The School of Economics at Chung-Ang University conducted the CAU Future Economic Leaders Visiting Program, an international academic exchange initiative, from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 9, 2026, visiting Ritsumeikan University and Kyoto University in Kyoto, Japan.
Led by Department Chair Go Sun of the School of Economics, along with Professor Chung Hyuk, the program brought together 10 undergraduate students from the School of Economics who were selected through the November 2025 Economics Forum. The participating students presented their research outcomes to professors and students at leading Japanese universities, engaged in in-depth academic discussions, and broadened their global perspectives through meaningful international exchange.
On the first day, the group visited the College of Business Administration at Ritsumeikan University’s Osaka Ibaraki Campus. Students attended a special lecture on Japanese higher education delivered by Professor Kim Chang-ju of Ritsumeikan University’s College of Business, followed by various exchange and cultural activities with Japanese students. In the afternoon, participants visited Osaka Knowledge Capital, where they learned about Japan’s industry–academia collaboration ecosystem and discussed concrete cases through detailed briefings by on-site experts.
On the second day, students conducted group-based explorations of Kyoto’s historical and cultural sites in the morning. In the afternoon, they visited the Institute of Economic Research at Kyoto University for academic exchange activities. Two Chung-Ang University teams—SKIAN and Shinbak Hajae—presented their research titled “The Paradox of Expanding Solar Power Generation” and “Policy Proposals for Reforming Taxi Fare Systems in Gyeongju,” respectively. The presentations were followed by lively discussions with professors and graduate students from Kyoto University. Professor Kang Hyun-je of the Institute of Economic Research commented that the presentations demonstrated outstanding research quality and high academic value.
On the third day, participants visited the Shimadzu Corporation Memorial Museum, one of Japan’s leading precision instrument manufacturers. Through detailed explanations from museum staff and guided exhibitions, students gained valuable insights into the development of Japanese industrial technology since the 19th century.
In the afternoon, the group visited Ritsumeikan University’s College of International Relations, where the CAU Future Economic Leaders Forum was held. Students presented their individual research projects and engaged in active discussions, exchanging views on social and economic issues shared by Korea and Japan. By referencing each other’s perspectives, participants refined their research and expanded their academic horizons. They also held in-depth discussions on how geopolitical conflicts and institutional challenges in Northeast Asia affect global and national economies and societies. Drawing on their economics background, students jointly examined contemporary challenges faced by both countries and explored future directions. The day concluded with informal networking and exchange activities among students from both universities.
Professor Sachio Nakato, Vice President of Ritsumeikan University and Director of the Center for East Asian Peace and Cooperation, remarked that the joint academic exchange between Chung-Ang University and Ritsumeikan University was highly meaningful in that it laid a foundation for academic collaboration fostering cooperation and shared growth between Korea and Japan.
Lee Ga-yeon, a sophomore majoring in Economics (Class of 2024), who participated in the program, shared her reflections, stating, “This international academic exchange invigorated students who aspire to become global researchers and served as an invaluable foundation for our future growth. Moreover, by building cultural empathy between Korea and Japan, we were able to cultivate the ability to think and act effectively in an international environment.”
She added that it was a “profound experience that revealed the true essence of academic exchange.”