The Expanding Role of Sociology at Japan National Defense Academy

Abstract

The Japan National Defense Academy was established in 1954 with the following characteristics: (1) civilian president, (2) joint-service education, (3) no obligation to serve after graduation, and (4) emphasis on natural and engineering sciences. For the first twenty years of its history, sociology played virtually no role. The School of Social Sciences (Administrative Sciences/International Relations) was established in 1974. Sociology and sociology-related subjects entered in the undergraduate curriculum. Establishment of the Graduate School for Security Studies in 1997 further expanded the role of sociology, while introducing military sociology to the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. In 2001, as a result, a major organizational reform, Departments of Humanities, Public Policy, and International Relations constitute the new School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Although there is only one sociology professor, the role of sociology in the educational system of Self-Defense Forces is gradually expanding.