Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Apr 1, 2026

Notice of the Restructuring of the Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies (RCAPS)

The Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies (RCAPS) was established in 1996 prior to the opening of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Since then, the center has played a leading role in advancing the university’s research activities and has accumulated and disseminated research outcomes through various initiatives, including the organization of the Asia Pacific Conference (held 23 times through AY2025), the RCAPS Seminar series, and the publication of academic journals such as RCAPS Journal (42 volumes) and APU Journal of Language Research (10 issues).

The Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies (RCAPS) was established in 1996 prior to the opening of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Since then, the center has played a leading role in advancing the university’s research activities and has accumulated and disseminated research outcomes through various initiatives, including the organization of the Asia Pacific Conference (held 23 times through AY2025), the RCAPS Seminar series, and the publication of academic journals such as RCAPS Journal (42 volumes) and APU Journal of Language Research (10 issues).

A defining feature of APU's research is its wide array of research areas, thanks to the multinational cohort of researchers that have gathered at our campus. To further enhance this advantage, it has become increasingly important to establish mechanisms that more effectively support research activities, including the promotion of research activities across departmental and center boundaries, stronger collaboration with researchers both domestically and internationally, and nurturing young research talent.

Therefore, RCAPS will be restructured as the Asia Pacific University Integrated Research Organization (AIRO) from AY2026. While inheriting RCAPS’s existing initiatives, the new organization will oversee research centers, foster the formation of new research hubs, and serve as a platform that comprehensively supports researchers’ activities.

For future updates and information related to research activities, please refer to the AIRO website.