On November 2 2007, Keio University, Renmin University of China and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) jointly hosted a symposium on the Future Direction of the Chinese Economy: comparison of Japan and China at Renmin University of China’s campus in Beijing. Following the symposium, the two universities held an official signing ceremony for their new university-wide partnership.

The event, part of Keio’s commemorative 150th Anniversary International Symposium series, was held in part to highlight research being conducted within the Faculty of Economics, and recognize the long history of collaboration between faculty members at both universities. The symposium also served to commemorate the opening of the Keio University Beijing Office, which played a major organizational role in the day’s events.

The program began with opening addresses from Professor Guo Qingwang, Dean and Chairman of Renmin University of China’s School of Finance, and Professor Hiroshi Fukunishi, Director of the JSPS Beijing Office, followed by a presentation by Keio Vice President Tatsuya Sakamoto. Professors Yukio Watanabe and Naoyuki Yoshino then presented their research on the Chinese economy and related issues.

Professor Watanabe, who specializes in Japan’s industrial development since World War II, presented the results of his 30 year, in depth research on more than 1,000 small and medium-sized mechanical enterprises in Japan, drawing parallels with the current development of industry in China.

Professor Yoshino discussed why Japan experienced a bubble economy and how the country recovered after its disastrous burst. He also compared the current Chinese real estate market to Japan’s during the bubble era.

After the lectures, professors from Keio, Renmin and Nankai universities discussed points of mutual interest, which were later summarized by Professor Syuhei Shiozawa, who chaired the event. Their discussion was followed by a congratulatory address from H.E. Yuji Miyamoto, Japanese Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, and closing remarks from Professor Yuichiro Anzai, President of Keio University and Professor Yu Lu Chen, Vice-President of Renmin University of China.

The audience included approximately 100 students and faculty members and the event was an important opportunity for Keio to raise the visibility of its educational and research activities, specifically within the field of economics, in China. Through this, and other events related to the university’s 150th anniversary, Keio aims to strengthen its reputation as a world-class higher education institution, and promote greater collaboration with top universities worldwide.