PART II Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 6. Promoting Scientific Research
Section 6. Prioritized Promotion of Basic Research
5. Understanding the World's Regions: Area Studies
The aim of comprehensive area studies is to provide an overall understanding of all the phenomena that affect human activities in the world's regions, including their cultural, social, and natural environments, and to clarify the position and characteristics of each region in a global context. In addition to its considerable scholarly significance, this work has the potential to yield insights that will play an important role in the expansion of international cooperation and international exchange.
In June 1994 the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture established the Japan Center for Area Studies within the National Museum of Ethnology as a core organization for the networking of existing research institutions and researchers in this field. The center's activities include comparative research on multiple regions, wide-ranging interdisciplinary joint research, and the collection and provision of research information.
