APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
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PhD Asia Pacific Studies Faculty

  • *1M: Master's Thesis Advising, D: Doctoral Dissertation Advising
  • *2Please note: Seminar courses may not be offered every year.

【Current as of Oct 26, 2022】

Divisions

  • Professor

    BUI Thanh Huong

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD (Tourism Management), Griffith University
    MBA (International Business), Waseda University
    MA (Tourism Management), Griffith University
    Research Fields
    Human Geography, Social Psychology, Tourism Management and Development, Sustainability and Resilience
    Biography
    Professor Bui completed her master’s in Tourism Management and International Management before completing her Ph.D. at Griffith University in Australia. Her current academic societies include the European Association for Southeast Asian Studies and the Australia and New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies (ANZALS).
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    GHOTBI Nader

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD (Modern Economics), Kyoto University
    MD, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
    Research Fields
    Public Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics, Environmental Economics, Ethics and Philosophy, Bioethics
    Biography
    Professor Ghotbi received a Medical Doctorate from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 1992 before enrolling at Kyoto University to complete a PhD in Modern Economics with a focus on health economics and environmental economics. He is a member of the Asian Bioethics Association, an editor for a peer-reviewed public health journal, and a reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed academic journals on bioethics and public health. He is currently engaged in research in public health, environmental ethics and economics, and ethics of artificial intelligence (AI).
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    HAN Ji

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    DEng (Infrastructure Planning), Nagoya University
    MEng (Environmental Science and Engineering), Tongji University
    BEng (Environmental Science and Engineering), Dalian Maritime University
    Research Fields
    Urban Ecology, Material Metabolism, Low-carbon City/Transport, Livable City, Circular Economy, Ecosystem Services, GIS and Remote Sensing
    Biography
    After obtaining a PhD in Engineering from Nagoya University in Japan, Professor Han worked as a research fellow at the Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S) at the University of Tokyo, a full-time assistant professor at Nagoya University, a professor at the School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and as the head of the Global Institute for Urban and Regional Sustainability at East China Normal University before joining APU in 2022.
    Han specializes in climate change, resource management, and urban ecology. He has published numerous papers and received academic awards in these fields. In recent years, the professor has served as an editorial board member and guest editor for several top-ranked academic journals, such as Landscape and Urban Planning and Journal of Urban Ecology. In addition, he actively contributes to society with his research while serving as the deputy director of the Landscaping & City Appearance Administrative Bureau of Putuo District in Shanghai, China.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    IGUCHI Yufu

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Humanities), Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
    MA (International Studies), Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
    Research Fields
    Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Southeast Asian Studies (Malaysian Studies), Intellectual History
    Biography
    Professor Iguchi holds a PhD in Humanities from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and served as a visiting scholar at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & University College Dublin Malaysia Campus in 2018. Her research interests include the female body and sexuality and the formation of the national subject. Currently, Iguchi is conducting research on female genital cutting in Southeast Asia. Her work has been published in both English and Japanese.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    JONES Thomas Edward

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD (Agriculture), University of Tokyo
    Research Fields
    Environmental Policy, Nature-Based Tourism, Protected Areas, Regional Development
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    KASEDA Yoshinori

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. in Political Science, Northern Illinois University
    Research Fields
    Politics, International Relations
    Biography
    Professor Kaseda received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Northern Illinois University. His current research fields are Japanese Foreign Policy, Security Studies, and International Politics with a regional focus on East Asia. He has written extensively on Japan’s foreign policy toward North Korea, South Korea, China and the United States.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    KIKKAWA Takuro

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (International Relations), Ritsumeikan University
    Research Fields
    Politics, Area Studies, International Relations
    Biography
    Professor Kikkawa received his Ph.D. in International Relations from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. He instructs under the International Public Administration (IPA) division and his current research fields are Politics and Area Studies. He is currently a member of the International Studies Association, the Japan Association for Middle East Studies and the Japan Association for Comparative Politics. He has written multiple books and research papers on the middle east; chiefly in regards to politics, security and social movements.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    KIM Sangho

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. in Economics, Michigan State University
    MA in Economics, Sogang University
    BA in Economics, Sogang University
    Research Fields
    Theoretical Economics, Econometrics, Applied Economics, Economic Policy
    Biography
    He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from Michigan State University in 1990. His research interests are economic development, international trade, and productivity. His work has been published in Contemporary Economic Policy, Review of Development Economics, Asian Economic Journal, and many other PRJs. Research projects include those conducted with international organizations such as ADB, APEC, and MPC. Prior to his appointment at APU in 2012, he worked at Honam University in Korea. He currently sits on the editorial board of several academic journals in Korea, including International Economics Studies, Economics Studies, and Journal of Market Economy.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    KIMURA Rikio

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Doctor of Education, University of Sussex
    Master of Arts, Regent University
    Master of Science, Michigan State University
    Bachelor in Social Sciences, Mie University
    Research Fields
    Social Welfare and Social Work Studies, Area Studies, Sociology of Education, Education
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    LI Yan

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Doctor of Engineering, Kyoto University
    Master of Science, East China Normal University
    Bachelor of Science, Nanjing University
    Research Fields
    Environmental Policy, City Planning, Regional Planning, Traffic Engineering, Social System Engineering
    Biography
    Professor Li received her Bachelor’s degree in City Planning from Nanjing University and Master of Science in Urban Geography from East China Normal University before obtaining her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Kyoto University. She served as an assistant in the Engineering Department of Ritsumeikan University before working at Fukuyama Consultants Co., Ltd. as a researcher; she has been at APU since 2000. She teaches under the Sustainability Science division. Her current research fields are Environmental Policy, City Planning, and Traffic Engineering. She currently is a member of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, the City Planning Institute of Japan and the GIS Association of Japan.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    MANTELLO Peter A.

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD, Aristotle University
    MFA (Media Arts), Concordia University
    BFA (Film Production), Concordia University
    BA (Asian Studies), Carleton University
    Research Fields
    Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots, Human-Machine Relations, Emotional AI, Malicious AI, Surveillance Systems, Predictive Policing, Videogame Theory, Conflict Media
    Biography
    Professor Mantello holds a PhD from Aristotle University in Greece and a Master of Fine Arts from Concordia University in Canada. He is an award-winning and internationally recognized photographer, filmmaker, and game designer, with his work having been exhibited in museums and exhibitions around the world. He is the recipient of numerous research grants from the Japanese government and over a dozen artistic grants from the Canadian government.

    Mantello combines theory and real-world practice in his research, focusing on the intersection between new technologies and popular culture. He is a leading expert in the field of emotional artificial intelligence and has been extensively published in major international journals, such as AI and Society (Springer Nature), Media, War and Conflict (Sage), Technology in Society (Elsevier), HSSCOMS (Nature), Big Data and Society (Sage), the Australian Journal of International Affairs (Taylor & Francis), and the American Journal of Economics and Sociology (Wiley).
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    MEIRMANOV Serik

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Medical Sciences), Nagasaki University Medical School
    Research Fields
    General Life Science, Social Psychology, Human Genetics, Human Pathology, Public Hygiene Studies/Health Science
    Biography
    Professor Meirmanov received his Ph.D in Medical Sciences from the Nagasaki University Medical School. His research fields are General Life Science, Social Psychology, Human Genetics, Human Pathology and Public Hygiene Studies/Health Science. Before coming to APU, Professor Meirmanov was an assistant professor at Nagasaki Medical School. He is licensed for General Surgery as well as a Medical Doctor. He has written a plethora of research papers as well as a few books.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    NATSUDA Kaoru

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D in Economics, The University of Sydney
    MA in International Development Studies, The University of Bradford
    Research Fields
    International Development Studies, International Political Economy, Economic Policy, Industrial Development, Rural and Community Development, Automotive Industry, Apparel Industry
    Biography
    He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Sydney, Australia and a master’s degree in International Development Studies from the University of Bradford, UK. He was a vising scholar at Institute of East Asian Studies, Charles University in Prague in 2015-2016. His research interests are the political economy and economic development in Asia and Eastern Europe. His work has been published in Review of International Political Economy, European Journal of Development Research, Global Networks, Canadian Journal of Development Studies, Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies, and other PRJs. He serves on the senior associate editor for PSU Research Review (Emerald Publishing) and the editorial board for International Journal of Development Issues (Emerald Publishing). Prior to his appointment at APU, he worked for Ernst & Young as an International Consultant and for Hitachi Metals as a Production Controller.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    OTSUKA Kozo

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (School of Economics), University of Sydney
    Research Fields
    Applied Economics
    Biography
    He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Sydney in 2011. His research interests are endogenous growth theory and empirical analysis of innovation and technology, with a special interest in analysing knowledge spillovers, utilising patent statistics. In recent years, he has been part of a project analysing the automotive industry in South East Asian economies. His work has been published in Applied Economics Letters, Singapore Economic Review, Asian Economic Journal, and other PRJs. Prior to his appointment at APU, he was a lecturer in the College of Economics at Ritsumeikan University.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    PISHVA Davar

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. in System Engineering, Mie University
    Master of Science, Ateneo de Manila University
    Bachelor of Science, University of the Philippines
    Research Fields
    Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), Simulation and Modeling (SaM), Decision Science (DS)
    Biography
    Professor Pishva received his Ph.D. degree in System Engineering from Mie University, Japan. He has been serving APU since 2007 and currently teaches under the Sustainability Science division. His recent teaching focus includes Technology Management, Environmental Modeling and Analysis, Structured Decision Making, and Geographic Information System. The focus of his recent research includes Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), Simulation and Modeling (SaM), Decision Science (DS) and Information Security (IS). He has recently published a number of articles, book chapters and international patents. He has also been active in numerous academic societies and has been serving IEEE as a Senior Member for more than a decade now.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    SATO Yoichiro

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Political Science), University of Hawaii
    Research Fields
    Politics, International Relations
    Biography
    Professor Sato graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Ph.D. in Political Science. At APU, he teaches under the International Relations Division, and his research fields are Politics and International Relations. Professor Sato has authored many books and papers, most of which focus on the Indo-Pacific
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    SHIMOMURA Ken-Ichi

    Graduate Advising *1
    M,D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Economics), University of Rochester
    Research Fields
    Economic Theory, Industrial Organization
    Biography
    Professor Shimomura received his Ph.D. in Economic Theory from the University of Rochester. His current specialized fields are Microeconomics, Experimental Economics, and Industrial Organization. Prior to his appointment at APU, he taught at Kobe University, Osaka University and Kyoto University. His research has been published in various journals.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    SUZUKI Yasushi

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD in Economics, University of London
    LLM in International Economic Law, Birkbeck, University of London
    MSc (with Distinction) in Economics with reference to South Asia, SOAS, University of London
    B.A. in Political Science, Waseda University
    Research Fields
    Fiscal Studies/Finance Theory, Theoretical Economics, Institutional Economics, Political Economy

    Doctoral supervision available only for students that have completed their master's thesis under the professor's supervision

    Biography
    He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from University of London, SOAS in 2009, LLM in International Economic Law from University of London, Birkbeck in 2011 and Msc (distinction) in Economics with reference to South Asia from University of London, SOAS in 1999, respectively. His research interests are the institutional political economy of financial development, comparative financial systems, and economic philosophy. His work has been published in Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, Journal of Comparative Asian Development and Journal of Global Ethics, International Journal of Islamic Finance and Business Management, and many other PRJs. He has been a co-editor of a special issue of the International Journal of Financial Service Management on the Future of Islamic Banking. Prior to his appointment at APU, he worked for the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan (LTCB) including assignments as Vice President for customer relations at LTCB Central Asia in Indonesia, Vice President for loan syndication at LTCB Singapore Branch, and Deputy General Manager for loan syndication at LTCB New York Branch.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    TODOROKI Hiroshi

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Geography), Seoul National University
    Research Fields
    Geography, Area Studies, Human Geography
    Biography
    Professor Todoroki graduated with his Ph.D. in Geography from Seoul National University. He currently teaches under Tourism and Hospitality, while his current research field is Geography, Area Studies, and Human Geography.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    VAFADARI M. Kazem

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Asia Pacific Studies), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
    MA, Theoretical Economics
    Research Fields
    Cultural Heritage Management, Ecotourism, Agriculture Heritage Tourism, Community Based Tourism and Rural Tourism
    Biography
    Tourism destinations vary greatly from urban to rural settings and from artificial structures to remote locations in nature. This diversity results in demand for knowledge in various subfields of tourism and related skills. Such subfields include natural environment studies, human resource management, economics, and socio-cultural issues, knowledge of which assists our graduates in contributing to sustainable tourist destinations based on available resources. Today, tourism and hospitality are among the top grossing global industries, and attract individuals from both academia and the business world in order to manage the tourism industry and its socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts.”
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    YAMAGATA Tatsufumi

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. in Economics, University of Rochester
    Research Fields
    Development Economics, Textile Industry, Bangladeshi Economy, Health and Development, Disability and Development
    Biography
    Professor Yamagata was a researcher of the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan, from 1988-2018 and was a visiting research fellow of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies from 2000-2001. He has also been engaged in the evaluation of Japan's ODA on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan as a chief evaluator eight times since 2006. In addition, he was an Affiliate Member of the Science Council of Japan from 2008-2014. Now, while teaching Development Economics and Development Studies at APU, he is serving for the Japan Society for International Development as its president (-2020).
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    YAMASHITA Hiromi

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. Univesity of Birmingham
    Research Fields
    Environmental Sociology, Environmental Communication, Public Participation in Decision Making, Coastal Wetlands Restoration Projects, Ramsar Convention and Local Implementation
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    YOSHIDA Kaori

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D., University of British Columbia
    Master of Arts, University of Calgary
    Master of Education, Fukuoka University of Education
    Research Fields
    Media Studies (Representation Politics: Gender, Ethnicity, Nation), Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Comparative Culture Studies
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    YOSHIMATSU Hidetaka

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD in International Relations, Australian National University
    MA in International Relations, Warwick University
    LL.B., Kyushu University
    Research Fields
    International Relations, International Political Economy, Regional Studies (East Asia)
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Professor

    YOTSUMOTO Yukio

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Sociology), University of Kentucky
    Research Fields
    Sociology, Tourism
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Associate Professor

    LE Hoang Anh Thu

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD (Anthropology), Australian National University
    Research Fields
    Cultural Anthropology, Folklore Studies
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Associate Professor

    MATSUO Yuji

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Social Systems), National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
    Master's, The University of Tokyo
    Faculty of Science, The University of Tokyo
    Research Fields
    Energy System Analysis, Energy Policy Analysis, Climate Change Countermeasures, Sustainable Society
    Biography
    Professor Matsuo holds a Ph.D. in Social Systems Analysis from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. He is a visiting researcher at the Institute of Energy Economics in Japan. His current research filed includes quantum beam science, sound material-cycle social systems, and environmental policy and social systems, and his work has been published in serval journals.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Associate Professor

    ROTHMAN Steven B.

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D., University of Oregon
    Master of Science, University of Oregon
    Bachelor of Arts, University of Delaware
    Research Fields
    International Relations Theory, International Policy Making, International Environmental Policy, Subject Pedagogy
    Biography
    Professor Rothman received his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. He works under the International Relations division. His current research fields are International Relations, International Policy Making, International Environmental Policy Subject Pedagogy. Hehas published articles on soft power, decision making, research methodology, and pedagogy. He recently co-edited a book on geo-strategy in the Asia Pacific.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Associate Professor

    SUN Yiyang

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D. (Hospitality and Tourism Management), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    MSc (International Tourism & Convention Management), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    BA (Hotel, Restaurant, & Resort Management), Northwood University
    Research Fields
    Information Network, Web Informatics, Service Informatics, Management, Commerce
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Associate Professor

    VYAS Utpal

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    Ph.D (International Relations) University of Sheffield
    MSc, (East Asian Political Economy), University of Sheffield
    LLB, (Law) University of Birmingham
    Research Fields
    Area Studies (East Asia), Area Studies (European Union), Politics, International Relations, Political Economy
    Biography
    Professor Vyas received his PhD from the University of Sheffield. His research interests include political economy and international relations of Japan and China as well as regional issues in Asia and Europe. He has authored or edited several books, chapters and articles on these topics. He teaches in the International Relations division at APU.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Associate Professor

    YAMAURA Koichi

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD (Economics), Kansas State University
    Research Fields
    Food and Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics
    Biography
    Professor Yamaura is currently researching consumer behavior e.g., analyzing consumer preferences toward foods and country-of-origin after the Great East Japan Earthquake using surveys. He is also looking at food system analysis, e.g., estimating market power on food systems under various conditions, and socio-economic analysis, e.g., assessing the indirect socio-economic impacts of global warming.
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

  • Associate Professor

    YOUN Seung Ho

    Graduate Advising *1
    M, D
    Degree
    PhD (Psychology), University of Surrey
    Research Fields
    Tourism Studies, Social Psychology
    Research Activities
    Faculty Information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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