Ever wonder how Osaka became a hub for economics? The story of Osaka University of Economics starts here. Let’s explore its past and present.
Osaka University of Economics began as Naniwa Higher Commercial School in 1932. It faced closure a few years later. Dr. Iwao Kokusho saved it in 1935. His large donation revived the school. It was renamed Showa Higher Commercial School.
During World War II, most students were drafted. Osaka Women’s College of Economics opened in 1944. After the war in 1946, it reorganized as Osaka College of Economics. It then became a co-educational school.
In 1949, Japan created a new education system. Osaka College of Economics became Osaka University of Economics. Initially, it only had the Faculty of Economics.
The university expanded over the years. In 1964, the Faculty of Business Administration was added. The Graduate School opened in 1966. It offered a Master’s degree in Economics. A Doctoral degree course in Economics followed in 1968. The Faculty of Information Management was established in 1997. In 2002, the Faculty of Human Sciences completed the lineup.
Osaka University of Economics now has four undergraduate faculties. These include Economics, Business Administration, Information Management, and Human Sciences.
The university also boasts graduate schools. These cover Economics, Business Administration, Business Information Systems and Human Sciences.
The Institute for Research in Economic History of Japan is a key part of the university. Dr. Kokusho established it in 1933. There is also the Institute of Small Business Research and Business Administration.
Today, Osaka University of Economics thrives as a private university. It stands in Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka. It continues to educate future leaders in economics and related fields. The university has about 6,419 daytime undergraduates. There are also 998 evening students and 132 postgraduates.