CA M PUS GUIDE 2024
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Johodai

Regional Businessat a Glance

Faculty of Business Administration and Information Science

ICT : Make Your Future Now

Faculty of Business Administration and Information Science

Department of Business and Information Systems
Business Design

Department of Systems and Informatics
Information Systems
Space Information

Faculty of Medical Informatics

Department of Medical Management and Informatics
Medical Management and Informatics
Clinical Engineering

Faculty of Information Media

Department of Information MediaMedia Design
Media Technology

Faculty of Business Administration and Information Science

School of Distance Learning
Department of Management and Information Networks
Department of Systems and Informatics

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Providing ICT Skills to Help You Succeed“Make a Difference”
⹻㖼䱉㚁㢤㜟Teaching and Learning
Enhanced by Digital Technology
President

Dr. Jun Nishihira

ChairmanAfter graduating from the Department of Medicine at Hokkaido University's School of Medicine
in 1979, Dr. Nishihira worked as an intern at the United States Naval Hospital in Yokosuka,
Japan, and as a lecturer in the Second Department of Internal Medicine at Hokkaido
University's School of Medicine. In 1984, he became a post-doctoral fellow at the
Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, North Carolina. He worked
as a lecturer at the Central Research Institute of Hokkaido University's School of Medicine from 1992, and engaged in research from 1998 as an associate professor in the
Department of Molecular Chemistry at Hokkaido University's Graduate School of Medicine.
Since 2006, he has served as a professor in the Department of Medical Management andInformatics at Hokkaido Information University, becoming vice president in April 2017, andthen president in April 2021.

Toru Matsuo
After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Keio University inTokyo, Toru Matsuo worked at Arthur Andersen & Co., until
becoming the representative director and president of Software
Consultant Corporation (SCC) in 1993. He became a director of theElectronics

Development

Computercollege(eDC) Group in

December 1988, and has since contributed greatly to thedevelopment of Hokkaido Information University, playing a
role

in

its

foundation, as wellVice-President

as opening the School of

Dr. Shigeto Watanabe

Distance Learning and establishing the Graduate School. He
became chairman of the eDC Group in September 1998.

Having completed his doctorate in science in the Graduate School of Science at Tohoku
University in 1984, Dr. Watanabe became an associate professor in the Faculty of Science
there in 1995. In 1998 he became a professor in Hokkaido University's Faculty of Science. He
joined Hokkaido Information University as a professor in the Faculty of Business Administration
and Information Science in 2014, and became professor emeritus at Hokkaido University in2017. From 2017 to 2019 Dr. Watanabe served as chairman of the Society of Geomagnetismand Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences, and became vice-president at Hokkaido Information
University in 2021.

Founding Principle
Hokkaido Information University was founded in 1989 by Dr. Saburo Matsuo,
father of the current eDC Group president and a pioneer of information
education in Japan, whose goal was to create a university with new academic
ﬁelds for an information-oriented society.

Educational Aims

Dean
Faculty of Business Administration
and Information Science

Dean
Faculty of Medical Informatics

Dean
Faculty of Information Media

Prof. Nami Takai

Dr. Toshiya NishibeDr. Shinya Matsui

The goal of Hokkaido Information University (HIU) is to educate new generations of professionals capable ofindependently identifying and addressing problems using information and communication technologies (ICT)
while developing an open mind, self-expression skills, and teamwork competence. To achieve this aim, HIU
seeks students with sound scholastic ability, reasoning skills, and the motivation to both learn and be involved

University Goals

in extracurricular activities. This goal is reﬂected in our Diploma Policy, where six fundamental criteria, which are
the core of the school's educational aims, are listed. Hokkaido Information University strives to graduate

The dawn of the Information Age saw a proliferation of international information systems. With "Information"

students who, by taking courses and engaging in extracurricular activities, will develop and value:as part of our school name, HIU supports the next generation of information and communication technology
professionals, promoting the value of internationalization, innovation, and a sense of humanity. Our nationally• A capacity for lifelong self-learning

recognized School of Distance Learning provides learning opportunities for students across the country. Our• Advanced IT skills and expert knowledge to contribute to the development of an information society

goals as a university are to:• A deep sense of humanity, including international awareness and morals• Solid communication, expression and presentation skills● train highly skilled information specialists• Skills to independently identify and solve problems using IT● provide access to any students wanting to learn, either on-campus or oﬀ-campus• Wisdom to live by● oﬀer a liberal arts education that develops an international awareness and sense of humanity● create and maintain regional collaboration between academia and industry

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2Faculties, Departments and Courses:
An Overview

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University (HIU)

Learning

Electronics Development
Computer College (eDC)(10 vocational
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Industry

Research

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Education &Passion

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Software Consultant
Space Engineering
Corporation (SCC) Development Co (SED)

Hokkaido Institute ofInformation Technology (HiiT)

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Available Courses

Hokkaido Information University (HIU) is a member of the Electronics Development Computer college (eDC)

The three faculties oﬀer a total of ﬁfteen specialist ﬁeld designed for the needs of people wishing to embark on

Group. The eDC Group is comprised of industrial, educational and research organizations. These include:

careers in these areas, or those desiring to further reﬁne already-acquired skills. The Department of Business andSoftware Consultant Corporation (SCC), a software company that develops both business and educational

Information Systems oﬀers two dedicated ﬁeld, focusing on developing abilities, identifying opportunities andsoftware; Space Engineering Development Co., Ltd. (SED), which is at the forefront of space development

exploring digital business. The sister Department of Systems and Informatics oﬀers a further four ﬁelds which

activities in Japan; and Hokkaido Institute of Information Technology (HiiT), a research center involved with

provide the next generation of software engineers and IT professionals with essential skills. The Department ofsatellite-based communications networking and multimedia systems development. These organizations are

Medical Management oﬀers four speciﬁc information-based ﬁelds. The Department of Information Media

characterized by the three domains of systems development, space development, and IT education. Because

covers a wide spectrum of topics including ﬁve specialty ﬁelds, ranging from Graphic Design to Mobile Appli-of its aﬃliation with these IT research-based organizations, HIU oﬀers a curriculum and learning environment

cations to Video & Animation. See the appropriate pages for further details.

that encompass new technology and are relevant to industry.
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Department of
Systems and Informatics

Department of
Business and Information Systems

Study Networking, Security, and Artificial Intelligence

The Business Design and Regional Business majors create business professionals with a strong

The information systems that enable IT services themselves rely upon fundamental technologies

command of information and communication technology. Upon a foundation of theory including

such as networking, security, and databases. As applications of artiﬁcial intelligence rapidly

management, economics, accounting, law, and more, students learn about the architecture andadvance, understanding the underlying mechanisms of AI is crucial to delve beyond superﬁcial

potential of digital businesses actually deployed on the market, and explore their ever-expand-utilization. The faculty of these programs comprises researchers in these ﬁelds, who oﬀer

ing potential and appeal.

lectures ranging from fundamental subjects to the latest technologies.

Recognizing the Value of Technology to Refine Management Mindsets

Emphasis on Practical Exercises with Hands-on Computing

New styles of business are created by leveraging ICT (Information and Communication Technology). For

Even with excellent lectures, it can be diﬃcult to truly master skills and knowledge throughinstance, IoT (Internet of Things) is poised to redeﬁne expectations for household appliances. The signiﬁ-

classwork and textbooks alone. That is why we incorporate many opportunities to put newcance of education at Johodai, with a core focus on

knowledge into practice with hands-on computing exercises. Network access is provided, so

information , truly lies in such aspects. In today scontext, conceptualizing business directly contributes to corporate development. Future leaders withsuch vision and skills are highly sought by industry.

Practical Foundations for Future Specialization
At HIU, students select their majors in the second year of study. To foster the ability to discern valuable
information, courses encourage broader points of view, strengthen logical reasoning skills, and cultivate
critical thinking. Throughout their four years, students are continuously exposed to classes which
promote multicultural understanding and develop excellent global awareness.

that students may use laptops to access class materials and their own project ﬁles.

Learn Highly-sought, Real-world Skills and Obtain Qualifications
Our curriculum and lesson plans are carefully designed in recognition of the importance of boththeoretical understanding and practical skills, complemented by excellent communication abilities, to achieve success in today s world. For example, we provide many opportunities for practical experience, conduct PBL (Project-Based Learning) hands-on group work lessons, with astrong focus on learner-centered education.

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Business Design Major

Regional Business Major

Business Design

Regional Business

These ﬁelds develop skills to organize, manage,and orient businesses towards success by analyzing information with the latest technologies, suchas artiﬁcial intelligence. While broadly learningbusiness fundamentals, students will have many
opportunities to test their new skills in practicalsimulations. We aim to create professionals withbusiness design skills, which are highly sought invarious industries.

Strong understanding of local regional issues
forms the foundation to acquire the knowledge
and skills needed to create new businesses
through a combination of advanced, ICT-derived approaches and ﬂexible thinking. These
courses create professionals who can turnproblems into business opportunities which canrevitalize local regions.

Information Systems Major
System Engineering
This ﬁeld fosters next-generation system specialists with mastery of a wide range of knowledge and skills essential for information system design, architecture, and operation.

Artificial IntelligenceThis ﬁeld fosters AI engineers with expertise in AI theory, anddata scientists who are capable of analyzing big data andextracting information for business applications.

Network Security
This ﬁeld fosters experts with in-depth knowledge and skills to
succeed in areas such as system architecture and monitoring.

Space Information Major
Space Information
Systems
This ﬁeld provides knowledge and skills essential for space exploration and utilization of
space information, such as development ofhigh-quality, high-reliability software to control
satellite operations, and remote sensing technologies to receive signals from satellites.

・

Spa ce I nfo r m at i o n

Re g i o n a l B u s i n es s・・

I nfo r m at i o n Sy s tem s

B us i n es s D es i g n・Truly Useful Skills Focused on the Businesses of the Future6

Department ofInformation Media

Department of Medical
Management and Informatics

Combine ICT with Medicine and
Healthcare for even Greater Future Possibilities
Informatics adds medicine and healthcare studies to our long- cherished history of excellent

Faculty includes active creators such as movie directors, ﬁlmmakers, web designers, and game programmers, together withresearchers in cutting-edge ﬁelds such as AI and security, who provide education focused on real-world learning experiences.

experts throughout the ﬁeld of healthcare, and likewise, engineers with healthcare expertise

Freedom to Explore Courses Outside of the Major or Specialization

are actively sought by the ICT industry as it strives to provide higher- quality systems that will

Most courses may be taken by any student, regardless of major or ﬁeld of specialization. Students are free to focus theirprofessionals who will play critical future roles in the intersection of ICT and healthcare.

interests on a single ﬁeld, or learn skills in multiple ﬁelds, freely exploring the path of education towards their own goals.

According to their goals, students may select courses distributed across five fields.
Design Major

Technology Major

Master Real-world Skills Crucial for Clinical Engineers of the FutureThis major provides instruction in highly-specialized medical ﬁelds such as clinical engineering

Media Data
Scienceand medicine, together with HIU s acclaimed ICT education. Leveraging HIU s considerable ICT
education expertise will create clinical engineering professionals who are perfectly matched toInternet
Media

Interactive
Media &
Games

Sound &
Video

near-future needs.

Medical Information Major

Technology
Major

Broadly-structured curricula incorporate subjects such as AI and IoT to create systems engineers specializing in advanced
medical informatics.

Medical Care Informatics Management

Health Information Science

Clinical Engineering

Progressing from fundamentals to advanced applications, we will methodically accumulate knowledge in three domains:
information, medical care / medicine, and medical care systems.

Health Information Science
Based on medical fundamentals, we will systematically study the relationship between food function and human health,including interaction with disease, enabling students to obtain qualiﬁcation as a Functional Food Consultant.

Clinical Engineering Major
Clinical Engineering Technologist
This ﬁeld aims for success in the Clinical Engineer Technologist national qualiﬁcation exam through a blend of studies inmedicine, engineering, and information to develop knowledge from fundamentals through to practical applications.

apps, students develop skill s needed toprecisely handle and convey information.

DesignMajor

Fro m d e s i g n f u n d a m e n t a l s , t h i s m aj o r
progresses to project-based learning focusing
on practical challenges. Through media suchas video and graphics, students develop theplanning and expression skills to accurately
and compellingly convey information to theiraudiences.

Interactive Media &Games

Students will learn development methodology of interactive systems that incorporate VR/AR,
and take this knowledge further to study the design and production of games based on thesetechnologies.

Sound &
Video

Studies include the principles and techniques for expression and production of 3D CG, graphics, and animation. Additionally, students will explore areas such as sound production techniques, media art design and production.

Graphics &UI/UX Design

Studies will cover the knowledge and skills for graphic design of media such as posters andmagazines, as well as design for advertising, packaging, and more. Throughout the curriculum,
this ﬁeld emphasizes design based on understanding of UI/UX.

Media Data
Science

Students will learn to visualize and analyze big data obtained from various sensors, as well asfrom audio, graphics, and video. This ﬁeld further explores methods to leverage this data forpractical applications such as AI.

Internet Media

Topics will span website planning and production to server architecture methods, as well as
security systems to facilitate their reliable and safe operation.

・・Media Technology

Medical Informatics Engineering

Starting with fundamentals such as programm i n g e x e r c i s e s , t h i s m aj o r e v o l v e s i n t o
project-based learning focusing on practicalchallenges. Through creation of games andGraphics &UI/UX Design

Media Design

Health Information Management

Medical Informatics Technology
7balance between theory and practice, we develop truly practical skills.

A Faculty of Active Creators and Researchers

support the future of the healthcare ﬁeld. The Medical Information Major is a stage to create・ ・Without practical skills, knowledge alone is not enough to achieve success in society. Through a curriculum that emphasizes a

The Medical Information Major oﬀered by HIU s Department of Medical Management andinformation and communication technolog y (ICT) education. There is high demand for ICT・ ・Combining Theory and Practice to Develop Truly Practical Skills

8Graduate School of Business
Administration and Information Science“Follow Your Dreams”
A Place to Study and
Make Friends
Located just 20 kilometers from Sapporo, Johodai issituated in Ebetsu, near three other universities. The
campus is easily accessed by express bus, train, caror subway and local bus. The majority of students arefrom Hokkaido, but also come from as far away as
Okinawa.

Social andSports Events and Clubs

Aiming to become specialists in our fields,with advanced expertise and the skills to pioneer a new generation.

There are more than 46 student-run clubs and circles

HIU s Graduate School cultivates specialized knowledge and skills through research activity. Over the course of two years,
students will obtain a minimum of 30 credits, including publication of a master s thesis, to be granted a Master s Degree

at HIU. These social groups are diverse, including a

in Business Information Studies. Research is focused on the four ﬁelds listed below.

guitar circle, a desktop music group, an app development club, and a baseball team. Additionally, HIU

No restrictions on age or nationality.
All with passionate intellectual curiosity may apply.
Enrolment is open to general university graduates or expected graduates, as well as selected working professionals with
two years or more of social experience after university graduation. Special selections are also conducted for foreignexchange students. We are committed to encouraging the intellectual curiosity of more and more people as we foster an
inclusive, diverse, and globally rich student body into professionals for a new generation.

hosts a university festival and an intermural sports
carnival annually over two-day periods.

Embracing
Mobile Technology
HIU promotes IT-based active mobile learning. To thisMa s te r’s D e g ree Co u r se・

Digital Business Management
Creating Highly-specialized Professionals to Lead a New Era of BusinessThis ﬁeld develops practical and research skills for future leaders who understand the essentials of digital business,
expanding students' ability to draw up business proposals and manage development projects.

end, it furnishes laptop computers to all s t u d e n t s .
Mobilelearning

noto n lye n h a n ce s

students'

access to learning materials but also helps themdevelop a familiarity with technology that is essential
to daily life in today's workforce.

System Design
Completely Master the Potential of Systems, Networks, and Information Processing

International Programs

Extensively researching practical system design technology, network technology, and information processing
technology, this program provides knowledge and skills leading to national qualiﬁcations in each area. We
maximize the value of our superior practical environments to produce specialist professionals whose skills are

HIU maintains relations and agreements with 11 universi-

ﬁrmly backed by theory.

ties in 6 countries. Programs include student exchange,

Medical & Healthcare IT

study abroad, language study, faculty exchange andcollaborative research.

Leveraging Medical and Health Information to Provide Solutions to Society’s Needs
This program aims to cultivate Healthcare Information Experts ‒ advanced professionals who will shape the futureof society. Studies provide cutting-edge specialized knowledge and analytical skills in the rapidly digitizing ﬁeld of
medical and healthcare, including digitization of medical diagnoses and utilization of big data in medical andhealth information.

Creative Media
Pioneering New Areas in Information MediaWe focus on elevating information technology and media knowledge and skills, creating information media professionals capable of producing imaginative and innovative content. We explore practical creation in areas such asimage processing, video, still images, knowledge-based media, intelligent media, and media design.

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A Final WordHIU s ﬁrst President (1989〜1998) Dr. Shigenori Kinoshita wrote, いつも自分自身で考えてもらいたい(Itsumo jibun jishin de kangaete moraitai), which translates as I want you to always think for yourselves . Good advice indeed!
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