 pages.
(4) Two Letters of Recommendation fromfrom thethe applicant's
applicant's
supervisingprofessororotherteaching
staﬀ
who
supervising professor or other teaching staﬀ who have had
direct contact
contact with the applicant;applicant, or from a supervisor
supervisor in
the employingof theemploying body
body with
with personal
personal knowledge
knowledge oftheform).
applicant (prescribed form);

11

ofthe(5) Oﬃcial School Transcript ofthelastlast school
school fromfrom which
which thetheapplicant graduated and that which the applicant is currently
attending.
(6) Photocopy
ofthe
last university
universityof Graduation Certiﬁcate of
the last
Kyushu University
and graduate school, or a certiﬁed letter from the university
at which the applicant is currently attending, stating the
expected graduation date.
(7) Certiﬁcate of Citizenship or Proof of Residence in the(7)
homecountry,i.e., census
passport(photocopy),orapplicant's
homecountry,register,i.e., census
register,passport(photocopy), or other positive proof of citizenship.
(8) One photographphotographtaken
takenwithin
withinthe
thepastpast66months
months(6cm(6cmxx4cm);
4cm).

completed or missing a part of materials.
amounts
18,747,application
while the faculty
members
number to 2,089.
We will not
acceptto whenmaterials
are not
completed or missing a part of materials.

of Oﬃce
Law
CSPA Faculty
Admissions
An application form can be requested from:Faculty of Law, Graduate School, Kyushu University
CSPA Admissions Oﬃce
6-19-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
Faculty of Law, Graduate School, Kyushu University
812-8581 Japan744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
Fax: +81[Japan]-92-642-4162
819-0395 Japan
E-mail: admission@law.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Fax: +81[Japan]-92-802-5407
E-mail: admission@law.kyushu-u.ac.jp
or downloaded from:or downloaded from:http://law.kyushu-u.ac.jp/cspa/

Deadline for 2018 Admission
January 26, 201812

Alumni
Network
List of Joint
Workshops held since 2013
Alumni in total counts 126 persons from 35 countries between 1999-2024
Uzbekistan 15

Russia 3
Kyrgyzstan 6 Mongolia 4de Manila University in Fukuoka. (February, 2013)

USA 4

China 10

Iceland 1

Afghanistan 5

Hanoi, Vietnam (June, 2013)

Norway 1

University in Beijing, China. (December, 2013)
Netherlands 1
England 2
Belgium 5
Germany 1
Portugal 1
Spain 1

Philippines. (February, 2014)

Canada 1

5. ‘Development Experience and Local Governance in East Asia: Issues and Visions’
Italy
with1 Yonsei University, in Wonju and Seoul, Korea. (December, 2014)
Japan 4
Korea 4in Fukuoka. (February,and Human・Security’with
Ateneode Manila University
India
1
・UAE(1)
Laos 1
Guatemala 3
2015)
Pakistan 1
Saudi Arabia 1

Guinea(1)・Gabon / French 1

Nepal 1(1)・ Malaysia 1

Philippines 4
Vietnam 2

Sri Lanka 1
University in Beijing, China. (June, 2015)
Bangladesh 14

Mexico 3

Colombia 1
Peru 1

8. ‘Security, Sustainability
and the State in a Changing Asia’ with Ateneo de Manila
Thailand 8
University in Manila, Philippines (February, 2016)
Indonesia 9(1)Comoro 1

Prosperity’ with Renmin University in Fukuoka (June, 2016)
Australia 2(November, 2016)
Future’ with Renmin University in Beijing, China (June, 2017)12. ‘Development and Governance in East Asia: New Issues and Challenges Ahead’

13※ (current students)

提供

福岡市

Facilities and Services
Library
The Central Library of Kyushu University houses one of the largest collections in Japan with over 2,450,000 volumes. It is particularly well known for its collection of international and foreign-language materials including e-journals, and provides an excellent
graduate resource
students.for all graduate students. The students can also access to other 6 libraries of the university.
research
Technology
Kyushu University provides wireless access throughout the campus. International students enrolled on a program at the Graduate
School of Law are given access to the CSPA Study
Study Room,
Room, which
which contains
contains the network hubs for laptops.
laptops. Students are also given
access to an extensive selection of on-line databases containing both English and Japanese e-journals
e-journals andand materials.
materials.
Health CareAll international students are obliged to join a national health insurance scheme. For a nominal monthly charge, 70% of healthcosts are covered by insurance. Students are free to choose their health care provider.
Supporters
All international students enrolled in a course at the Graduate School of Law will be provided with a supporter to assist withvarious practical matters upon arriving in Japan. This service will include accompanying the student to their accommodation,
helping in opening a bank account & registering at the Ward Oﬃce, and other practical assistance. The supporter service
ensures that adjusting to life in Japan goes smoothly for all incoming international students.

With over 2,200 international students from over 90 countries, Kyushu University has a diverse and international student body.
The International Students Center serves as a resource providing a range of services from Japanese language classes,
immigration advice to counseling. For more information, please see:https://isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/center/

14744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
819-0395 Japan
Fax. No. : +81-92-802-5407