ABOUT
Empirical research towards building an inclusive future society from the perspectives of social sciences and other fields GLIF is one of the four pillars of the Kubota-University of Tokyo Collaborative Creation Projects
An inclusive society is a future in which we should strive to ensure a better life for all. In 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals were unanimously approved at the General Assembly of the United Nations, guided by the principle “leave no one behind”. To realize an inclusive society in which everyone can feel happy, it is necessary to guarantee a certain level of well-being for people all over the world.
To achieve this, it is critical to take into account the reality that people live under diverse geographic and social circumstances and have different histories, cultures, and political systems. Japan is the first country in Asia to achieve industrialization and economic development, and it is the most aged society in the world. Therefore, our research unit consists of four pillars: (1) to measure the multi-dimensional wellbeing taking into account differences in countries and regions; (2) to have access to the information and issues to be discussed in international institutes such as the United Nations; (3) to explore how applicable the Japanese model is or how to adapt it to different circumstances; and (4) to educate and nurture the next generations.
- I. Develop well-being measures encompassing the socio-cultural diversity of people living in various regions and countries.
- II. Conduct an in-depth analysis of global discussions through collaborations with international organizations including the UN.
- III. Evaluate inclusiveness from the global and local ('glocal') perspectives based on macro and micro data.
- IV. Examine the applicability of Japan-based models related to technology, community, and society.
- 1. Technological innovation that drives the transformation toward an inclusive society
- 2. Guaranteeing multidimensional well-being for all people with different backgrounds
Endowed Research Unit on Inclusive Global Future Society (GLIF)
Exploring a More Comprehensive Well-Being Index
Our research unit explores various aspects of multidimensional well-being to achieve an inclusive society in which no one is left behind.
We will particularly focus on socially vulnerable people such as women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with foreign nationalities.
Data will be collected through various research methods, including local-spatial macro statistics and survey interviews. We will also present our research findings and their implications for developing practical solutions from both global and local perspectives.
Assessment of the Applicability of the Japanese Model
Japan is the first country to achieve industrialization in Asia and is now the world's most aged society.
We will explore how Japan's experiences can be adapted and developed into a model applicable for other countries, with modifications reflecting each country's unique characteristics.
Specifically, we will study how Japan's social security and social welfare systems function in its aging society and consider how they can be adapted for regions in the Global South with relatively young populations.
Nurturing Young Talent
Another important mission of our research unit is to nurture young researchers and develop young talent.
Achieving a sustainable future requires innovative and diverse perspectives from younger generations.
Through collaborative work, we will actively provide opportunities for young researchers and students to engage in cutting-edge research and expand their global network.
Above all, we aim to support them in their career development, and in becoming future global leaders that will contribute to solving regional societal challenges with a global perspective.