Research Centers and Institutes

The Keio University Art Center (KUAC) is Keio University's only research institute specializing in the arts. Designated as a museum-equivalent facility, its gallery (1F South Annex, Mita Campus) hosts exhibitions throughout the year. KUAC also engages with contemporary issues in the arts through a range of activities, including research seminars, performances, and other events; the development of archives; and the promotion of research-oriented use of art materials both in Japan and internationally. (Mita)

The Keio Institute of Cultural and Linguistic Studies promotes research on the world's languages, the cultures and thought of diverse regions and eras, as well as linguistics and linguistic theory. It offers courses in up to 12 languages—including Sanskrit, Arabic, Ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, and Thai—covering languages not available through the Faculty's regular curriculum. (Mita)

The Research Center for Foreign Language Education is a research institute dedicated to taking a comprehensive, university-wide view of foreign language education at Keio. In addition to advancing research in foreign language education, the Center offers distinctive language courses and self-directed learning resources, supporting students who aim to develop language proficiency for the global stage. (Mita/Hiyoshi)

The Teacher Training Center administers the teacher training program and conducts research on teacher education. Students register with the center (approximately 300–400 new registrants each year) and complete the required coursework to earn credits toward a standard teaching license for junior high school and senior high school. (Mita)

The Keio Research Center for Liberal Arts was established to advance research on liberal arts education across a broad range of disciplines. It offers programs across faculties, including research on university curricula; experimental courses exploring new forms of knowledge through the body and language, with the aim of cultivating linguistic ability; and an academic skills program that equips students with the skills and critical thinking needed for scholarly and intellectual pursuits. (Hiyoshi)

Serving as the hub for international exchange, the International Center facilitates researcher and student exchanges with partner institutions worldwide. It supports international students at Keio and Keio students wishing to study abroad, and also operates short-term overseas study programs. The Center also offers approximately 80 courses per year taught in English under the designation "International Center Courses." (Mita)

The Center for Global Interdisciplinary Courses (GIC) was established with the primary objective of developing interdisciplinary and international talent. In GIC courses, all components—lectures, Q&A sessions, discussions, assignments, and examinations—are conducted entirely in English (or in another foreign language). Approximately 80 GIC courses and 400 GIC accredited courses are offered across 4 campuses and are available to all undergraduate students. Students who acquire 40 or more credits for GIC courses are awarded the GIC certificate in recognition of their efforts. (Hiyoshi)

Founded on the collection donated by Takakichi Aso, the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko) holds approximately 170,000 volumes, including Japanese and Chinese texts and foundational research works. As a research institute specializing in East Asian classical bibliography and bibliographical studies, it conducts field surveys of Sino-Japanese texts in Japan and abroad, produces reproductions through microfilm and digital photography, and carries out comparative textual collation. (Mita)

The Fukuzawa Memorial Institute for Modern Japanese Studies was established to contribute to the study of modern Japan, with a particular focus on Yukichi Fukuzawa and Keio University. It collects, organizes, and preserves materials related to the history of Fukuzawa and Keio, conducts research on Fukuzawa's students and other Keio graduates, and offers institute-affiliated courses and public lectures. (Mita)

The Institute of East Asian Studies promotes interdisciplinary joint research to advance East Asian studies through domestic and international networks. To this end, it engages in academic exchange with research institutions and scholars in Japan and abroad, pursuing historical research and contemporary analysis alongside basic and applied research in an integrated, multi-layered approach. The institute houses the Center for Contemporary China Studies and the Center for Contemporary Korean Studies. (Mita)

The Center for Japanese Studies was established to advance Japanese language and culture education for international students. The Center operates the Bekka (Japanese Language Program) and Japanese language courses offered as a second foreign language for undergraduates. It also cooperates with the Japanese Language Education program in the Major in Japanese Literature at the Graduate School of Letters. Approximately 180 international students are currently enrolled in the Bekka program. (Mita)

The Institute for Journalism, Media & Communication Studies is dedicated to research and education in media and communications. For research students, it offers foundational courses; courses on mass media systems, law, policy, and history; and practitioner-led classes in journalism, broadcasting, and advertising. Participation in a research seminar is required for all research students. (Mita)

The Institute of Physical Education is dedicated to research and education in health, exercise, and sports. It also organizes sports tournaments, lectures, and other events for students, faculty, and staff to promote athletic engagement. In addition to physical education courses, the institute contributes to experiential and inspirational education initiatives for local residents. (Hiyoshi)

The Research and Education Center for Natural Sciences aims to promote research and education in the natural sciences, contribute to global civilization, and continually enhance the quality of its scholarly endeavors. It conducts research and educational activities in the natural sciences across faculties, campuses, and research fields, as well as in collaboration with Keio's affiliated schools. (Hiyoshi)