Faculty members
IMAI Akiko / Professor / SWU Global Business Department Dean
Main courses:
Sustainability and Business, Global Governance, Fundamentals of International Affairs, Leadership in Practice
Research interests:
Political science, Global issues
Education:
MPA, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Career:
Board member, Japan Echo Inc.; Board member, Tokyo Foundation; Editor of international publications, Japan Foundation.
Message:
I have been involved in various tasks related to the “international community and Japan” for about 30 years as an editor of Japan Echo, an English-language opinion magazine and the Japan Foundation, and as a director of a policy think tank Tokyo Foundation. Meanwhile, as the global community went through many occurrences including the end of the Cold War, the spread of the Internet, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the large-scale disasters like the Great Tohoku Earthquake, the role of the nations and citizens has changed drastically. In a world full of diversity and change, I am researching what responsibilities and roles corporations, governments, and citizens are anticipated to have to avoid unexpected negative impacts, from the perspective of adaptive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.
At my seminar, students obtain skills of international public relations by creating an English website Palette to introduce socio-economic issues of Japan. I hope the students of SWU Business Design Department to hone their knowledge and skills and build a better society with their own hands, rather than leaving this important task to somebody else.
HONGO Akashi / Professor / Department Chair
Main courses:
Fundamentals of Finance, Fundamentals of Accounting, Philosophy of Management and Business Ethics
Research interests:
Corporate Finance, Corporate Valuation
Education:
Ph.D. International Christian University, M.B.A. International University of Japan, B.A. Keio University
Career:
Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan Representative for Stern Stewart, Corporate Officer at Recruit Management Solutions Co., Associate Professor and Distinguished Scholar at Temple University
Message
I started my business career at a traditional Japanese company, and I led the consulting practice in Japan and served as country representative for a global consulting firm. Then, I had been in charge of planning, accounting, human resource, legal, compliance, general affairs, international business development and supply chain management as a corporate officer at another Japanese company. Simultaneously, I earned a Ph.D. and started teaching at Temple University, Japan Campus. I am looking forward to digging into what I learnt from my experience in Japanese and non-Japanese companies, as an employee and a board member, in Japanese and American universities, as a practitioner and a researcher or an instructor, more details with you.
ASADA Yuko / Professor
Main courses:
Intercultural Understanding for Business, Advanced English, Grammar and Writing
Research interests:
Linguistics, Japanese, English, the Japanese Sign Language
Education:
PhD. in Linguistics, Sophia University; MA in the Humanities, University of Chicago
Career:
Brand Manager, Designer Brands, Luxury Product Division, Nihon L’Oréal
Message
After graduating from Sophia University, I wanted to work abroad, so I moved to Paris and studied at H.E.C. in Paris, majoring in marketing, and obtaining an MS in business. For the next 15 years, I was mainly involved in marketing and brand management in the cosmetics and fashion industry in Paris, Chicago and Japan. While working in a multilingual environment, I became interested in linguistic research, in particular Universal Grammar of human language, and decided to join the world of academics. In 2011, I received the Ph.D. in linguistics. My field of specialization is theoretical linguistics, focusing on the morphology and syntax of English, French, Japanese, and the Japanese Sign Language.
BABA Yasushi / Professor
Main courses:
Innovation Management, Modern Business Enterprise, Business ComputingⅡ
Research interests:
Management of Technology, Innovation Management
Education:
Master in Management of Technology (Professional), Graduate School of Engineering Management, Shibaura Institute of Technology; B.E, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University
Career:
Chief Investigator of Corporate Strategy Division, New Business Development Division, and IT Division, Asahi Shimbun Co.
Message
I studied computer science at college in 1980s, when Japan was rapidly catching up with American information-technology industry. After finishing graduate school, I became an IT engineer and engaged in designing many corporate mainframe systems. However, the world of IT was completely overwhelmed by America in 1990s and I realized their strength of IT industry was lied in the innovation study. Then I decided to study innovation management at a graduate school and applied the knowledge I’ve learned to the management strategy and business creation. Innovation is a driving force for growth for individuals, as well as for businesses. Let’s study innovation and grow together. I hope you, the students, would “be the light to the world” of innovation in Japan.
MINAI Takahisa / Professor
Main courses:
Marketing Management, Sales Management and Distribution Studies, Fundamentals of Marketing
Research interests:
Marketing strategy, New market development, Macro-marketing
Education:
Completed coursework of doctoral program (ABD) at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University; M.A., Keio University Graduate School of Media and Governance; B.A., Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University
Career:
Multimedia Business Department, Multimedia Headquarters, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation Co.
Message
Taking advantage of my experience of planning and marketing, I research business development of various new markets, and create unique sales methods from the perspective of marketing strategy. Marketing is a comprehensive and practical discipline that considers how to design, express, and realize the value of goods and services for customers. The job of a marketer (a person who is a marketing professional) has a significant impact on people’ choices and behaviors. Marketers need to think of different customers, move their viewpoints to “suppleness,” and have “a sense of ownership” that can turn other people’s issues into their own issues. Let’s apply the learning of marketing to your life!
SAKURAKI Rie / Associate Professor
Main courses:
Organizational Behavior, Global Economy, Women’s Career Development and Business, Introduction to Business Computing
Research interests:
Organizational behavior theory, Marketing
Education:
Ph.D., Graduate School of Commerce and Management, Hitotsubashi University
Career:
Lecturer, Faculty of Business Administration, Shujitsu University
Associate Professor, Department of International Liberal Arts, International College of Arts and Sciences, Fukuoka Women’s University
Message
Business administration is rarely taught up to high school, but it is a very familiar and interesting subject that can be useful in everyday life. Regarding complex problems with no easy solution and phenomena whose causes are hard to understand, there are many interesting theories that are surprisingly useful in explaining things. By experiencing for four years at university the pleasures of studying something quite different from what you have learned up to high school, I hope you will think and learn about a lot of things, put them into practice, and make them your own. I am looking forward to learning together with all of you.
TOMITA Miho / Associate Professor
Main courses:
Advanced Business English, Reading and Discussion, Business English, Introduction to Business English
Research interests:
Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, English Education
Education:
Keio University (Faculty of Letters), Sophia University (Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics)
Career:
Full-time Lecture, Toyo University; Lecture, Kanda University of International Studies, Sophia University, Gakushuin Women’s University
Message
Language transcends mere codes; it is the very voice of our inner world. It’s through this outward expression of our thoughts and feelings that genuine connection flourishes and the true joy of language acquisition emerges. Therefore, learning English here is not about rote memorization of symbols. Instead, it’s about fostering meaningful interaction and understanding through the language itself – that’s where the real excitement lies. I encourage all of you to actively engage, to question, and to participate with an open mind. This approach will transform your learning into a truly enriching experience. With a focus on the dynamic intersection of ‘Business’ and ‘English,’ let’s work together to build the skills and confidence you need to thrive in a global landscape.
NAGAYA Makiko / Associate Professor
Main courses:
Environmental Economics, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Mathematics for Business, Fundamentals to Economics
Research interest:
Economics
Education:
Ph.D. in Economics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics
Career:
Research Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Message
I study the relationship between the energy and environmental issues and the economy through economic theory. In this department I mainly teach subjects related to basic economic theory.
The true purpose of economics is how to efficiently and fairly distribute the rare goods to everyone. The underlying reason to study it is the desire to focus on society and build a better economic society. My lectures aim to provide knowledge that serves as a bridge between economic theory and the real world that would allow students to cultivate the basic skills to become a full-fledged member of the society. I hope students eventually acquire logical reasoning skills by learning economic thinking – the basis of business.
MIURA Sayako / Associate Professor
Main courses:
Management Strategy, Organizational Management, Business Administration, Fundamentals of Management
Research interests:
Strategic management, Organizational theory
Education:
Ph. D., Graduate School of Commerce and Management, Hitotsubashi University; BA, School of Commerce, Waseda University
Career:
Full-time Lecturer, Shujitsu University; Full-time Lecturer, Teikyo University
Message
I teach strategic theory and organizational theory, which are the main subjects of business administration. Learning theory is mastering abstract words and ideas. By knowing words and ways of thinking, you will be in a position to respond to a diverse and changing society in your own way. Please acquire this power in the course of your college life. This power is the foundation that will help you live your own life. I hope you will play an active role in society. I will support your growth by mobilizing my expertise in business administration, as well as my experience of studying abroad at an American university and of working in a private company. I would like you to learn the ways of deliberating, and use them to tackle various issues collaboratively. Let’s think about it and discuss a lot.
MIYAWAKI Hiroyuki / Associate Professor
Main courses:
Introduction to ICT Business, Fundamentals of Venture Business, Business ComputingⅢ
Research interests:
ICT Business, ICT Literacy, Quantitative analysis, Venture/Small and Medium Business
Education:
Completed coursework of doctoral program (ABD) at Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo; M.Eng.
Career:
The Japan Research Institute, Limited, Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies
Message
As a consultant at a think tank, I have worked on more than 100 projects with companies and government offices. Making use of my experience on projects with enterprises in various industries, I am committed to engaging in practical education and research at SWU. My lecture topics will include business models utilizing ICT and methods of leveraging ICT. Learn about ICT in business as well as ICT as a tool.
YAZAWA Olya / Associate Professor
Main courses:
Finance and Accounting, Introduction to Business English
Research interests:
Linguistics, English, Foreign language education
Education:
Ph.D. in Philology, Moscow State University; MS in TESOL, Anaheim University; BA in Linguistics, Moscow State University; BA in Economics, Colorado University
Career:
Lecturer, Teikyo University, English and Russian language
Message
From the view of a young woman’s professional value formation, one of the most significant means for the expansion of her educational and social opportunities in modern Japan is the study of English. In my classroom, I introduce students to a professionally meaningful communication, activating awareness and internalization of the values of future business activities. My lessons are accompanied by emotional support of the students’ basic psychological needs, enriching the value-motivational sphere of their personality and developing a positive attitude to the future career as business women in Japan.
MASUHARA Hironari / Lecturer
Main courses:
Economic Modelling, International Economics
Research interests:
Microeconomics, Industrial organization, International economics
Education:
BA (Economics), Gakushuin University
MA (Economics), Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University
PhD (Economics), Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University
Career:
Research Fellow, Nippon Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA)
President & CEO, Fujiya Co., Ltd.
Message
I was born in Kyoto and went to elementary and junior high school overseas, returning to Japan for senior high. I moved to Tokyo for university and became an entrepreneur while I was still a student. I still run two small manufacturing firms, drawing on every scrap of the economics knowledge that I gained at university—so I can say from experience that academic learning has a lot of utility out in the “real” world. I look forward to helping you all master economics and business management to set you on a smooth course in your future lives.
KONISHI Masako / Specially Appointed Professor
Main courses:
Global Energy and Climate Policy, Business Negotiation, Global Governance
Research interests:
Environment and Energy, Public Policy, Negotiation, Meteorology
Education:
Ph.D. in Public Policy, Hosei University; MPA from Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Career:
WWF Japan, Expert Director (Conservation and Energy)
Message
I am one of the practitioner faculty members, engaging in international negotiations at the United Nations climate change conferences. Nowadays, climate and SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals) are integrated more and more into the global economy. With the current experience in the environment and energy business world, not only would I provide the latest intelligence insights to students, but also the practical negotiation skills that I have nurtured through my experience of twenty years as a broadcaster. My specialty is public policy from such interdisciplinary perspectives as economics, politics, and international relations, focusing on the environment. I’m especially interested in stimulating international cooperation among various institutions, including governments, industries, and NGOs, hoping to create a change in this world. Those of you who are going to thrive into the future, I will give you strength, courage and confidence!
TAKEGAWA Keiko / Specially Appointed Professor
Main courses:
Women’s Policy in Japan, NPO Management
Research interest:
Gender issues
Education:
MBA, Duke University; BA, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo
Career:
Outside member of the Board, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Co.; Outside auditor, Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co.
Message
As the director of the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office, I was in charge of the Women’s Empowerment Promotion Act, which requires the formulation of positive action plans to companies, the introduction of a public procurement system to promote women’s empowerment, and the policies to prevent domestic violence. Although numbers of female workers have increased considerably, the gap between men and women is still immense and there still appears to be many issues surrounding women, including biased burden of housework responsibilities. In a rapidly changing world, by fully making use of my career and experience, I would like to address how to overcome these social issues with the students who are the future of Japan and the world.
TAMIYA Hiroyuki / Specially Appointed Professor
Main courses:
Project-based seminar
Research interests:
Enterprise studies, Industry studies, Communication studies
Education:
Graduated from Department of Business Administration, School of Business Administration, Meiji University
Career:
Chief Editor, Toyo Keizai HR Online (Toyo Keizai, Inc.)
Teacher, Waupun Junior/Senior High School, Wisconsin, USA
Message
I usually produce articles on various industries and companies in my role as a Toyo Keizai journalist, covering everything from business models and business performance trends to HR policy (new graduate hires, etc.), executive profiles, and new products. I use that experience to assist students in developing basic business skills so that they can launch into the business world with confidence. I also draw on my experience as a radio journalist to provide guidance on handling interviews, speeches, and presentations, helping students to improve their communication abilities.
ISONO Akihiko / Special Position Professor
Main courses:
Business Career Development
Research interests:
Journalism, Politics, Economic Policy, Gender issues, Management
Education:
BA in Politics, School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University
Career:
Director-General of Digital Media Bureau; Director of Newspaper Research Department, Mainichi Newspapers Co.
Message
For 33 years I had worked as a reporter of the nationwide daily Mainichi Shimbun and covered politics, economy, crime investigation, as well as supervised the digital media department before moving to Showa Women’s University in April 2011. I have been interested in global and domestic economic trends, movements of industries and companies in and outside Japan, career development for youth, and changes in the journalistic media. I am in charge of career and job hunting support for college students at the university. I am always curious about new things, and I think I am better at using SNS than the average people in my generation. Although I do not have an accredited seminar, I often conduct the field surveys with researchers and students at the Institute of Contemporary Business and disclose the finding of these surveys at the university’s Cosmos Festival.
