This project research is intended to study Japanese relations with neighboring Asia, especially East Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as change and continuity of mutual perceptions from the period of late 19th century up to the present time. The following points are mainly discussed:
(1) Prewar Japan's political, economic and cultural relations with nationalism in Asia;
(2) the idea and reality of "return to Asia" which Japan advocated during the "Greater East Asia War";
(3) Japan's postwar efforts in reestablishing her relations with the neighboring Asian nations and contemporary issues including the "history textbook" problem and Japanese perceptions of foreign migration.
Questions included in these studies are treated both theoretically and as actual problems to overcome.

In approaching the above objectives, participants are required, on the basis of the discipline he/she is specialized to develop an interdisciplinary viewpoint. At the same time, if he/she chooses to pursue some theme in a certain specific time period and area in his/her master's research, he/she must make a critical analysis of Japanese and foreign research related to his/her own theme to see if these are questions which have not been fully exploited so far. If the student finds such a theme he/she can go ahead to look for primary and related research materials or tools to develop his/her point.
During the first year, each participant is requested to focus not only on his/her specialized field, but also to develop broadly his/her intellectual scope. In addition, participants are encouraged to take the opportunity to participate in an internship or study abroad.