Overview

Economic research has been conducted at the Faculty of Economics and the Graduate School of Economics of Kyoto University since the earliest days of the study of modern economics in Japan. Thus today Kyoto University can take pride in over a century of extensive research in economics based on a spirit of academic freedom. Academic research in economics at Kyoto University began at the end of the 19th century with the establishment of a professorship of economics at the Faculty of Law, prior to the establishment of an independent Faculty of Economics in 1919.

From 1915 onwards, the Faculty of Economics began publishing its own academic journal called “Keizai Ronso” (The Economic Review). This prominent journal incorporates all sub-fields of the economics discipline including economic theory, economic history, economic thought, analysis of economic institutions and policies (domestic and international), applied economics, and also management studies and accounting. Many leading economists, such as Hajime Kawakami, Eijiro Honjo, Yasuma Takata, Kei Shibata, Kiso Tasugi, Michio Morishima, Eitaro Kishimoto, Yasuhiko Shima, Eiichi Horie, Toshiyoshi Okabe, Izumi Hishiyama, Kiyoaki Hirata, Mitsuharu Ito, Banri Asanuma, among others, have contributed to the journal. Over the years we have produced a wealth of research that has made a great impact on society, Hajime Kawakami’s research into poverty being a prime example.

In recent years, our faculty members, graduates, and current graduate students have played a leading role in international economics and management research societies. Every year, our researchers engage in collaborative research with government agencies and leading companies in Japan, as well as developing research projects based on external funds. Collaborative research with researchers in Europe, the US and Asia is also widely practiced. Please refer to the research activity database of Kyoto University for details on the current research areas and themes of our faculty members.