Otaru University of Commerce

Founded in 1911, Otaru University of Commerce has a long tradition of excellence in business and social science education. In April 2022, the University entered a new phase of development as a member institution of the National University Corporation Hokkaido Higher Education and Research System.

Since its establishment, the University has embraced a broad interpretation of commerce as a practical and applied social science, placing strong emphasis on practical education and foreign language proficiency.
In recent years, the University has established three strategic visions:
1.Develop Resourcefulness to Confront the Unknown
2.Strengthening and Developing Glocal (global and local) Research through Collaboration with Industry and Universities
3.Development of Local Entrepreneurs by Popularizing Inclusive Higher Education.
Guided by these visions, the University promotes glocal human resource development, research addressing regional challenges, and the social implementation of knowledge through collaboration among industry, government, and academia, thereby contributing to the economic and industrial development of Hokkaido.

1. Faculty of Commerce
The Faculty of Commerce offers specialized education through four departments: Economics, Commerce, Law, and Information and Management Science. Building on its long-standing tradition of practical education, the Faculty emphasizes experiential learning and close engagement with real-world issues.
The Glocal Course, established in 2021, is a distinctive program designed to provide students with an intensive glocal learning experience. Through English-medium courses in business and economics, as well as short- and long-term study abroad and off-campus learning opportunities, students develop global perspectives while deepening their understanding of local and regional issues throughout their four years of study.
In response to increasingly diverse student interests and evolving societal needs, the University also places particular emphasis on cultivating entrepreneurial talent capable of addressing regional challenges and creating new values, as well as professionals with expertise in data science and AI who can contribute to the digital transformation of society.

2. Graduate School
The Graduate School of Commerce consists of two programs: the Modern Commerce Program (Master's and Doctoral Programs) and the Master's Program in Entrepreneurship (Professional Degree Program).
The Modern Commerce Program is a graduate program built on the academic foundation of the Faculty of Commerce. Its objective is to develop advanced research capabilities required for independent research activities as well as highly specialized professional careers.
The Master's Program in Entrepreneurship was established in 2004 as a professional graduate business program. It is the only MBA-granting professional graduate business program in Hokkaido. The program aims to cultivate business leaders and innovators who can contribute to economic revitalization in Hokkaido, where economic development remains a key regional priority.

3. Research
Building on its strengths in the social sciences, the University conducts research on regional issues and business-related topics in collaboration with industry, government, and local communities.
The University also promotes interdisciplinary research across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering in collaboration with other institutions within the Hokkaido Higher Education and Research System.
Through partnerships with local governments, businesses, financial institutions, and other organizations, the University works to put research outcomes into practice and create new value, thereby contributing to regional revitalization and sustainable development in Hokkaido.

4. Community Engagement and Social Contribution
The University actively promotes collaborative initiatives with local governments, private companies, and other organizations to address regional challenges and support community development.
It also provides diverse educational and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of businesses, public institutions, and local communities. Furthermore, the University promotes the Universal University Initiative (UU Initiative), which aims to ensure fair opportunities for all Hokkaido residents to access and benefit from higher education by 2030.
Through the cultivation of regional entrepreneurs, the initiative contributes to the economic and industrial development of Hokkaido.