Message from the President
President
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
Tatsuo Hatta
The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) is a stand-alone graduate school focused on policy studies.
Students at GRIPS study the methodology of policy impact analysis and policy assessment based on their chosen academic areas, including economics, political science, public administration, international relations, mathematical science, social engineering, and interdisciplinary fields. They learn to apply analytical tools to concrete cases. This study prepares them to deal with the diverse policy challenges they will face in the future.
Since its founding in 1997, GRIPS has developed a unique profile:
GRIPS' academic programs focus not only on contemporary academic methodologies, but also on the historical experiences of Japan and Asia. This emphasis on regional historical experience distinguishes GRIPS from its global counterparts.
GRIPS is one of the most international educational institutes in Japan. Among the 2008 graduates, 73 were Japanese and 176 were from overseas. GRIPS has alumni in 77 countries in Asia and the Pacific; Central Europe; the Middle East; Africa; and South, Central, and North America.
Most of GRIPS' students to date have been incumbent administrative officials. More than half of the Japanese officials studying at GRIPS come from local government offices. Some of our graduates have gone on to direct agencies or serve in other high-level positions in their governments.
Professors at GRIPS include high-level government officials as well as many top-class researchers. These officials are well versed in real-world policy challenges; one faculty member has held a cabinet-level post. Furthermore, we benefit from locating our institute in Roppongi, which is very close to Japan's political center in Kasumigaseki and Nagata-cho.
GRIPS has the following goals for further progress based upon our traditions and achievements to date:
First, we will recruit a more diverse range of applicants, including students who have just completed bachelor's programs. This will bring GRIPS’ high-level education to a broader group of students who aspire to make an impact on policy. It will also benefit those who work in government by allowing them to build valuable personal networks.
Second, we plan to expand our doctoral programs. Our experience shows that training researchers improves the quality of research at GRIPS itself.
Finally, we will continue to raise our research standards. As one example of this effort, we are the only academic institution in Japan that regularly recruits first-rate international faculty from the American Economic Association. Also, we are in the process of adding various international research collaboration programs.
Please keep an eye on GRIPS' next leap forward.
