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Since its establishment, Otemae University has focused on enhancing students' ability for unlearning and lifelong learning through "learning how to learn," so to speak. This is reflected in the university's founding philosophy of "STUDY FOR LIFE." In keeping with this philosophy, we created our school emblem, the "OTEMAE FLOWER" logo, using our college identity (CI) as the basis for its design. The emblem is fashioned after the cattleya flower, with its five petals symbolizing five key qualities: curiosity, intelligence, passion, health, and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. These petals represent the five dimensions of life (LIFE) that we strive to embody: a strong yearning for truth, goodness, beauty, and a passionate commitment to building a better society. In essence, this approach to life entails cultivating one's curiosity and intellect while also prioritizing natural and healthy development. At Otemae University, we believe that this holistic approach leads to a life of lifelong well-being.

The other key principle of our philosophy is "learning" (STUDY), which we hold is essential for achieving lifelong well-being. To us, learning means engaging in the process of self-discovery through activities such as self-directed study, observation, reading, research, critical thinking, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. We view learning as a lifelong endeavor enabling individuals to create and develop themselves continually.

Our vision for the year 2030 is to become a medium-sized university that prioritizes the well-being of each individual through inspiring education. For us, being a mid-sized university means embodying the best of both worlds: the charm, warmth, and personalized guidance of a small college and the diversity and dynamic learning environment of a large university. Our university's effort to realize this philosophy is embodied in the concept of “Heart-stirring Education.”

Our "Crossover" initiative enables students to select courses that go beyond the confines of their department. At the same time, our "Cross-Boundary" approach involves a hands-on learning style that moves students back and forth between the classroom (on campus) and the field (off campus). The program emphasizes personalized education, with dialogues between faculty and each student one-on-one. For instance, on the Sakura-Shukugawa Campus, business administration majors have the option to delve into information/computer science, psychology, and other fields outside of their faculty. By beginning with a passion or concern and branching out into diverse areas of study, students can combine their newfound knowledge to create novel ideas and discover innovative solutions.

Moreover, we aim to promote reflection on the significance of your educational journey and life experiences by providing faculty members who are always close at hand to hear your voice. Through one-on-one dialogues with faculty, students can contemplate what they have learned in class and extract meaning from their experiences, enabling them to articulate their own ideas, values, strengths, and aspirations to foster a positive self-image. By engaging in this process throughout the four years of your degree, you will have ample opportunity to develop these skills and reflect on your personal growth. In addition to faculty members, classmates, and senior peers with whom you share campus life can also inspire reflection.

Sakura Shukugawa Campus and Osaka Otemae Campus are located next to Shukugawa Park and Osaka Castle Park, respectively, where beautiful nature can be seen in the four seasons. We look forward to seeing you at our campuses.

Profile

HIRANO Mitsutoshi
President, Otemae University
Professor Emeritus, Kobe University

He studies human resource management (HRM) and organizational behavior in business administration. He has conducted numerous joint research projects with companies and contributed to framing policy plans in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare through his activities as a member of the Labor Policy Council (Labor Conditions Policy Subcommittee). He has served as President of the JAAS (Japanese Association of Administrative Science), Vice President of the JSHRM (Japan Society of Human Resource Management), and Councilor of the Academic Association for Organization Science.

Mitsutoshi has published many articles and books in Japanese and English. His book, "Japanese Style HRM – The Process of Evolution and Functionality (Chuokeizai-sha, Inc., 2006)　Nihon-gata Jinji Kanri – Shinka no Hassei Purosesu to Kinouse（in Japanese)," won the JAAS Award for Excellent Research, JSHRM Academic Prize and JILPT (Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training) Annual Award for Research Monographs on Labor. His recent works include "Issues of Employment Portfolios in Japanese Retail Businesses," Journal of Marketing Channels, 25(2-3).

Education

Ph.D., Management, Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University; 1998

MBA, Management, Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University; 1994