The Osaka municipal government has started discussions with Tongji University, a prestigious national university in Shanghai, on hosting a branch of the Chinese university in fiscal 2007, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
According to the city, the Chinese university has reacted positively to the offer. The two parties are currently discussing the size of the school, its location and curriculum.
If the project is realized, it will be the first branch of a Chinese university to open in Japan.
Shanghai is the largest economic power in China, and is planning to host a world exposition in 2010.
Osaka hopes to attract professors familiar with Chinese business practices in an attempt to help Osaka-based firms launch businesses in China.
Tongji University, which celebrated its centennial earlier this year, has about 40,000 students enrolled at its various colleges. Held in high esteem in China, the university has a reputation for excellence in such fields as science, technology, architecture, civil engineering and urban planning.
Osaka stresses the importance of attracting universities as part of the city's revitalization process, and initially made its offer to the Chinese university in 2004, when Osaka and Shanghai marked the 30th anniversary of becoming sister cities.
Since then, Osaka has promoted exchanges with the university by inviting professors from the university to host various symposiums.
Although faculty types and student numbers have yet to be decided, discussions are under way to ensure the curriculum includes classes on Chinese language and business practices.
Among prospective locations for the satellite campus are Osaka Ekimae Buildings, a group of commercial and office buildings near JR Osaka Station that are partly owned by the city, and a privately owned building near the city hall.
The city expects the branch will promote exchanges and build up networks useful for promoting businesses.There also is a plan to conduct joint research with Ritsumeikan University and other universities in the Kansai region.
The Chinese university expects its reputation to be enhanced with the move, and human exchanges with Japanese firms will be especially encouraged.
Osaka currently hosts satellite campuses of 23 domestic universities.
Last month, it was announced that Keio University would establish a base next spring to give seminars on graduate school courses in Osaka.
(Feb. 12, 2007)
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20070212TDY02005.htm
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