Research Institutes

Education

Investigative research in the field of educational pathology (e.g. lifelong learning, improvement in teaching methods, cultural adaption, counseling, refusal to attend school, delinquency, bullying, class disruption) with an interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and clinical approach is at center of this institute. Furthermore, studies related to university and graduate school education, such as the significance of women's universities, and policies for the continuation of junior colleges, and research into child-raising and child learning at the Child Development Science Research Center are relevant areas of research being investigated. In addition, the first Graduate School Clinical Education Research Department has been established based on this research laboratory.

Developmental and Clinical Psychology

Opened in 1979, this institute incorporates a Psychoeducational Counseling Section including psychological and play therapy methods, and counseling for infants and children exhibiting emotional and intellectual disorders, childhood psychophysiological disorders, autistic tendencies, and maladaptive behavior. The Developmental Psychology Section conducts research on human intellectual activity, emotional development, and formation of personality, from infancy throughout life. This research laboratory also has a counseling function for graduate clinical psychology majors, and provides a research and training facility for students studying to become certified psychologists and clinical psychologists.

Linguistic Cultural Studies

The exploration of the intricate and fascinating rules in the language that we use daily is an important matter in investigating the problems and themes of modern Japanese. In practice, this involves raising questions about our daily language from a wide variety of points of view on matters such as dialects, etymology, and the language of the younger generation, and reporting conclusions. Annual seminars on Language and Culture are held for joint consideration of these themes and problems which are part of the students' lives and the general society.

Esthetics in Everyday-Life

This institute was established in 1990 in response to the transition from a practical and pragmatic awareness of our living environment to an awareness focused more on beauty and spiritual aspects. Research conferences are held annually with themes, including ‘design’, ‘form’, ‘nobility’, ‘informality’, ‘technique’, ‘boxes’, and ‘taste’. The theme of ‘space’ was chosen for 2011. Promoting discussion about fundamental theories of the changes in awareness of our living environment as it relates to life and beauty, and associated field research is important in this institute.

Educational Computing Research

Beginning from basic information about computer education, this institute's members conduct research in fields associated with information and education, and developing the information environment (e.g. networks) and supporting lessons using ICT. This group is responsible for the management of the campus network, and for operating approximately 900 PCs for use in information education and student self-study.

Biosciences

The Bioscience Research Laboratory was established to gain a fundamental understanding of life, and to contribute insights to long and healthy lives. To achieve this objective, research is conducted over a wide range of fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, bio-organic chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, food chemistry, and ethics. Related academic meetings and seminars are held to promote interest in the latest technology education and research.

World Health Development

Focusing on implementing Genome Plus as a means of reducing the risk of illness through diet and exercise, individuals who are genetically predisposed to lifestyle diseases are able to enjoy good health and a long life - the dream of mankind. Research results are published, in cooperation with WHO, UNESCO, and other universities throughout the world. For the next generation, in the form of dietary education, Mukogawa Women's University's students are able to increase their responsibility for the health of mankind.

Turkish Culture Studies

Researching Turkish architecture through a study of Turkish life, technology, and culture in association with the Japanese Cultural Research Center at Istambul's Bancesehir University, is a central part of this institute. There are sponsoring exchanges of students and teaching staff, through holding international workshops. In 2012, the University hosted the International iaSU2012 Symposium about nations on the ancient Silk Road.

Health and Exercise Sciences

Japan's aging population, combined with a declining birthrate, brings with it a greater burden on the younger population. Finding the means to allow the elderly to live independent lives is desirable to alleviate this burden. Prevention of lifestyle illnesses is therefore of major importance, and to this end, continued exercise is vital. The Laboratory is engaged in researching about the importance of continued exercise for all ages, from infancy, through middle age, to old age.

Nutrition Sciences

In order to improve and expand faculty and graduate school education, the laboratory is involved in the exploration of practical themes through diagnostic activities and dietary education, and in the training and development of young female researchers, and highly-qualified personnel to support regional healthcare and welfare in the future.

Center for School Education and Childcare

The School Education Center is an organization that researches and supports teacher training for women’s universities and consists of two sections, a research section and a support section. As the number of teachers hired is expected to decrease due to Japan’s rapidly declining birth rate, we plan to implement support for employment examinations and teacher training for graduates in cooperation with leading universities that have a proven track record in teacher education.

Academics & Research