Center for Southeast Asian Studies Kyoto University
Relations between Southeast Asia and Japan have grown increasingly close and diversified as a result of dramatic political realignments and global economic integration in recent years. These changes bring fresh challenges, and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), continuously renewing itself as a Center of Excellence in Area Studies, believes that integrated endeavors based on solid academic research can play a central role in developing new paradigms for the twenty-first century. The strength of the Center lies in its multidisciplinary orientation, especially the inclusion of staff working in the natural sciences as well as the humanities and social sciences. Since its establishment in 1965, the Center has carried out its activities using a comprehensive approach to investigate the contemporary and historical dimensions of problems confronting present-day Southeast Asia. Proceeding from these guiding principles, the Center’s current research methodology can be described as an integrated area studies approach based on informed knowledge from the field and aiming to create new perspectives on this dynamic region of Asia.
Area studies by definition, requires international efforts. The Center has two liaison offices: one in Bangkok and a residence in Jakarta to extend services to local scholars. The presence of foreign visiting scholars in Kyoto and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with institutional counterparts in Southeast Asia, have also helped expand our international presence.
[Official website: