The Open University of Japan
Annual Review 2009

CONTENTS

A Message from the President●

2

Academic Content at The Open University of Japan●

3

Ongoing Research Initiatives●

9

The Open University of Japan is Open to All●

14

Our Initiatives as an “Open University”●

17

Towards Better Education●

19

Creation and Integration of the New Center●

21

Study Center Trends over the Past Year●23

New Trends at The Open University of Japan●

31

The Open University of Japan in Figures●

33

The Open University of Japan 2009 Annual Review informationspans January – December 2009.
【Editorial Staff】■The Open University of Japan 2009 Annual Review Task Group
Vice President, Hiroshi OGINO
Nature and Environment Course Coordinator, Tadao MATSUMOTO
Humanities and Culture, Yuko SHIMAUCHI
Studies of Living and Welfare, Yoji INOUE
Nature and Environment, Masahiro KUMABE
Psychology and Education, Yoshie YAMAGUCHI
Center of ICT and Distance Education, Junji SHIBASAKI
Society and Industry, Ryuichi YAMAOKA■General Strategy Planning Office1

A Message from the President

Publication of the Second Annual Review

March 2010
President,
Hiromitsu ISHI

Annual Review was launched last year at The

of education and research that considered to beOpen University of Japan (OUJ) Now the second

daily and conventional. For instance, the scenes

Annual Review is published as a report on whatof multimedia lectures, face-to-face lectures in

has occurred at the campus in 2009.

classrooms, commencement ceremony etc., areThe university budget is financed by public funds

shown by using photos and data.

and tuitions in order to provide good-quality edu-

The second highlights the specific events held

cational services to students. We have an obliga-

in 2009, such as international conferences, thetion to report to stakeholders, such as students,

ceremonies of international exchange agree-

taxpayers and the general public, concerning ourments and a variety of meetings at study centers

annual activities we were performing.

and so forth. Each of the various OUJ activities

Since national universities were incorporated inis graphically and vividly portrayed. You will find2004, all kinds of universities, national or private,

enjoyable reading materials at a glance.

have tended to make an annual review or report toAs was the case with the first issue, Vice Presi-

make clear their activities on education, researchdent Hiroshi OGINO contributed a lot to compile

and social contributions for the past year.

and edit necessary materials with other staffs.

Contents in this volume are divided into two

Taking this opportunity, I would like to express myparts. The first summarizes the usual activities

sincere thanks for all relevant persons.

2Academics

Academic Content at The Open University of JapanTV and Radio Instruction

Broadcast Lectures

Broadcast lectures and classroom sessions are pivotal to

New subjects offered in 2009 included 50 Faculty of Liberal

academics at the Open University of Japan (OUJ). As of theArts subjects (26 TV, 24 Radio) and 19 School of Graduate

2nd Semester (October 2009-March 2010), the number ofStudies subjects (7 TV, 12 Radio) totaling 69 subjects (33subjects available in 2009 stood at 270 Faculty of LiberalTV, 36 Radio) (refer to Chart 2).

Arts subjects (146 TV, 124 Radio) and 71 School of Graduate■ Chart 1 Total Subjects Offered in 2009

Studies subjects (32 TV, 39 Radio), for a total of 341 subjects

1st Semester
TV Subjects(178 TV, 163 Radio) (refer to Chart 1).
These broadcast lectures are on principle offered for four

TV Subjects

123

146

144

Faculty of
Liberal Arts

2nd Semester

Radio Subjects

267

years (two semesters a year, totaling eight semesters).
Therefore, as of the 2nd Semester, approximately one quar-

School of
Graduate Studies

ter of the 341 subjects is subject to replacement each year.

Total

32

Radio Subjects
124
270

39

32

39

71
176

71
162

178

338

163
341

■ Chart 2-1 List of New Subjects Offered in 2009 (Faculty of Liberal Arts) (TV=television, R=radio)
Curriculum
SectionArea of StudyMedia Credits

Curriculum
SectionArea of Study

Subject Title

Media Credits

Core

TV

2

Molecular Biology (’09)

TV

2

-

In Search of Civil Society III: Changing (‘09)

R2Plant Science (’09)

TV

2

-

The Cultures of Chinese Characters and Asia ('09)

TV

2

Zoological Science (’09)

TV2Basic English Grammar (‘09)

R2Physics of Force and Motion (’09)

TV

2Educational Psychology ('09)

R

2

Quantum Physics (’09)

TV2Personality Psychology (’09)

R2

Quantum Chemistry (’09)

TV2History of Modern Japan ('09)

R

2Space and Vectors (’09)

TV2History of the Mediterranean World - From the Antiquity
to the Early Modern - ('09)

TV

2

Statistics (’09)

R2Modern Japanese Literature ('09)

R

2Japan in a Global Perspective (’09)

TV2Social Research ('09)

TV2

Environment and Society (’09)

R2Introduction to Engineering Ethics ('09)

TV

2Interpreting the Universe ('09)

TV

2Introduction to Linear Algebra ('09)

TV2Knowledge of Living and Scientific Knowledge ('09)

TV

2

Mistake-free Housing Design ('09)

TV

2

Public Health ('09)

R2

Living with Disabilities ('09) - Individual Independence
and Social Solidarity -TV

2Moral Education (’09)

R2

Puberty/Adolescence Psychological Clinic (’09)

R2Introduction to Psychological Counseling (’09)

R2

Principles of Economics (’09)

TV

2

An Introduction to Crime and Punishment of the Present
(’09)

R

2

Environmental Law and Policy (’09)

TV2

Humanities

Living and Welfare

Psychology and
Education
Specialized
Society andIndustry

Specialized

Humanities andCultureSummerIntensive

NaturalSciences

Nature and theEnvironment

Interdisciplinary

GeneralSocialSciences

Specialized

Science of Fitness ('09)

Foreign Language

3

Subject Title-

Nursing
Science
Teacher-Librarian

Gerontological Nursing (’09)

R2Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing (’09)

R2School Library and School Management (’09)

R2Reading for Developing Human Nature (’09)

R2■ Chart 2-2 List of New Subjects Offered in 2009 (School of Graduate Studies)
Program Name

Human Life and Health
Sciences

Subject Title

R

Food and Health Sciences (’09)

TV

2Current Lifestyles and Health Studies (’09)

R2

Ethics in Nursing Care (’09)

R

2

R

2

R

2

Tradition of Western Political Theories (’09)

R2International Business (’09)

R2

Sciences of Human Develop- Special Lectures on Statistics for Psychology andment and Clinical Psychology Pedagogy (’09)
Common Subjects
School Clinical Psychology (’09)

Human Resource Management in the Private and Public
Sectors ('09)

TV

2

Clinical Psychology

Internal Auditing within an Organization (’09)

TV2Social Impact of Biotechnology (’09)

TV

2

The Theories of Environmental Design (’09)

TV2Philosophy of Existentialism and Phenomenology (’09)

R2Archaeology (’09) - Methods and the Present

TV

2
2

2

Sports and Health Sciences (’09)
Sciences of Human Develop- Human Development (’09)
ment and Education

Social GovernanceMedia Credits

Studies on Family Life (’09)

R

2

TV

2

Social Psychology (’09)

TV2Economic Policies (’09)

TV2Development Policies of the Third World (’09)

TV2Public Policy of Local Government (’09)

TV2Corporate Governance (’09)

R2Japanese History and Society (’09)
Negotiations and Multicultural
Arts and Information Science Cross-cultural
Coexistence (’09)

R

2

R

2
2

Northeast Asian History and Korea (’09)

R

History of Europe (’09)

TV

2

How We Process Verbal Information (’09)

RJapanese Linguistics ('09)

R

2

Science of the Physical Environment (’09)

TV

2Classical Japanese Literature of the Ancient Ages(’09)

R

2Theoretical Foundation of Informatics (’09)

R2Reading Japanese Literature (’09)

R2

Methods of Mathematical Sciences (’09)

R

2Natural andEnvironmental Sciences

The OUJ Book Series

Original OUJ instructional materials have always been

The university-established OUJ Book Series Project

specifically written for the curriculum, their content reflect-

Team, in collaboration with the OUJ Book Series Commit-

ing cutting edge academic research is highly evaluated, andtee, intends to release seven volumes in the 2009 inauguralmany people regret the fact that they are no longer printed

year, which are highly anticipated.

Academics

Fresh Look

The Publication Committee will hereafter deliberate policy

when subjects are discontinued.
OUJ therefore designed a project to revise the printed content for previously discontinued subjects and publish it anew

for the Series and content for publication as well as other topics, and volumes will be published in succession.

in volumes entitled the “OUJ Book Series”.
■ List of OUJ Book Series Titles Slated for Publication in 2009
Title

Author

The History of Tea Ceremony and Flower Arrangement: JapaneseLifestyle Culture

Curator, Hayashibara Museum of Art; Professor Emeritus,
National Museum of Ethnology; Professor Emeritus, The
Graduate University for Advanced Studies

Isao
KUMAKURA

Animal Survival Tactics: Investigating Animal Peculiarities
through Behavior

Professor, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies

MarikoHASEGAWAHow Composers Portray Their Spirits: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven,
Schubert

Former Professor, OUJ

KiyoshiKASAHARA

Appreciating Essays in Idleness

Professor, OUJYuko
SHIMAUCHIThe Situation of Industrial Nations with a Focus on Comparative
Technologies: America, China, India, and Japan

Vice President, LCA University

Masanori
MORITANI

Taking a Hard Look at Ourselves

Professor Emeritus, OUJ; Professor Emeritus, The Universityof Tokyo

Jiro
WATANABE

How We Treat the Media: New Challenges in the Study ofInformation History

Professor Emeritus, OUJ

Yasuo
KASHIWAKURA

Poster

The Department of Liberal Arts of the Faculty of Liberal Arts,The Division of Arts and Sciences of the School of Graduate Studies of Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate, Graduate School Reorganization
From April of 2009, the Faculty of Liberal Arts was restruc-will be more distinct.

tured into one department with five areas of study, and the

Furthermore, through increased conformity with the Fac-

School of Graduate Studies was rearranged into one divi-

ulty of Liberal Arts program, the School of Graduate Studies

sion with six programs. Because of this, not only will the

program organization will also be easier to understand, andrelation of each Faculty of Liberal Arts area of study havethus allow for smoother progression from Faculty of Liberalenhanced relevance to one another, but each area of study

Arts to the School of Graduate Studies than in the past.

■ Faculty of Liberal Arts Reorganization Diagram
3 Departments with 6 Areas of Study
through the 2008 Academic Year

1 Department with 5 Areas of Study
from the 2009 Academic Year

Studies of Living and
WelfareHuman Development
and Education

Studies of Psychology
and Education

Social andEconomic Studies
Industry andTechnology

Studies of Society andIndustry

Humanities

Studies in Humanities
and Culture

Natural Sciences

Studies of Nature andEnvironment

The Department of Liberal Arts

Sciences in Industrial and Humanities andEveryday Life Social Studies Natural Sciences

Living and Welfare■ School of Graduate Studies Reorganization Diagram
Inclusive of students
matriculating through 2008
❶ Interdisciplinary Cultural
� Sciences Programa. Culture and Informationa Sciencesb. Environmental Studies andb Systems Sciences❷ Public Policy and� Management Program❸ Educational Development
� Program❹ Clinical Psychology Program� Initiated for students
matriculating in 2009

Initiated for students
matriculating in 2009
❶ Human Life and
Health Sciences❷ Sciences of Human
Development and Education❸ Clinical Psychology❹ Social Governance❺ Arts and Information Science❻ Natural and Environmental
Sciences4

Academics

For Students Desiring a Broad Education, and a Profound Education
To facilitate fulfilling course requirements, from April of 2009
Faculty of Liberal Arts subject classification has been reassessed
to make it more logical and systematic. To be precise, four typesof subjects are included in the curriculum: “core subjects” that enable the acquision of basic university education knowledge andskills; “general subjects” that introduce various areas of study;

Improved Subject Classification■ The Department of Liberal Arts Revisions Diagram
Curriculum for students
matriculating through 2008
(2 types)
General Subjects“specialized subjects” that allow for intensive study in specificareas of study; and “interdisciplinary subjects” that comprehen-Specialized Subjects

Curriculum initiated forstudents matriculating in 2009
(4 types)Core Subjects
General Subjects
Specialized Subjects
Interdisciplinary Subjects

sively span broad areas of study.This curriculum fulfills the needsof students desiring a broad education and those of students
desiring a profound education in a particular field.

Making Student Coursework Easy to Manage
At OUJ, the academic content that students study and theuling diagram when coordinating their coursework. Fromorder in which they may earn credits is designed in a variety

the 2009 academic year, to facilitate the process, a sampleof ways responding to student needs. To that end, students

course completion diagram has also been made available

can refer to the curriculum subject guide and sample sched-on the OUJ homepage.

■ Sample Scheduling Diagram for the Studies of Living and Welfare【* 】denotes subjects offered in other areas of study5Special lectures are programs presented by leaders fromthe joy of learning as they explain the true nature of schol-each discipline who share their practical work expertise,arship in their specialized fields. As well as the 78 lectures

profound knowledge of the arts, and the like, exemplifying

broadcast via TV and 60 via radio, 20 were provided via the

Academics

Special Lectures to Deepen Education

Internet during the 2nd semester of 2009.
■ List of Special Lecture Topics (’09 Presentations)(TV)
Lecture Topic(Radio)Lecturer

Lecture Topic

Lecturer

The Fascination ofEuropean Picture Books

Professor Emeritus, Baika Women’s University
Antiquarian Book Department Manager, Books Yushodo Co., Ltd.

Saeko
ISHIZAWA
Isamu NITTA

World Heritage / Iwami Silver Mine and
The Age of Exploration

Visiting Professor,
Josai International University

HarukoWAKITA

Contemporary Japan Seen in Folding Screens-Western Princes on Horseback-

Associate Professor, OUJ

Tetsuya
SUGIMORI

Journalist Father, Star Son-Black Parent and Child Contributing to Meiji Era Japan-

Professor Emeritus,
The Open University of Japan

Yasuo
KASHIWAKURAThe Theory of Sleep Culture

Associate Professor, Kyoto University

Masayoshi
SHIGETA

Regional Studies Series:
Invitation to Studying the Chichibu Area

Professor Emeritus,
Musashi University

Hidefumi
KUROSAWA

Now in Some Corner of the Globe-Threatened Biodiversity-

Professor, OUJ

Tadao
MATSUMOTO

Reading World Masterpieces:
Learning from The Wealth of Nations

Professor,
Kwansei Gakuin University

Hiroshi
TAKEMOTO

Information Security-Technology and Systems Protecting Digital Society-

Professor, Nara Institute of Scienceand Technology

SuguruYAMAGUCHI

Human and Animal Relations (1)Familiar Animals

Professor Emeritus,
Azabu University

Masahiko
ISHIBASHI

100 Years of The Poincaré Conjecture
and Topology

Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technolog

Sadakichi
KOJIMA

Humans and Animal Relations (2)Mouse Talk

Professor Emeritus, Azabu
University

Masahiko
ISHIBASHI

Internet Broadcast Lectures
OUJ first provided broadcast lectures over the Internet in■ The number of subjects made available over the Internet in 20092007. The numbers of subjects transmitted during the 2009
academic year are listed to the right.

Undergraduate

Graduate

Total

TV Subjects

17

2

19

Radio Subjects

92

24

116

Total

109

26

135

Note: TV Subjects denotes experimental transmissions

Face-to-face Instruction
Classroom sessions, known as “schooling”, along withClassroom Sessions ("Schooling")
variety of fieldwork and on-site study by observation.

broadcast lectures, are pivotal in education at OUJ. ThereClassroom session subjects are designed, planned andare 50 Study Centers located throughout the nation, as wellheld at nation-wide Study Centers. Study Centers in each lo-

as 7 Satellite Spaces. The number of subjects offered dur-cale not only offer general subjects but distinctive subjects

ing the 2009 academic year was 2,702 (1st semester: 1,390,

originating in the given district such as regional history and2nd semester: 1,312). These subjects cover the wide range ofculture, industry, nature, and the like. What is more, several

content characteristic to the Faculty of Liberal Arts. In contrast

Study Centers are also planning to offer subjects in collabora-with usual lectures and experiments, instruction includes ation with nearby universities and research facilities.

Classroom Session Flexibility
Classroom session methodology improvements havebeen implemented so that students can more easily schedule their courses as well as to assure the highest quality of
instruction.
Since classroom sessions are available each day during
both the 1st and 2nd semesters, and students can establish

their scheduling preferences, holding evening classes has
also become easier.
The revised schedule now contains eight 85-minute timeslots, up to 5 periods may be reserved each day, break times
are well-defined and ample instruction hours are maintained.

6

Academics“Expert” Subject Group Credit Certification System Expansion“Expert”, an original OUJ subject group credit certification system, was introduced in the 2006 academic year.

■ List of 2009 Subject Group Credit Certification
Plans and Certified Individuals
Certificate Title

NumberCertified

1. Health and Welfare Advisor Plan

Health and Welfare Exercise Coach

1,029

2. Social Welfare Coordinator Plan

Social Welfare Coordinator566

3. Community Life Panning Plan

Community Life Planner339

4. Food and Health Advisor Plan

Food and Health Advisor

98

5. Fundamental Psychology Plan

Fundamental Psychology

864

6. Social Research Plan

Modern Social Research143

7. Civic Activity Assistance Plan

Civic Policy Theory

205
168

Objectives of and interest in subject matter in a given field
are acquired through the completion of specific universitydesignated instruction, and this confirms the achievement ofa systematic study to that end. With the 2007 revision of the
School Education Act, “certified evaluation and accreditation system” regulations for universities also came into ef-

Certification Plan Title

fect. Implemented again from the 2008 academic year, “Ex-8. Practical Business Administration Plan

Business Appreciationpert” became the OUJ response to the “certified evaluation

9. Manufacturing MOT (Management of Technology) Plan

The Study of Monozukuri (Manufacturing) and MOT

31

10. Next-generation Training Assistance Plan

Next-generation Training Assistance451

11. Community Learning Support Plan

Regional Lifelong Learning Support30

12. Intercultural Communication Plan

Foreign Culture Appreciation Support

157

13. Asian Studies Plan

Asian Studies

56

14. Japanese Culture and Society Studies Plan

Japanese Culture and Society

71

15. Space and Earth Sciences Plan

Space and Earth Sciences87

16. Life Science Plan

Human Life Sciences281

17. Environmental Sciences Plan

Fundamental Environmental Science

153

that had received subject group credit certification stands at

18. Social Mathematics Plan

Mathematics and Society

60

5,538 (as of December 1, 2009). There has been a steady

19. Energy and Environmental Research Plan

Energy and Environmental Policy Theory69

20. Fine Arts Museum Plan

Fine Arts Museum Activity Support

238

and accreditation system”.
The Food and Health Advisor Plan was one of six plans
newly established in the 2008 academic year, bringing thetotal number to 22, and the Fundamental Engineering Plan
added in 2009 became the 23rd. The number of individuals

increase since the 223 in 2006, the first year it was available;
the 1,092 in 2007; and the 2,348 in 2008, indicating that it is
becoming a study goal. It is an excellent system acknowledging student needs.

21. Historical Museum Plan

Historical Museum Activity Support

390

22. Nature Museum Plan

Nature Museum Activity Support

35

23. Fundamental Engineering Plan

Fundamental Engineering

Total

17
5,538

The number of individuals receiving subject group credit certification in 2009, as of December 1, 2009

Graduation Research Reports Posted on the Internet
Graduation research reports are Faculty of Liberal Arts

for which author consent has been obtained, and for which

graduate theses. Beginning with the 2007 academic year they

it has been determined no problem with either copyright or

have been made available under the headings “List of Gradu-

privacy issues exist. The 2009 academic year has 32 post-ation Research Report Themes” and “Graduate Researchings for 2008 academic year theses made available under theReports (Full Texts)” on the Campus Network Homepage.

“List of Graduation Research Report Themes” and “Graduate

Please note that the latter only includes exceptional theses

Research Reports (Full Texts)” headings.

Open Forum (The OUJ School of Graduate Studies
Education Research Result Report) Fifth Issue
First published in March 2005 and now in its fifth year, theses. The fifth issue, published in March 2009, contains 11

Open Forum (The OUJ School of Graduate Studies Edu-

theses with 36 research notes which have been selectedcation Research Result Report) is primarily compiled fromfrom among 389 Master’s Course graduates.

School of Gradate Studies Master’s Course graduation the-Sponsored Subject Breakdown
A variety of organizations sponsor subjects at OUJ, andto comply with social requirements, such contributions are
made public. Sponsorships received during the 2009 academic year are shown in the following chart.

7■ Contribution Breakdown (TV=television, R=radio)
Subject Title
Outline of the Copyright Law (’06)

Media

Sponsoring Organization

R

Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers

Consumer and Securities Investment (’07)

TV

Japan Securities Dealers Association

Internal Auditing within an Organization (’09)

TV

The Institute of Internal Auditors - Japan

Some credits acquired at OUJ may be applied to earning

less of whether television, radio or Internet lectures are selected, course registration must be confirmed via the Internet.

the following types of certification.
Qualification for the National examination for registered nurses; teacher certification for a higher class, additional subject, or a sequentially

Course completion certification
examinations are to be conduct-

higher or lower school level; school librarian certification; second-

ed at venues such as Study Cen-level special education teacher certification (mentally-handicapped

ters around the nation.

education); teacher for the handicapped certification; nutrition teacher certification; library curator certification; social education superintendent certification; short course for care worker subjects.

Academics

Acquiring Qualifications

Lectures, are offered twice ayear (summer semester or wintersemester); 741 participated in the

Teacher’s Certificate Renewal Training Initiatedfirst session held in the summer

Based on the revised law on teacher certification, a sys-of 2009 (a total of 2,302 course

tem requiring teachers to renew their certificates is being

registrations), and according

enforced from the 2009 academic year. Therefore, OUJ has

to a survey conducted after the

begun offering teacher’s certificate renewal training.

course completion certification

Making the best use of OUJ education methodology, regard-

Teacher’s License Training Pamphlet

examinations, the majority of responses were positive.

Special Examinations
Taking physically disabled students into consideration, OUJ

include providing separate rooms, allowing for extended time or

has developed special credit certification examinations that are

offering questions in Braille or verbally. Also able to be adminis-

available upon request from the individuals themselves. Specifictered in special education schools or hospitals, 9 students tookways in which examinations may be appropriately administeredspecial credit recognition exams in the 2009 academic year.

Call Staff Support for Students
A call staff service was initiated in April 2009 to provide

practice of reporting student questions, opinions, or griev-

students and the general public with support. The call staff

ances to appropriate staff members is intended to enable

provides support for OUJ students and information for the

prompt support and information sharing. From April throughgeneral public by answering questions. Furthermore, theDecember 2009, 38,574 calls were received.

System WAKABA Simplifies Office Procedures
An Internet office procedure system was put into place forthe 2009 academic year. Students simply acquiring a username and password were able to check their academic records, enroll for classes, as well as keep up to date with othersorts of matters. Since System WAKABA is enabled withthe function to produce individual student charts, time nolonger restricts students from learning information on theirregistered subjects or finding out which credits they still needto earn in order to graduate.

System WAKABA screen

8

Ongoing Research Initiatives
Abridged Selection of Special Research and Externally Funded Research Studies
Research

Full-time professors at the Open University of Japan av-

pan (SPUA) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Sci-

idly undertake numerous research projects on a variety ofence (JSPS) are among external groups actively involved inthemes every year and publish the results. Established as aacquiring funding that supports even more research.

system to support and promote research studies, the Spe-

The following are themes from among special research

cial Research Fund (President-allocated) is used as capital.

and SPUA and JSPS-supported research undertaken dur-

The Society for the Promotion of The Open University of Ja-

ing the 2009 academic year.

■ President-allocated I (Group Research/Project Funding) Recipients
Affiliation

PositionFull Name

Research Title

Professor

Toshiko TAKIGUCHI

Associate Professor

Hitomi SATOH

Professor

Motoshi SAKAI

Comparative Research on Cultural Concept of "Knowledge Circulation" Connecting Multi Area

Associate Professor

Chiaki AZUMA

Project-2009-Contribution to the international activity of Open University Japan through preparing its text cornerin Sao Paulo in Brazil

Professor

Toshio KUSAMITSU

The Study of British Empire; With a Special Reference to Trade in Asia for an International Coference on British
Expansion in Perspective

Associate Professor

Tooru MIYAMOTO

Research and Development of Distinctive Language-Learning IT Materials at the Distance-Learning University

Professor

Hiroshi NAMAIZAWA

Let's open Pandora's box - to uncover black boxes of electronic devices

Associate Professor

Narui NIKOH

Effective use of transmission electron microscopes and optical microscopes

Associate Professor

Masahiro KUMABE

Development of effective teaching materials

The Open University of Japan Library

Library Director

Sachiko MATSUNURA“Open University of Japan, UK OpenUniversity andKorean National Open University library ResearchCenter of ICT and Distance Education(e-Learning Promotion Division)

Associate Professor

Junji SHIBASAKI

Development of online tools of video editing for e-learning

Associate Professor

Tomotsugu KONDO

Development methodology of 3D contents for a distance learning

Associate Professor

Kikuo ASAI

Evaluation of map-based information visualization system at science museum and local cooperation

Assistant Professor

Hidenori SUGIYAMA

Performance evaluation of Moodle servers for large-scale application

Associate Professor

Yoshitomo YAGINUMA

Development of educational materials for archiving and customization

Studies of Psychology and Education

A Follow-up Survey of Diploma Gtaduate in the Clinical Psychology Program of The Open University of Japan and aCurriculm Survey of Designated Gradeate School for Certified Clinical Psychologist

Studies of Society and Industry

Studies of Society and Industry

Studies in Humanities and Culture

Center of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)■ List of 2009 President-allocated II (Special Individual Grant) Recipients
Affiliation

Full Name

Research Title

Professor

Michiko MIYAMOTO

International comparative research on the effectiveness of productive activities for the young people at risk

Professor

Nobuji NAKATANI

Survey of health promotion constituents isolated fromthe traditional edible plants in Okinawa and Amami Islands.

Professor

Kozo TATARA

Study on life-long education and training system for health profesionals working at public health centres

Studies of Society and Industry

Professor

Akinobu KAWAI

Comparative Study on the Release Project of Crested Ibis, Nipponia Nippon among Japan, Chiana and Korea:
to promote the protection of Crested Ibis and its habitats through the open universities network

Studies of Nature and Environment

Professor

Yoshiaki HAMADA

The absolute configulation of molecule and its relation with life

The Open University of Japan Library

Library Director

Sachiko MATSUMURA

The Education System for Animator and After School Center in FranceCenter of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

Professor

Kiyoshi NAKABAYASHIA Research on Courseware Authoring and Distribution Environment for Extensible Learning Support System

Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)

Associate Professor

Kumiko AOKI

Research on the Development and Creation of Learning Materials at Distance Education Universities Oversea

Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)

Associate Professor

Yasuhiko TSUJI

Development of Web-based Learning Material Authoring Tool for Alternate Display of Lecture Video and Quizzes

Studies of Living and Welfare

9

Position■ List of 2009 President-allocated Grant (2nd Stage Submissions) Recipients
Affiliation

Full Name
Kazuo TAKAHASHIThe Situation in Iraq after the General Elections, Focusing on the Kurdish Region in the North

Studies of Society and Industry

Professor

Chiaki AZUMADevelopment of the new on demand teaching aid system when the radio lecture of the TV media effective subject

Professor

Shin KISUGI

A compartive study of government led economy: Chinease socialistic market economy and Japanese economy from 1945 to 70s

Center of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

Associate
Professor

Tomotsugu KONDO

Development of mixed reality contents for internationally expanding the OUJ

Professor

Tsuneo YAMADA

Literature survey on the current lifelong learning in Japan and editing its whitepaper: A contributution to an eASEM projectat ASEM LLL Hub

Professor

Makiko MIWA

Research on User-Interface of the System WAKABA and the Campus Network

Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)

Research Title■ SPUA-funded Research: Research and Development for Materials to be used in University Education Broadcasting
Affiliation
Studies of Living and Welfare

PositionFull Name

Professor

Hiroshi OHSONE

Project on the development of teaching materials by participation of the graduates -Collaboration between the Open
University of Japan and professionals of social welfare -Research Title

Professor

Mitsuru SENDA

Changes in growth environment of children in Japan and roles on character formation

Professor

Chiaki AZUMA

Preparation of the Chinese character dictionary for overseas use of Japanese open university textbooks

Professor

Masaaki KUROSU

Selection and Use of Learning Media - An Analitic Approach by Artifact Development Analysis (ADA)

Associate
Professor

Hideaki TAKAHASHIDistance instruction and learning processes: The case study of the Open University of Japan

Professor

Haruo KODAMA

The research study on international exchange of legal education in China by making use of the archives of teachingmaterials of The Open University of Japan

Research

Position
Professor

Studies of Society and Industry

Center of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)
Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)■ MEXT- or JSPS-funded Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Representative’s Name)
Affiliation

PositionFull Name

Research Item

Research Title

Studies in Humanities and Culture

Professor

ShunwaHONDA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research A

Anthropological research into alerity and assimilation of Indigenous peoples

Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)

Professor

TsuneoYAMADA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research A

Information system and learning community for promoting global sharing and reuse of learning content

Professor

MichikoMIYAMOTO

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

International comparative research on the social inclusion of young people by sociol-economic secter.

Professor

HiroshiOHSONE

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Comparative study on the new policies for disabled persons in France and Japan

Associate
Professor

YumikoNARA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

A cross cultural study on risk communication and risk management focusing on safety and security of dairy life

Professor

Toshio
KUSAMITSU

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Travel Writings in the Age of Romanticism: Historical Chages in the Notions of Nation

Professor

MitsuoYOSHIDA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

The construction of academic studies on Korea by Japanese scholars before the Second World War

Professor

Hiroshi
KATO

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Practical research on support and assessment of collaborative learning in project-based learning

Professor

Emi
NISHINA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Physiological evaluation and its application of the frequency increasing technology for digitally recorded audible
soundsStudies of Living and Welfare

Studies in Humanities and Culture

Center of ICT and Distance Education(e-Learning Promotion Division)

Professor

Yoko
HIROSE

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

A study of learning support systems for diverse students with the interactive use of ICT in higher education

Associate
Professor

Tomotsugu
KONDO

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Longitudinal study of science literacy using intercommunity mixed reality in museums

Associate
Professor

Kikuo
ASAI

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Development of distributed environment for skill training using haptic cooperative interaction

Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)

Associate
Professor

KumikoAOKIGrant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Research and Development of a Tool for Sharing Learning Designs to Design Classes Based on Constructivistic
Principles

Adachi Study Center

Professor

NorikoTOMINAGA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research B

Scientific investigation of valuable resources for poverty program and health promotion in univestigated area of
Kachin State, Myanmar.

Vice President

Professor

Hiroshi
OGINO

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

Development of teaching materials for chemical laboratory which fits to teacher’s certificate renewal teaching

Professor

SatoruKAWAIGrant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

Visualization of concepts and procedures of information processing for educational documents

Studies in Psychology and Education

Professor

Masashiko
OGAWA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

Empirical research about the change of the education policy decision-making and educational administration in
local-government under politics and an administrative-fiscal reform

Center of ICT and Distance Education(e-Learning Promotion Division)

Associate
Professor

Junji
SHIBASAKI

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

Development of interactive communication tools on mobile and PC learning

Professor

Kiyoshi
NAKABAYASHI

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

An Architecture for Extensible and Adaptive Learning Support System

Professor

Kimio
KONDO

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

Development of telecommunication support system to improve the quality of discussion in international educational
exchange activities

Professor

Hitoshi
NAKAGAWA

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

Development of Education Program to Improve Elementary School Students of Ability of Viewing, Presentation,
and Creation in Japanese Language Classes

Professor

Fujie
YUAN

Grant-in-Aid for
Scientific Research C

Chinese Policies to Enhance Competitiveness of Higher Education: Their Structure and Implications to Japan

Center of ICT and Distance Education(e-Learning Promotion Division)

Professor

Emi
NISHINA

Grant-in-Aid for challenging Physiological evaluation and its application of the frequency increasing technology for digitally recorded audible
Exploratory ResearchsoundsCenter of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

Associate
Professor

Tomotsugu
KONDO

Grant-in-Aid for challenging Learning effect of 3D simulation games developed for museums
Exploratory ResearchCenter of ICT and Distance Education(e-Learning Promotion Division)

Associate
Professor

Yoshiaki
HADA

Grant-in-Aid forYoung Scientists B

Development of a ubiquitous learning support environment by handwritting input in a face-to-face classroom

Associate
Professor

Motofumi
SUZUKI

Grant-in-Aid forYoung Scientists B

Motofumi Suzuki A Similarity Retrieval Technique for Textured 3D Models

Associate
Professor

Yasuhiko
TSUJI

Grant-in-Aid forYoung Scientists B

Distribution of Educational Contents Based on Offering Course Information by Using Automated Metadata
Generation”

Assistant
Professor

Yosuke
MORIMOTO

Grant-in-Aid forYoung Scientists B

Development and evaluation of a system for retrieving universal learning objects

Center of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

Studies in Humanities and Culture

Center of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

Center of ICT and Distance Education(International Collaboration Division)

10

Diverse Research Activities Developing at Home and Abroad
Research activities undertaken by full-time OUJ profes-

tures at the international conferences and academic sympo-

sors are not limited to those in Japan, but involve internation-

siums, promoting research and relaying research results.

al facilities as development expands. International activities
in which faculty members are involved include collaborat-

The following are some of the research activities involving
full-time professors.

ing with overseas researchers and facilities, presenting lec-

Research■ Project-2009-Contribution to the international activity of Open University Japan through preparing its text
corner in Sao Paulo in Brazil (Delegate: Professor Chiaki AZUMA)Open University of Japan Instructional Materials Section at the Japan Culture Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (June 2009)■ International Relations in Wartime: Sino-Japanese War, the Fourth International Joint Research Conference
Chairman and Lecturer (Professor Shigeo NISHIMURA)

The Fourth Conference on Joint International Research on the Sino-Japanese War, held in Chongqing, China, September 2009. Left: Professor Shigeo NISHIMURA, (4th from the left on the platform), Right: Commemorative Photo (2nd from the left)■ Culture and Usability (Professor Masaaki KUROSU)

Research Example: Although Japanese culture designates that chopsticks are to be placed horizontally,in this photograph of a banquet place setting they are shown vertically. When asked why they had beenplaced vertically, everyone replied “They are easier to use this way”.
Cultural conventions generally trace back to usability; this is an example of people long ago unconsciously
adopting usability as a general rule. (December 2009)11■ “Kamakura: The Ancient Samurai City” International
Forum Keynote Speaker and Panelist (Professor Fumihiko GOMI)

Professor Fumihiko GOMI attended “Kamakura: The Ancient Samurai City” International Forum as a
Keynote Speaker and Panelist. (February 2009)■ Award Winner
Affiliation

PositionFull NameAward Title

Description

Studies in Humanities and Culture

Professor

Motomitsu UCHIBORIJapanese Society of Cultural Anthropology Award

For the Leading Role in the Research Project of the Anthnroplogy
of Resources

Center of ICT and Distance Education(e-Learning Promotion Division)

Professor

Hiroshi KATOBest Paper Award, Japan Society for Science Education
The paper get credit for remarkable contributions to the adavances of research in science education

Proposal of a Training Method for Presentation Focuses on Social
Networking Activities

Center of ICT and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

Professor

Kiyoshi NAKABAYASHI

Information Technology Standards Commission of Japan,
Information Processing Society of Japan,
IPSJ/ITSCJ Standardization Contribution Award

Contribution for International Standardization Activity in the fieldof e-Learning

Research■ Proposal of a Training Method for Presentation Focuses on
Social Networking Activities (Professor Hiroshi KATO)

Professor Hiroshi KATO’s “Proposal of a Training Method for Presentation Focuses on Social Networking Activities” was selected as a 2009 Best Paper
Award, Japan Society for Science Education.(Collaborative research with
Hideyuki SUZUKI, of Ibaraki University) The voicing board proposed in thisthesis helps learners imagine what people would say in given situations totrain the sympathetic thought needed to support presentation reception.

Publication of The Open University ofJapan Annual Research Report
Each year OUJ publishes an Annual Research Report summarizing findings in research theses. The 2009 edition was
published in 2009.
■ Theses in the 2008 Open University of Japan Annual Research Report (published in March 2009)
Report Titol

Name

On the Diary of Ma Qianli (3)Nobuko HAMAGUCH

A Study of the view of childhood: focusing on teachers in education andearly childhood care

Masaki SUMIDA,
Mayumi NAKAMURA &Noriko YAMASE

A local history of Chiba prefecture: a cross section of the modern times:A common ground between the samurai of the Sakura clan and the western
scholarship, mental philosophy and psychology, at the time of the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beginning of the new Meiji era. -A
simplified personal history of Shigeki Nishimura and Sen Tsuda-

Yasuo NISHIKAWA

Psychotherapy including dream analysis: a case of depressive woman aftershe got the freedom

Keiko ONO

Review of the effects of ease of retrieval on social and cognitive judgments.

Tsutako MORI

“Collage” as a function of a “go-between”-Things as a space of expression-

Hitomi SATOH

The Development of the Self-Feeling Theories

Mamoru FUNATSU“Rise and Fall of Bengal Jute Industry in the World Commodity Market-with reference to peasants, merchants and jute industrial capita-

Akinobu KAWAI

Cast Away Japanese Sailors in 1839 – 1840 Hawaii

Kiyoshi KASAHARA“A Spectral Vision”-Mary Robinson’s Insecure Identity in “The Haunted Beach”-

Kazuyoshi OISHIThe Determination of Atmospheric Parameters of Curve-of-Growth by theDownhill Simplex Method

Kazuo YOSHIOKA &Yasuo KOBAYASHI

Local Studies in YANAGITA Kunio and ODAUCHI Michitoshi

Hideki NOZAWAThe Sphere of Hotta Yoshie’s Hojoki-shiki

Yuko SHIMAUCHI

A Study on the Commentaries of Kogoshui in the Edo Era

Katsumi SUGIURA

12

Publication and Distribution of Research Findings
OUJ Professor Publications, Dictionaries, Lexicons, Compilations, and Writings

Research

In order to announce, share and distribute their researchavailable for reading in the OUJ Library and in many public

findings, in addition to printed teaching materials, full-time

libraries. In particular, some books contain more detailed

OUJ professors edit and write a great number of reference

information than broadcast lectures and printed teachingvolumes and ardently compile dictionaries and lexicons.

materials include, and that makes them perfect for deepen-

Listed below are the major publications, dictionaries anding insights into the research projects, activities and results

lexicons full-time OUJ professors have worked on. These

each professor works on day to day.

can be purchased in most bookstores. Alternatively, they are

Major Subject / Full Name
Vice President

Hiroshi OGINO

Global SocialWelfare Yearbook 2009 (Collaboration)

Junposha

Consideration of After School Life and Child Care Problem Among the Several Countries (Collaboration)

Keiso Shobo

New textbook for social workers ,No.4 Modern society and welfare-principle of social welfare(Collaboration)

Chuohoki

View point for the law on aged people - Academia series No.9 (Collaboration)

SeibundohNara, Y. (2009) Risks from the position of ordinary people, Yoshida, J. & Sugiman, T. ed., Handbook of Risk Science: Risk
Assessment of Industrial Technology and Achievement of Safety and Security, Mimatsu, Tokyo (Collaboration)

Mimatsu

Guidebook to Educational Law (Collaborative Compilation)

Sanseido

Verification:The Educational Reform of Shinagawa-ku (Collaborative Compilation)

Kyoiku Shuppan

Educational Statutes at Large(the version of 2009) (Editing Committee Member)

Sanseido

Toshiko TAKIGUCHI“Families under Stress” Japanese Assosiation of Family Psvchology (Collaboration)

Kanekoshobo

Tsutako MORI

Social Psychology: Exploring our social life (Collaboration)

Minervashobo

With the Boys : Little League Baseball and Preadolescent Culture (Translation)

Kyushu University Press

Support for Young People and Youth (joint work) (Collaboration)

Sekaishishosha

Akira AMAKAWADon Brown and His Times: An Aspect of Japan - U. S. Relations in the Showa Era (Compilation)

Nihon Keizai Hyouronsha

Shigeo NISHIMURA

Chinese Political Party and State in 20th Century : Trajectory of Political Regime (Collaboration)

Iwanami Shoten

Toshihiko HAYASHI

Studies on Information and Communications Policy (Collaboration)

NTT Publishing

Design of Children’s Play Environment (Single Author)

Kajima Institute Publishing

Planning of town where children can loiter (Collaborative Compilation)

Gakugei Shuppansha

Historical sites and records of Medieval Japan (Single Author)

Iwanami Shoten

Human/animal relations: deomestion culture (Collaboration)

Iwanami Shoten

Eskimo Britannica Encyclopeadia on-line (Collaboration)

TBS-BRITANNICA

Dictionary of Cultural Anthropology (Collaboration)

Maruzen

Voices from the land, visions of life (Collaboration)

ShowadoWho are the Indigenous? (Collaboration)

Sekaishishosha

Who are the Indigenous? (Collaboration)

SekaishishoshaGroups: Evolutionary Perspectives of Human and Primate Societies (Collaboration)

Kyoto University Press

A study on the urban society of Seoul in early modern Korea : the town area and residents of Hanseon (Single Author)

SofukanFormation and Development of the Cultural Sphere of Tsurezuregusa (Single Author)

Kasamashoin

Reading Tsurezuregusa (Single Author)

SayushaOn the Frontiers of Foreign Language Education: From four skills to intercultural communication (Collaboration)

SeibidoSelf-organization in Biological Systems (Translation)

Kaiyusha

Hiroshi OHSONE

Yumiko NARA

Masahito OGAWA
Studies of Psychology and
Education

Masaki SUMIDA

Studies of Society and Industry

Mitsuru SENDA
Fumihiko GOMI

Shunwa HONDA

Studies in Humanities andCultureMotomitsu UCHIBORI
Yoshida MITSUO
Yuko SHIMAUCHIRie OHASHI
Studies of Natureand Environment

Tadao MATSUMOTO

Chronological Scientific Tables(in Environmental Science) 2009/2010 (Collaboration/Supervisor)

Maruzen

Hiroshi KATOICT literacy textbook (Collaboration)

Baifukan

Minoru UCHIDA

Toward Blended Learning from E-learning (Collaboration)

Kyoritsu Shuppan

Kiyoshi NAKABAYASHI

Multiplatform E-Learning Systems and Technologies: Mobile Devices for Ubiquitous ICT-Based Education(Collaboration)

Hershey

Masaaki KUROSU

Handbook of Global User Research (Collaboration)

Morgan KaufmannHitoshi NAKAGAWA

Futuristic Leaning with Electric Whiteboards: 50 case studies that are helpful to learning, utilizing, exploring type ofclasses stated in Japanese New School Curriculum Guidelines (Collaboration)

GYOSEI

Center of ICT and DistanceEducation(International Collaboration Division)

Makiko MIWA

New Developments in Information Access: Recent Trends in Information Retrieval and Uses
(The Frontiers of Library and Information Science) (Collaboration)

Bensey Publishing

Tokyo Setagaya Study Center

Ken-ichi AIKA

Nanoscale Materials in Chemistry, Second Edition (Second Edition) (Collaboration)

Wiley-interscience

Center of ICT and Distance Education(e-Learning Promotion Division)

Center of ICT
and Distance Education(ICT and Distance Learning Division)

13

Publisher
Tokyo Kagaku Dozin

Sachiko MATSUMURA

Studies of Living and WelfareBook Title Dictionary Title
Japanese-English Chemical Terminology (Collaborative Compilation)

The Open University of Japan Is Open to All
In 2009 as in previous years, OUJ actively promoted international exchange programs, concluded international exchange
agreements with open universities around the world and enhanced cooperative relationships for academic research activities
with various universities.

The World Confereance of Open University Presidents in Saitama
Each presenter spoke about relevant situations and the historyof their respective countries and presented the current status ofand future prospects for open universities. Their lectures made it
clear that the use of telecommunication technology for building
new networks would be a common future issue challenging many
people. The ample time allotted for question and answer sessions
at the conference allowed for a constructive exchange of views.
Conference subject matter was significantly covered in national
newspapers and provided a good opportunity for the general public to contemplate the contemporary significance of open universities as well as to recognize OUJ presence.

International Exchange

On November 14 and 15, 2009, the World Conference of Open
University Presidents was held at Comunale in Saitama, cohosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology (MEXT), the municipal government of Saitama,
and OUJ. Open university presidents and vice presidents gathered from ten countries (Canada, China, Indonesia, U.S.A., UK,
Thailand, New Zealand, Malaysia, Korea and Japan), made interesting presentations and had lively discussions on the theme of“International Perspectives for Building Lifelong Learning Communities and Roles of Distance Education.”Open to the general public, anyone was eligible to join the conference by registering. The audience numbered some 300.
Professor Kazuo TAKAHASHI moderated the conference.
Speeches respectively delivered by MEXT Senior Vice-Minister
Kan SUZUKI, Saitama City Mayor Hayato SHIMIZU and OUJPresident Hiromitsu ISHI were followed by a keynote speech given by Kumiko BANDO, Director-General at the Lifelong Learning
Policy Bureau, MEXT, who reported on the present situation andissues of lifelong learning communities in Japan. Subsequently,
open university presidents and vice presidents from the aforementioned countries presented their lectures over two days.

■ Universities Participating in the World Conferenceof Open University Presidents in Saitama
Athabaska University

University

Country
CanadaThe Open University of China
Universitas Terbuka

China
Indonesia

University of Maryland University College
The Open University

U.S.A.
UK

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
The Open Polytechnique of New ZealandOpen University Malaysia

Thailand
New Zealand
Malaysia

Korea National Open University

Korea

The Open University of JapanJapan

Conference
Lectures

University presidents and staff
conference participants

14

The 1st KNOU, OUC, OUJ International Seminar
On September 4, 2009, the 1st International Seminar, or-lenge that emerged in the discussion was how to encourage

ganized by OUJ, Korea National Open University (KNOU)

positive student involvement. In the second session, partici-

and the Open University of China (OUC), was held at thepants from each country gave lectures on the topic of “Func-

Grand Hyatt Seoul in Korea. OUJ President Hiromitsu ISHI,

tions of Regional Campuses”.

Vice President Hiroshi OGINO, Professor Mitsuo YOSHIDA

The issue of name rec-and Associate Professor Kumiko AOKI were the OUJ partici-

ognition, and the pres-pants at the seminar.

ence of competitors in

In line with the KNOU-OUJ international exchange agree-

the area of distance ed-ment concluded on September 22, 2008, President ISHI

ucation were addressed

proposed this seminar and OUC participation.

in the subsequent gen-International Exchange

The seminar theme was “Innovation of Educational Prac-eral discussion.

tices in Open Universities.” The first session centering on the

OUJ plans to host this

topic of “Media Use and e-Learning of Distance Education”

seminar in the 2010 ac-

featured presentations delivered by one speaker from eachademic year.

country, and general discussion followed. A common chal-

SeminarThe ICDE World Conference
The ICDE World Conference was held from June 7 to 10,2009 in Maastricht in the Netherlands. The theme for thisbiennial conference for 2009 was “Flexible Education for All:
Open – Global – Innovation”. Some 600 participants from70 countries attended the keynote speeches and 16 parallelsessions on different themes. Participants from OUJ were
President Hiromitsu ISHI, Director at Hokkaido Study Center
Fusao TOMITA and Associate Professor Kumiko AOKI.

■ The ICDE World Conference
Parallel Session Themes and Number of Presentations(Compiled by Hokkaido Study Center Director Fusao TOMITA)
Theme

15

No. of Presentations

Open Educational Resources (OER)

15

Quality Assurance

15

International Cooperation and Development

10

Technology Enhanced Learning

42

Teacher Training

29

Learner Support Services

26

Employability

18

Widening Participation through Distance Education

15

Institutional Challenges within Distance Education

14

Cultural Diversity

10

Virtual Mobility

9

Assessing Students

10

Learning Management System/Virtual Learning Environments (LMS/VLE)

17

M-Learning

7

Language Learning

6

Institutional Case Studies and Strategies

13

The 23rd AAOU Annual Conference
From November 3 to 5, 2009, Payame Noor University, an
open university in Iran, hosted the 23rd Asian Association ofOpen Universities (AAOU) Annual Conference at the IRIBInternational Conference Center. The 300-some participants included Professor Tsuneo YAMADA and Associate
Professor Naruo NIKOH from OUJ. “Utilization of Metadata
for Quality Assurance in the International Sharing and Reuse of Open Educational Resources” a paper by Professor
Yamada (coauthored by Assistant Professor Yosuke MORIMOTO) was selected as one of the five Best Paper Award
Conference

International Exchange Agreements
On May 7, 2009, President Hiromitsu ISHI and Professor

lecture on lifelong learning and distance education in Japan

Masafumi AOYAMA visited China to sign an agreement for

to students at Beijing Normal University. The lecture wasacademic cooperation and exchange with the Open Univer-followed by lively discussion. On November 15, 2009, OUJ

sity of China (OUC).

concluded an international exchange agreement with the
President Daokai GE
andPresident

University of Maryland University College. President Susan

ISHI

C. ALDRIDGE, who was also visiting Japan for the Worldsigned the agreement in

Conference of Open University Presidents in Saitama, anda studio at OUC as the

President ISHI signed and exchanged the agreement at thesigning ceremony wassigning ceremony.

broadcast live to the 44

Under the international exchange agreement, both par-OUC-affiliated universi-

ties will direct their efforts towards collaborative course ma-

ties.

terial development, joint research, dual degree programs,

That afternoon, President ISHI delivered aAgreement signed between OUJ and the University of
Maryland University College

International Exchange

finalists at the conference.

and faculty member, administrative staff and student exchange.

The OUJ-GLOBE International Seminar
On October 15, 2009, the OUJ Center of ICT and Distance
Education hosted the OUJ-GLOBE International Seminarat the International Conference Hall at Makuhari Messe.
GLOBE is an international consortium formed to share andreuse first-rate learning content on a global scale. It is madeup of thirteen core institutional members from different countries that develop and distribute learning content. Invited lectures were delivered by EDUCAUSE which promotes ICT
utilization in education in the United States and the UK Open
University. Seminar participants actively exchanged viewson the latest trends in sharing and reusing learning content.
It is anticipated that OUJ, as a founding member of GLOBE,

Seminarwill link campus-based education to distance education, andhigher education to lifelong learning.

16

Our Initiatives as an"Open University"
Since its founding, the Open University of Japan has earnestly provided philanthropic services as an open university. The
following are examples of the diverse philanthropic efforts made by our faculty members.

Regionally Tied Education■ Regionally Linked University Consortia■ Consortia that OUJ joined in 2009OUJ has Study Centers operating in every part of the country.
We make the best use of our Study Centers to conclude

Consortium

Member School Typemultilateral university consortium agreements with regional

Kanagawa University Lifelong Learning Promotion Association

University/Junior College

69

University-City Partnership Association in Yokohama

University

30

Consortium of Universities in Kyoto

University/Junior College

51

Regional Consortium of Universities in Kagoshima

University/Junior College/
Higher Professional School

13

universities to build a framework that enables students toflexibly take various courses.

Membership

Philanthropic Efforts■ Dual-Enrollment Program■ The following school signed a dual-enrollment
agreement with OUJ in 2009.

OUJ runs a dual-enrollment university program, in collaboration with business colleges that have technical courses,

School Name

under which business college students can earn a liberal

Obihiro Core Academy

arts degree.

■ Credit-Transferring Agreements■ Credit-Transferring Universities andJunior Colleges Added in 2009OUJ has been assertive in concluding credit-transferring

School Nameagreements with educational institutions nationwide, and inTokyo Medical and Dental University
Kanagawa Prefectural College of Foreign Studies

2009, OUJ signed credit-transferring agreements with four

Matsuyama Shinonome College

more schools, bringing the total to 319.

Matsuyama Shinonome Junior College■ Number of Credit-Transferring Schools
350

319
235

82
2004
178
82
260

84

81
2003
172
81
253

83

79
2002
168
79
247

81

79
2001
157
79
236

76

77
2000
136
77
213

76

76

17

235

230

136

121
1999
121
76
197

50

Universities
Junior Colleges
Total

284

194

157

168

172

178

197

150

208

213

200

0

270

260

236

247

253

250

100

318

311

300

2005
194
76
270

2006
208
76
284

2007
230
81
311

2008
235
83
318

2009
235
84
319

Science Council of JapanThe Science Council of Japan (SCJ), established in 1949and some 2,000 members, SCJ represents scholars in all ar-under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister, deliberates im-

eas of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences

portant scientific issues and coordinates scientific studies toin Japan. Among the SCJ members, OUJ faculty members

achieve higher efficiency. Consisting of 210 council members

contribute to the council’s activities, as shown below.

■ SCJ Membership
Name

Title

Position

Norio KAIFU

Professor

Secretary

Mitsuru SENDA

Professor

Assistant Director

Section

Name

Section III

Title

Mitsuo YOSHIDA

Professor

Position

Fusao TOMITA

Director, Hokkaido Study Center (Professor)

Motomitsu UCHIBORI Professor

Motonori HOSHI

Professor

Junsuke HARA

Director, Miyagi Study Center (Professor)

Tadao MATSUMOTO

Professor

Mamoru FUNATSU

Professor

Hiroshi OGINO

Vice President

Henry Stewart

Professor

Makoto KATSURAI

Director, Tokyo Bunkyo Study Center (Professor)

Michiko MIYAMOTO

Professor

Seiki SAITO

Director, Okayama Study Center (Professor)

MemberSection I

SectionSection I

Section II
MemberSection III

Academic Society, National and Local Government Activities
following are some of their activities.

edge, faculty members at OUJ actively support social development through involvement with academic societies, as■ Academic Society, National and Local Government Activities
Position

Name

Hiroshi OGINO

NameVice President

Title

National Representative, International Union of Pureand Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)

Mitsuru SENDA

Professor

Title

Honorary Member, Architectural Institute of Japan

Position

Sachiko
MATSUMURA

Library Director

Vice President, Japan-France Society of Sociology

Motomitsu
UCHIBORI

Professor

Council Member, Japanese Society of Cultural
Anthropology

Hiroshi OHSONE

Professor

Secretariat Head /Deputy Head Director, Japan Societyof Vocational Rehabilitation

Hiroshi KATO

Professor

Director, Japan Society for Science Education

Masaki SUMIDA

Professor

President, Japan Society for Child Study

Kiyoshi
NAKABAYASHI

Professor

Director, Japanese Society for Information and
Systems in Education

Masahito OGAWA

Professor

President, Japan Educational Administration Society
Member, Central Council for Education

Makiko MIWA

Professor

Executive Committee and International Committee member, Japan Society of Library and Information Science

Toshiko
TAKIGUCHI

Professor

Auditor, Association of Japanese Clinical Psychology

Junsuke HARA

Miyagi Study Center
Director (Professor)

Director, Japan Sociological Society

MamoruFUNATSU

Professor

Managing Director, Japan Sociological Society

Hiroo SHIBATA

Yamagata Study Center
Director (Professor)

Chairman, Yamagata Municipal Administrative andFinancial Reforms Promotion Association

Philanthropic Efforts

well as national and local governmental organizations. The

As individuals of learning with respective specialist knowl-

Public Lectures
Assertively providing knowledge gained at universities

mutually robust development. Faculty members share theirwith the populace is important in removing barriers between

expert knowledge with society with lectures and the like. The

academia and the general public as well as in facilitating

following are representative of their activities.

■ Public Lectures
Name

Title

Theme

Host/Form

Hiroshi OGINO

Vice President

The 27th Science Café: Microscale Chemistry Experiments, Great Benefits

Fuzambo International/Science Council of Japan

Nagao USUIProfessor

Lifestyles that Prevent Becoming Bedridden

Hachioji Gakkuen Toshi Daigaku

Masahiko ISHIMARU

Professor

Introduction to Cognitive Impairment Training

Suginami Council of Social Welfare

Toshiko TAKIGUCHI

Professor

Parenting Know-How

Ebina Board of Education

Kazuo TAKAHASHI

Professor

Islamic Revival Movements in the Middle East

Saitama Open Academy

Junko HARADA

Associate Professor

Women and Work: Changing Contemporary Issues

Nagano Prefectural Association for the Promotion of Women’s Education

Tadao MATSUMOTO

Professor

The Universe Revealed through the Integrated Study of Living Things

Science Council of Japan Symposium

Hitoshi NAKAGAWA

Professor

The Next Stage for Information Education

ICT Leader Development Lecture, General Education Center, Chiba Prefecture

Kiyoshi MIYAZAKI

Chiba Study Center Director (Professor)

Using Local Special Features—Ecomuseum for Regional Development

Tomisato Public Hall18

Towards Better Education
Lecture Assessment
The Open University of Japan aims to improve its curricu-

The Self-Check/Appraisal Committee establishes con-lum, teaching methodology and learning support systems.

crete assessment methods. In 2009, (1) students, (2) Study

As a self check and appraisal means, lectures are assessed

Center directors and visiting lecturers and (3) full-time lec-by (1) students, (2) Study Center directors and visiting lectur-

turers respectively rated 143, 50 and 41 subjects. Assess-ers, and (3) full-time lecturers.

ment results are fed back to the chief lecturer of each sub-More specifically, appraisers are (1) students who actuallyject, full-time lecturers, Study Center directors and persons

took lectures, (2) Study Center directors who offer consulta-

responsible for subject development at the Department oftion services to students on their studies at Study Centers

Broadcasting and Department of Production. Revisions toand (3) faculty members who work on course planning andlectures are made on an as-needed basis.
The results are also used to improve questions used indevelopment. They assess lectures from multiple perspectives.

tutorials through correspondence and credit certification examinations and to provide better learning support services
including responses to student inquiries.

Faculty Development (FD)Assessment/FD

On March 10, faculty development (FD) lectures were held,

These FD efforts have resulted in noticeable improvements

in which two professors gave presentations. First, Profes-in educational techniques. At OUJ, FD effects are particular-

sor Masaru HASHIMOTO (Center for Faculty Development,ly useful when producing broadcast lecture programs.

Okayama University) presented an intriguing lecture entitledOUJ places primary importance on the education of work-“Towards Everyday FD” in an attempt to make FD efforts on

ing adults. OUJ students transform dynamically as thea daily basis. Professor Hashimoto’s lecture was followed bytimes and world fluctuate. It is important to keep up with

Senior Associate Professor Julian R. KOE (Graduate School

such changes and provide educational programs that ap-

Division of Natural Sciences, International Christian Univer-propriately meet student needs. OUJ continuously strives tosity) whose address was entitled “Faculty Development atachieve this goal.

ICU.” Senior Associate Professor Koe presented details of
the FD approach followed at ICU, the institution with the longest FD history in Japan. After the lectures, the speakers andOUJ faculty members held lively discussions. Furthermore,in the July FD Seminar, Professor Hiroaki URATA (Graduate
School of Professional Department for Educational Designand Management, Meijo University) and full-time lecturer
Akiko MOROZUMI (Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo) were invited to a study session was held on
recent college student learning behaviors.
FD presentation

19

Chief Lecturer Meeting on Broadcast Lecture Subjects
On July 18, a Chief Lecturer Meeting was held at the OUJ

fication examination questions. For this reason, once a year

Administration Building to discuss subjects newly offered

before broadcast program production, OUJ assembles all

for 2011. Chief lecturers, senior staff members in charge ofchief lecturers under one roof, regardless of whether they are

OUJ broadcast lecture subjects write textbooks, produce

full-time or visiting lecturers, to explain all aspects of broad-broadcast materials, prepare questions for tutorials throughcast lecturing. Upon this occasion, they are provided with ancorrespondence and credit certification examinations, score

opportunity to exchange views with directors and editors inanswers, and respond to query cards.

charge of course materials.

OUJ lectures consist of broadcast lectures and classroom
sessions. Both may be given by visiting lecturers who are researchers at other universities and various institutions as well
as by full-time OUJ lecturers. Written and verbal information
about the special attributes of OUJ and its students is provided to visiting professors in advance. However, there are manytasks that chief lecturers involved in broadcast teaching undertake that they would not experience at a campus-based
college, such as airing lectures, writing textbooks, providing
tutorials through correspondence and preparing credit certi-

The OUJ Chief Lecturer Meeting(on subjects for 2011 academic year) Agenda
Friday, July 17, 2009

Assessment/FD[General Meeting]
1. Opening of General Meeting
2. President’s Address
3. Participant Introductions
4. Notes on Course Material Production
5. Briefing on System WAKABA Services
6. Question-and-Answer Session
7. Closing of General Meeting[Constituent Meetings]
8. Opening of Course/Program-Specific Constituent Meetings
9. Briefing on Services
10. Exchange of Views
11. Closing of Course/Program-Specific Constituent Meetings[Studio Orientation]
12. Beginning Personal Experience in the Studio
13. Briefing on TV and Radio Program Recording Processes
14. Experiencing Studio Recording
15. Finishing Experiencing Studio Recording

Course Material
Preparation Manual
Chief Lecturer Meeting

Upgrading Course Materials Course Material Preparation Schedule Improvements
Since broadcast teaching material and textbook prepara-in course material preparation timing which will be graduallytion periods overlap, the course material preparation sched-

implemented and be completed during a three-year transi-

ule that OUJ follows has at times made it difficult to develop

tion period commencing in 2009 (starting with courses formaterials smoothly. The material preparation schedule thus

2012 academic year).

underwent a review to separate the textbook preparation pe-

The new schedule enables releasing the syllabus one

riod from the broadcast material preparation period to provide

month earlier than before. Moreover, textbooks for newly of-a sufficient length of time for consultation and analysis to im-

fered subjects will be distributed to each Study Center in time

prove the quality of course materials. The result is a change

for the 1st semester student recruiting period.

20

Creation and Integration of the New Center
Center of ICT and Distance Education (CODE)
The Center of ICT and Distance Education (CODE) was

As a Graduate University for Advanced Studies researchestablished in April 2009 as an institution affiliated with thefacility, the Center also provides doctoral program student

Open University of Japan. Taking over the activities pursued

education.

by the former National Institute of Multimedia Education(NIME), the Center promotes the use of media and ICT in

In addition to educating graduate students, CODE has twoother primary missions as follows.

education at higher educational institutions including OUJ.

■ Promoting ICT Utilization in Education at OUJOUJ presently aims to provide increased learning opportunities and to enable efficient learning. It sets up an environ-course materials over the Internet and the like in line withother open universities around the world.

ment to supply various learning opportunities and first-rate■ Advocating ICT Utilization and Media-Based Education in Japan
CODE aims to promote ICT utilization in education in

Accordingly, managing the Association of Universities forJapan. Specifically, it strives to help achieve the goal of

the Promotion of Online Learning (UPO-NET) that supplies

more than doubling the ratio of undergraduate and gradu-

e-learning contents to universities throughout Japan is one

ate schools that provide distance education via the Internet

way CODE supports universities in introducing and operat-

and other means, as set out in the New IT Reform Strategy.

ing e-learning systems.

Towards Achieving its Missions
CODE is comprised of the following three divisions toachieve its missions.
◇ e-Learning Promotion Division

CODE◇ ICT and Distance Learning Division◇ International Collaboration Division
The e-Learning Promotion Division develops and provides
e-learning tools and systems. The division also holds seminars in which participants acquire the necessary knowledge
and skills to use e-learning systems and ICT. These activities are intended to support universities in introducing ICT in
education purposes.
The ICT and Distance Learning Division develops guidebooks and instructional materials for using ICT in faculty
development, and advocates e-learning course material
sharing among universities via UPO-NET. The International
Collaboration Division promotes collaboration among universities in Japan and abroad to help domestic universities
enhance their international competitiveness. Accordingly,
it holds international symposia and runs learning resource
collection and supply systems to expand the distribution andsharing of learning resources in Japan and abroad.

21

Holding Seminars to Support Human Resource
Development for ICT Utilization in Education
CODE has provided seminars to improve the quality of uni-

highly effective learning content and the copyright expertiseversity education. These seminars, some of which were co-required for content development. Furthermore, our support

organized with universities, have been designed to enable

has included sending lecturers to various human resource

faculty and administrative staff in the acquision of the skills

development seminars held by other universities.

and knowledge essential for ICT use, including how to create

・Copyright seminars (10)・Seminars on ICT utilization in education (5)・UPO-NET seminars (5)・Faculty Development (FD) seminar (1)・Introductory seminar on instructional design (1)・Instructional design workshop (1)・Content production workshop (1)・Material production workshop (1)・Introductory seminar on e-learning and LMS (1)・ Seminars on providing support for various university students (11)・Support for human resource development seminars provided in response to requests from universities, etc. (25)cap

Providing Tools and Content
The lack of instructional materials impedes the diffusion of

Moreover, CODE furthers ICT utilization in education, by

e-learning. To overcome this situation, CODE creates anddeveloping, and providing universities with the following

provides instructional e-learning materials. OUJ presently

tools and systems furnished with the know-how to effectively

provides instructional materials sought after by many univer-use ICT in education.

sities for remedial, pre-university and career education.

CODE● UPO-NET (Association of Universities for the Promotion of Online
Learning): instructional e-learning materials with an emphasis on remedial education● CLAD (Contents of Learning for Ability Development): an e-learning
system that develops the abilities necessary to becoming a member ofsociety● COCET 3300 (English vocabulary learning system): an on-line instructional material for science and engineering students to learn 3,300 essential English words● NIME-glad (Gateway to Learning for Ability Development) and GLOSS(Global Learning Object Search System): educational content searchsystems● REAS (Realtime Evaluation Assistance System): a Web questionnairesystem for PCs and mobile phones● K-tai Campus: an on-campus mobile phone information distribution
system● Probo: Web-based groupware used to support project-based learning

UPO-NET pamphlet● Kneading Board (KB): a tool enabling PC screen group learning

22

Study Center Trends
Tangible Forms of Learning Ambition
Newly Enrolled Student Gatherings and Graduation and Degree Conferment Ceremonies■ Newly Enrolled Student Gatherings
Newly enrolled student gatherings were held at individual

30,360 students enrolled nationwide. Each new student took

Study Centers in April. The Open University of Japan has

the first step towards fulfilling their desire for learning.

Yamanashi Study Center

Gunma Study Center■ Graduation and Degree Conferment Ceremonies
The graduation and degree conferment ceremony for thementary Secretary for Internal Affairs and Communications

2008 academic year was held on March 28 at NHK HallSUZUKI. Valedictorians Akio UENO (Studies of Society andin Shibuya, Tokyo. More than 2,000 people attended theIndustry, Faculty of Liberal Arts) and Rika NAITO (Interdis-

ceremony, including Faculty of Liberal Arts graduates,

ciplinary Cultural Sciences Program Culture and Informa-

those who completed programs in the School of Graduatetion Sciences, School of Graduate Studies) each gave an

Studies, and their guests from around the country. The cer-address before the ceremony closed. In March at the end ofemony began with the university song, which was followed

the 2008 academic year, 3,230 Faculty of Liberal Arts stu-by speeches by President ISHI, Education, Culture, Sports,

dents graduated and 414 graduate students completed their

Science and Technology Minister SHIONOYA, and Parlia-

School of Graduate Studies programs.

Study Centers
Graduation and Degree Conferment Ceremony (NHK Hall)23

■ Grand Slam Winners Honored
The March 2009 graduation and degree conferment ceremony was the first occasion in which the President honored students who had received degrees in all six OUJ
courses (recognized as “Grand Slam Winners”). Four graduates were honored at the ceremony.
In December 2009, it was decided such a graduate would
be identified as a “Prestigious Open University of Japan
Student”.
Grand slam winners honored at the Graduation and Degree Conferment Ceremony■ Autumn Enrollment/Graduation and
Degree Conferment Opportunities
Autumn is another season for enrollment (excluding master’s course students), graduation and program completion
at OUJ. In September and October 2009, newly enrolled
student gatherings and graduation and degree conferment
ceremonies were held at nationwide Study Centers andSatellite Spaces. The number of matriculating students was
22,342. Graduates and those who had completed School ofTokyo Bunkyo Study Center

Graduate Studies programs numbered 1,729.

New Steps Forward

Study Centers over the Past Year

■ Aomori Study Center Relocation
In September, the Aomori Study Center moved to the seventh
floor of the Collaboration Center on the campus of Hirosaki University. Mt. Hakkoda can be seen in the distance through theeast windows of the classroom and Mt. Iwaki through the west
windows. An event was held on October 10th to commemorate the relocation. President Hiromitsu ISHI delivered the commemorative speech
under the patronage of Hirosaki University and the Consortium of Higher

Study Centers

Educational Institutions in University
Town Hirosaki. A large number of
Aomori Study Center

people attended the event.

Commemorative speech by President ISHI

■ Newly Appointed Study Center Directors
In 2009, new directors were appointed to 13■ Newly Appointed Study Center Directors

Study Centers. They are setting up various proj-

Aomori Study Center

Michihiro AMENOMORI

Kanagawa Study Center

Shinsuke WATANABE

ects for dynamic Study Center development.

Miyagi Study Center

Junsuke HARA

Niigata Study Center

Yoshio MASUDA

Akita Study Center

Katsuaki YOSHIZAKI

Ishikawa Study Center

Joichi UEDA

Fukushima Study Center

Yasushi KITAMURA

Shiga Study Center

Naotake SATOH

Gunma Study Center

Hiroyuki SHIRAI

Wakayama Study Center

Takuji HASHIMOTOTokyo Adachi Study Center

Noriko TOMINAGA

Hiroshima Study Center

Akira NINOMIYA

Miyazaki Study Center

Minoru OKABAYASHI

24

Encounters among Students and Teachers

Study Center Activities■ Diverse Classroom Sessions
Classroom sessions conducted at Study Centers feature

in different locations provide lectures under a uniform theme

diverse types of lecturers and rich content. Lecturers include

and the number of such collaborative classroom sessions isfull-time OUJ teaching staff members and visiting local lec-

increasing, such as Tracing The Narrow Road to the Interior

turers. Students meet lecturers, and encounter other stu-organized by the Hokkaido and Tohoku blocks.

dents as well, through classroom sessions. Study Centers■ Classroom Session Examples
Study Center Name

Subject Title

Lecturer

Iwate

Contemplation on Beautiful Akita Cedar and Aomori Hiba Forests

Ryoji HASHIMOTO, Professor, Iwate University

IbarakiInitial Mountain Climbing

Shigeaki OTA, Professor Emeritus, Ibaraki University

Chiba

A Look at Chiba on the Map

Masashi MISAWA, Professor, Chiba University

Tokyo Setagaya

Problem Identification and Solving Techniques—Detection

Chiaki AZUMA, Professor, OUJTokyo Bunkyo

Fundamental Electric/Electronic Testing A

Toshio AKIMITSU, Associate Professor, OUJ

Mie

Investigating the Myth of Hideyoshi

Tatsuo FUJITA, Professor, Faculty of Education, Mie University

Kyoto

The Power of Rice

Teruo AMACHI, Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University

Nara

Visiting Cultural Assets in Nara (Asuka Craftwork)

Munetaka WAKITA, Professor Emeritus, -Nara University of Education

ShimaneReading English Literature on Psychology

Kaoru HOSHI, Associate Professor, OUJ

Fukuoka

Management and Accounting

Masaaki SAITO, Associate Professor, OUJ
Yamaguchi Study Center Classroom Sessions■ Example of a Collaborative Classroom Session:
Tracing The Narrow Road to the Interior Organized by Hokkaido and Tohoku Blocks (4-day 2-session project)
Subject

Lecturer

Date and Place
Sat., Oct. 17, Akita Study Center

The Legend of Basho andKisakata

Masatomo SHIDACHI, Professor, Akita University

Basho in Dewa

Harufumi YAMAMOTO, Professor, Graduate School,
Yamagata University

Sun., Oct. 18, Kanmanji Temple
Sat., Nov. 7, Yamadera Basho Museum
Sun., Nov. 8, Yamadera Basho Museum■ Lecture Presentations and Learning Spaces
Study Centers actively hold lecture presenta-

Study Centers
25■ Lecture Presentations

tions on various topics that are locally appropri-

Study Center Nameate, timely or keeping up with social trends.

Tochigi

Animals in Traditional Satoyama
Rural Landscapes

Masaaki KOGANEZAWA,
Professor, Utsunomiya University

Chiba

The Deep Impact of Video—As Felt from Experience inDocumentary Film Production

Akiko DOMOTO,
former Governor of Chiba Prefecture

YamanashMessages from Russian Falk Songs

Nobuo HIROSE,
Professor, University of Yamanashi

Gifu

The Actual Status of the Lay Assessor
SystemTaro EBINA,
Prosecutor, Gifu District Public Prosecutors OfficeEhime

E-mail System Mechanisms

Matu-Tarow NODA,
Professor Emeritus, Ehime University

Kumamoto

History and Culture within the Kikuchi
River System

Yasuhiro KIZAKI,Assistant Manager, Culture Section, Office of Education,
Kumamoto Prefectural Government

Lecture Title

Lecture Presentation at Chiba Study Center

Lecturer■ Seminars/Study Groups
In addition to classroom sessions, various independent
seminars and study groups are frequently held to enhancelearning at Study Centers. As well as directors and visiting
lecturers, based on their experience and study achievements
some students also present lectures.

Reading Kyokuso HIROSE’s Diary at Oita Study Center■ Studying/Scheduling Consultation
Students may sometimes feel uncertain or face difficulties
specific to studying at OUJ via TV and radio. At each Studywith experience in dealing with similar issues provide study
and scheduling consultation.

Center, directors, visiting lecturers and even upperclassmen■ Study Tours
Study Centers organize study tours as learning activities
approximately once a year. A study tour serves as an excellent opportunity for students, faculty and administrative staff
to associate with one another. Many people apply for the
tours. The diverse tour destinations include academic institutions, notable local sights, and places offering hands-on
learning programs.
Oita Study Center organized a tour to retro sightseeing spots in the Moji Port area
and the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History.

■ School Festivals
Many Study Centers hold school festivals. Students exhibit■ School Festival Examples

study achievements and hobby creations on this occasion
and develop friendships.

Festival Title

Date

Chiba Study Center Fall Festival

Sun., Oct. 4

Kanagawa

School Fest YokohamaSun., Aug. 30

Saitama

Saitama Fest

Sat., Oct. 10 & Sun., Oct. 11

Shiga

Dabchick School Festival

Sun., Nov. 8

Osaka

Kobore Festival

Sun., Oct. 11

Study Centers

Dabchick School
Festival,
Shiga Study Center

Study Center
Chiba

Fall Festival,
Chiba Study Center

26

■ Newsletters
Study Centers periodically publish their own bulletins that
contain Director and lecturer essays, Center trends, information from the registrar, contributions by students, etcetera. Some colorful newsletter titles are derived from notablelocal items.
■ Examples of Newsletter
Study Center

Title

Akita

Bakke (Butterbur Sprouts)

Fukushima

Momiji (Autumn Colors)

Tochigi

Tochinomi (Horse Chestnuts)

Saitama

Saitama Study Center Newsletter: Sakitama

Chiba

Chibagaku (Chiba School)

Kanagawa

UA Kanagawa Study Center: Spring, Summer, Autumn and WinterToyamaTanpopo (Dandelions)

Yamanashi

Oidenatte (Come Along)

Aichi

Shiriai (Acquaintances)

Mie

TeatimeOsaka

Miotsukushi (Channel Buoys)

TottoriPrism

Okayama

Akarenga (Red Bricks)

KagawaIbuki (Breath)

Ehime

Botchan (Young Man)

Chibagaku publishedby Chiba Study Center■ Student Awards
Study Centers run award programs recognizing graduateswith particularly outstanding academic records. Commendation is given to students who have completed multiple courses
and those who have enthusiastically participated in broadcast
and classroom sessions. Appropriate to lifelong learning, thesehonorable mention awards also encourage current students■ Examples of Awards to Students
Study Center

Award Title

Hokkaido

Hokkaido Study Center Special Award

Fukui

Fukui Study Center Student Award

Saitama

Saitama Study Center Lifelong Learning Encouragement Award

Recipients of the Lifelong Learning
Honorable Mention Award at Saitama Study Center■ Clubs
Students form groups and actively conduct various learning, hobby and sport activities at Study Centers. Quite a few

Study Centersclubs demonstrate local character.

Okinawa Study Center:Traditional Okinawa Dance Club

Ehime Study Center:Kendama (cup-and-ball) Club

27

Local Community Programs

Study Center Information■ Open Campus
Study Centers open their campuses to the public. Events
held at Study Centers during student recruitment periods
include OUJ briefings; experiencing broadcast lectures,classroom sessions, and scheduling guidance; touring lecture rooms and the Library; and introducing student clubs.
These are intended to enhance public recognition of OUJand Study Centers. During the same period, quite a numberof public lectures are held where current students and graduates are able to reunite and deepen their friendships.

Open Campus at Kanagawa Study Center■ Public Lectures
Many lectures held at Study Centers are open to the public.

■ Examples of Public Lectures Delivered by
OUJ Faculty Members

Public lectures are also well received by current students

Study Center

since the content covers a wide range of interesting topics

Aomori

Perspectives on Pension System Reform

Iwate

Education that Protects the Global Environment

Hiroshi OGINO, Vice President

SaitamaMathematics in Everyday Life

Keisaku KUMAHARA, Professor

sessions. The President, Vice President, Library Director

Niigata

Basho, the Milky Way and the Universe

Norio KAIFU, Professor

and full-time lecturers frequently visit Study Centers to give

Shizuoka

French Families and Social Welfare

Shoko MATSUMURA, Library Director

lectures. Many lecture topics feature local characteristics,

NaganoInformation from Outer Space

Kazuo YOSHIOKA, Professor

Osaka

Western Art and Kobe

Tetsuya SUGIMORI, Professor

different from broadcast lecture subjects and classroom

are interesting and easy to follow, and only available from

Topic

Lecturer
Hiromitsu ISHI, President

Yamaguchi

Creating a Brain

Yoichi OKABE, Vice President

an open university. Some public lectures are presented in

Fukuoka

On Learning Science

Hiroshi NAMAIZAWA, Professor

a series.

Okinawa

The Obama Administration and the Middle East

Kazuo TAKAHASHI, Professor■ Audio/Video Facilities
With support from local municipalities, audio/video facilities have been set up at 60 locations around the nation toprovide OUJ students and local citizens with an opportunity
to view broadcast lectures produced by OUJ. These facilities

Study Centers

are intended to improve the student learning environment aswell as to achieve increased recognition from local communities by providing educational services developed at OUJ. In
2009, audio/video facilities were set up in another nine locations, including the first such in Kumamoto Prefecture at the
Kumamoto Study Center in Amakusa.
Amakusa Classroom Opening Ceremony■ Audio/Video Facilities Set Up in 2009
Study Center

Classroom Name

Study Center

Classroom Name

Iwate

Ninohe RoomOkayamaNiimi Room

Miyagi

Kakuda Audio/Video RoomFukuoka

Kurume Audio/Video Corner

Yamagata

Yamagata Study Center Audio/Video Corner (Tsuruoka)

Fukuoka

Chikushino Audio/Video Corner

Yamagata

Yamagata Study Center Audio/Video Corner (Shinjo)

Kumamoto

Amakusa RoomTottori

Kurayoshi Room28

■ Local Community Collaboration
In every part of the country, Study Centers cooperate withlocal higher education institutions and serve as regional
learning sites.
Saga Study Center■ Examples of Lecture Presentations Held in Collaboration with Local Communities
Study Center

Lecture Title

Lecturer

Collaborative Institution

Knowledge for Safety/Security in Living

Kousaburo OHASHI,
Visiting Professor, Ibaraki Study Center

Ibaraki Prefectural LibraryTokyo Adachi

The Hidden Life of Highland Ethnic Minorities and Nature in Myanmar

Noriko TOMINAGA,
Director, Tokyo Adachi Study Center

Adachi Lifelong Educational
Promotion Corporation

Kanagawa

Lifelong Learning Strongly Coupled with Local Communities

Masaya IWANAGA,
Professor, OUJ

Municipal boards of education(including Atsugi)

Fukui

Health-Promoting Benefits of Food

Nobuji NAKATANI,
Professor, OUJ

Fukui Life Academy Head Office

Shiga

Get Some Exercise, Transform Your Body

Nagao USUI,Professor, OUJ

Otsu City Lifelong Learning Center

Osaka

Osaka/Naniwa-ology

Takao KASHIWAGI,
Director, Osaka Study Center, et al.

Osaka Head Office,Yomiuri Shimbun

Yamaguchi

Creating a Brain

Yoichi OKABE,
Vice President, OUJ

Tokuyama College of Technology

Saga

Think about Food and Farming through Saga’s Specialty Products

Minoru MURAOKA, former Director,
Saga Prefectural Uwaba Farmers Support Center, and others

JA Saga

Ibaraki■ Manabipia Saitama 2009
The 21st National Lifelong Learning Festival “Manabipia
Saitama 2009” was held from October 30th to November■ Short Lectures
Topic

Mitsuru SENDA, Professor

The Mystery of Memory

Kaoru HOSHI, Associate Professor

Living in an Era of Employment Instability

Michiko MIYAMOTO, Professor

hibition booth at the Lifelong Learning Exposition, organiz-

Living with Essays in IdlenessYuko SHIMAUCHI, Professor

ing a satellite studio, an exhibition of the OUJ Japanese Fairy

The Fourth Living Creature: Homo sapiens

Motonori HOSHI, Professor

Arena. Representing OUJ, Saitama Study Center ran an ex-

Tale Series collection, an area for experiencing lectures, andan Open University of Japan consultation area. Moreover,the special short lectures given by full-time OUJ lecturers
and special lectures by OUJ graduates during the five-day
festival this year were highly successful.

Study Centers
Short Lecture: Living with Essays in Idleness

29

Lecturer

Environmental Design and Residences

3rd in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, at Saitama SuperGrowing Association Alumni Events and Services Continue and Evolve■ OUJ Alumni Association Federation Celebrates 20th Anniversary
OUJ Alumni Associations have been formed at 43 StudyAt the commemorative ceremony, Federation Director KayoCenters and Satellite Spaces nationwide. The 9,821 mem-

MORIOKA gave an address, President Hiromitsu ISHI de-bers are graduates of the Faculty of Liberal Arts or those wholivered a congratulatory speech, letters of appreciation werecompleted a master’s course. The OUJ Alumni Association

presented to former federation directors and the school songFederation links OUJ alumni organizations around the na-

was sung. The productive panel discussion on “Promotingtion.

OUJ Development” was coordinated by OUJ Vice President

In 2009, the OUJ Alumni Association Federation observed

Hirobumi HONMA. Panelists were Federation Director Mo-

its 20th anniversary. The November 28th commemorative

rioka, former Federation Directors KAWAKAMI and WADA,

ceremony was followed by a panel discussion, an OUJKagawa Alumni Association President KOBAYASHI (alumni

Alumni Association representative information exchange

association representative), President ISHI (OUJ represen-meeting, and a celebratory gathering.

tative) and Saitama Study Center Director MOHRI.

The OUJ Alumni Association Federation 20th Anniversary■ Alumni Association Events and Services
Center Alumni Association. Furthermore, alumni associations cooperate and play a major role in organizing important

newsletter, organizing tours for cultivating friendships, andevents such as open campuses and graduation parties fol-lecture presentations. In 2009, for example, a special public

lowing graduation and degree conferment ceremonies. Af-

lecture by President Hiromitsu ISHI entitled “Government

ter graduation, alumni associations keep graduates in touch

Roles in an Aging Society with Declining Birth Rates” waswith OUJ and are important bodies for both the students andheld to commemorate the founding of the Yamaguchi Study

OUJ.

Study Centers

Each Study Center has established an alumni associationthat conducts various activities such as issuing an alumni

30New Trends at The Open University of JapanThe OUJ Student Essay Contest
All OUJ students were eligible to enter the First OUJ Student Essay Contest. On January 29, 2009, the winners of

accurately represent the diversity of OUJ students.
Applicant essays were shortlisted by the executive committee to 22, from which the 6-member screening commit-

were selected.
Essays on the theme of “studies and my life” (2,000 Japanese character limit) were submitted between July and Oc-

tee, including the President, selected 11 winners.
For the Second Essay Contest, 52 essays were received
between July 1 and October 15, 2009. Submitted essays had

tober 2008.
The 65 applicants (40 males and 25 females) ranged
between the ages of 23 and 85. They were from 28 Study

already been narrowed down in December. The final result
will be announced in March 2010.

Centers spanning from Hokkaido to Kyushu. These figures■ Winners of First Essay Competition
WinnerTitle

Study Center

Best Essay Award
Hisako MASUHARA

WinnerTitle

Study Center

Fine Essay Award
My Graduation Research Project Unfurled

ShimaneExcellent Essay Award

Hiromichi ITOLife with Objectives

Tokyo TamaToshiro ONAKA

Continuous Learning at OUJHimeji Satellite

Chie ISHIGURO

The Place Waiting for Me

Miyagi

Miyako KATO

Now Is the Time to Appreciate This Learning Opportunity

Kagoshima

Shinobu TERASAWA

Every End Is a Beginning

Hokkaido

Kinuyo KAWASE

Significance of OUJ to Me

KagawaLoo Yoke Fong

OUJ, My Sweet Place

SaitamaNobuhiro KUROKAWA

Having Objectives is a Joy - Along with My Son

Kyoto

Masahiro SAKUMAThe Height of Luxury at OUJFukushima

Toshiaki SHIGEMOTOOUJ and My Vegetable Garden

Kagawa* In each award category, names are listed in the Japanese alphabetical order.
* Study Centers appear as of the time of application.

The Open University of Japan Library Collection Exhibition
A special exhibition was presented from July 1 to 10, 2009 in

The gallery has a permanent exhibition of a Japanese Fairy

the third floor gallery of the OUJ Library. The items on display

Tale Series, a collection of illustrated crepe paper books pub-were those formerly included in the “Inscriptions” and “Copies”

lished in the Meiji period. As well as the crepe paper booksections of the 2003 collection exhibition entitled “The History

series old photographs from the closing days of the Tokugawa

and Culture of Printed Script: Inscribing, Duplicating, Block

shogunate and the Meiji period, also owned by the OUJ Li-

Printing and Screen Printing.” The special exhibition featured

brary, are annually exhibited in many parts of Japan.

various markings inscribed into clay tablets and hieroglyphs
on papyrus dating from 2000 B.C. to the 2nd century.
■ The OUJ Library Collection Exhibition
Venues for 2009 Academic Year
PeriodVenue

New Vistas

May 16–May 27

Chiba Lifelong Learning Center

June 3–June 7

Iwata Public LibraryJune 8–June 16

Iwata Ekimae Study Space

June 25–June 28

Denyu kan - Energia -, Chugoku Electric Yamaguchi Office

October 30–November 3

Saitama Super Arena

November 19–November 22

Kochi Literary Museum

Chiba Lifelong Learning Center Exhibition

31

From The Open University of Japan
Action Plan 2008 towards 2010
As a public entity dedicated to promoting lifelong learn-

lication of the OUJ Book Series.

ing, OUJ has been pursuing its mission of providing dis-

In 2009, the newly formulated Action Plan 2010 envisions

tance education via broadcasting for over a quarter century.

some five years ahead. We had a renewed awareness ofWith the current modern society situation characterized by

the Basic Principle and stated Three Master Plans: (1) Re-

such changes as new developments made in information

forms to Improve Student Satisfaction, (2) Educational andtechnology (IT) and the aging of society, OUJ is challenged

Organizational Reform Adapted to the Times, and (3) Fur-in determining what direction to take now.

ther Advances in Internationalization. Based on these Mas-

To meet this challenge, we formulated, and released in

ter Plans, 10 Specific Action Plans were presented. These

2008, our first action plan stating a vision for OUJ five to tenplans serve as guidelines for OUJ for 2010 and thereafter.

years into the future.
In 2008 and 2009, OUJ strove to achieve that plan. Eightof the 12 plan objectives were achieved, including the pub-■ Action Plan 2010: 10 Specific Action Plans
1

Improving the Quality of Education

2

Broadening General Education and Improving the Education System for Acquisition of Qualifications

3

Clarifying and Strengthening Study Center Functions

4

Creating a Learning Community

5

Developing New Course Materials

6

Improving the Quality of Textbooks

7

Implementing IT Literacy Education

8

Reorganizing the Graduate School Program and the Institution of New Programs and Courses

9

Establishing Education and Research Based on Knowledge Circulation Structure

10

Promoting Collaboration in the International Community

Action Plan 2010 pamphlet

BS Digital Broadcasting Start-up
On June 17, 2009, OUJ was accredited by the Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications as a consigned BS
digital broadcaster. The University will commence BS digital
broadcasting on October 1, 2011.
It should be noted that upon the successful launch of BS
digital broadcasting, current CS digital broadcasting (SKYNew Vistas

PerfecTV! SD) service is scheduled to be terminated at theend of March 2012. Preparations are under way, informing
students of the shift for a smooth transition.

OUJ image character Manapie

32

The Open University of Japan in Figures
Student Enrollment

Officials, Faculty Members and(Unit: person)
Administrative Staff
Officials

7

President

1Vice Presidents

3

Faculty Members

92

Administrative Staff

256

Total

357

(Unit: person)

Faculty of Liberal Arts
＊1＊2

Student Type

1st Semester

2nd Semester

Total

Regular Students

6,909

3,554

10,463

One-Year Non-Degree Students

11,498

5,735

17,233

One-Semester Non-Degree Students

6,094

7,407

13,501

Special Auditing Students

1,909

3,758

5,667

Total

26,41020,454

46,864＊3(2009 academic year)(2009 academic year)＊1. Includes President (Trustee) and Vice Presidents (Trustee).
＊2. Includes Vice Presidents (Trustee).
＊3. The sum of the categories will not equal the total,
because the categories overlap

School of Graduate Studies
Student Type

1st Semester

Master’s Course Students

428

-

428

Faculty of Liberal Arts

One-Year Non-Degree Master’s Course Students

2,692

895

3,587

Student Type

Current Students

One-Semester Non-Degree Master’s Course Students

49,697
17,207
7,407
3,758
78,069

830

993

1,823

Regular Students

Total

3,950

1,888

Current Students

One-Year Non-Degree Students
One-Semester Non-Degree Students
Special Auditing Students＊
Total(Unit: person)(as of 2nd semester, 2009 academic year)

Student Type

Current Students

1,239
3,600
993
5,832

One-Year Non-Degree Master’s Course Students
One-Semester Non-Degree Master’s Course Students
Total(as of 2nd semester, 2009 academic year)

Students Enrolled in Summer Intensive Course

Student Types andCurrent Students■ Regular Students

3,600(4.3%)■ One-year
Non-degree Students

993(1.2%)

7,407(8.8%)■ One-semester
Non-degree Students

Total
83,901(100%)■ Special Auditing Students

Current Students■ Master’s Course Students

School Librarianship Certification Program

833
452
1,285

■ One-semester Non-degree
Master’s Course Students

Total

5,838

1,239
(1.5%)
3,758(4.5%)

Student Type
Nurse Qualification Course

Total(2009 academic year)

School of Graduate Studies
Master’s Course Students

2nd Semester

17,207(20.5%)■ One-year Non-degree
Master’s Course Students

49,697(59.2%)(2009 academic year)＊ Special auditing students are those enrolled at other universities
while studying at OUJ under the mutual credit transfer agreements.

Credit-Transferring Schools (Unit: person)
School Type

NumberGraduate Schools

5
235
83
8
331

Universities
Colleges
Higher Professional Schools
Total(as of February 2010)

33

Faculty of Liberal
Arts Alumni(Unit: person)

1st Semester

2nd Semester

Total

1,719

2,916

4,635

Cumulative Total

60,809(2009 academic year)

School of Graduate Studies Alumni(Unit: person)

1st Semester

2nd Semester

Total

Cumulative Total

10

386

396

2,808
(2009 academic year)2-11 Wakaba, Mihama-ku, Chiba-city
261- 8586 Japan
TEL: + 81- 43-276 -5111

October 2010