A Brief History of the U.S.-Japan Institute

The U.S.-Japan Institute was originated in 1972 by Dr. S.I. Hayakawa, then President of San Francisco State University.  Perceiving the need for these types of program, Dr. Hayakawa organized the Program for the Study of U.S.-Japan Relationships. In 1981, university president Paul Romberg reorganized the program under the name U.S.-Japan Institute and moved its operations to the College of Business. Dr. Mitsuko Duerr was the director of the U.S. -Japan Institute until 1996.  Dr. Roblyn Simeon was the director of the Institute from 1996 until 1999. He remains an advisor to the U.S.-Japan Institute. Dr. Duerr returned as the director in 1999. Ms. Tae Furuse is the  associate director.

Research and Publications

The Institute has assisted the faculty of the College of Business in doing research on a number of topics related to comparative U.S.-Japan business practices and economic policies. The Institute has also has hosted a number of visiting Japanese professors the years. Cooperative research projects are encouraged and there is ample interaction with faculty who wish to co-author  with Japanese professors and specialists. Some of the topics in previous studies have included trade friction, Japanese finance,  personnel practices, Japanese direct investment, and the transfer of management strategies.