The story behind the name “Kankandoritsu”—a shorthand for the four prominent private universities in the Kansai region of Japan: Kwansei Gakuin, Kansai University, Kobe University, and Doshisha University—is a fascinating piece of post-war Japanese history. It wasn’t an academic or an administrator who coined the term, but a journalist, and his motivations, recently revisited in a Diamond Online article, reveal a deliberate effort to foster regional identity and competition. Understanding the origins of this now-ubiquitous label sheds light on the evolution of higher education in Japan and the role the press played in shaping public perception.
The journalist, Hiroshi Matsubara, writing for the Asahi Shimbun newspaper in 1956, sought a concise way to refer to these four universities, all of which were experiencing a surge in enrollment and influence in the years following World War II. The term “Kankandoritsu” – an acronym formed from the first kanji characters of each university’s name – stuck, quickly becoming the standard way to discuss these institutions collectively. The story of its creation, and the reasoning behind it, has been largely unknown until recently resurfaced through interviews and archival research. The rise of these universities coincided with a period of significant social and economic change in Japan, and the name itself became a symbol of the Kansai region’s academic prowess.
The Need for a Regional Identity
Matsubara’s motivation wasn’t simply journalistic convenience. He believed the Kansai region, historically a center of commerce and culture, needed a strong academic identity to counterbalance the dominance of Tokyo and its universities. As he explained to colleagues, the term was intended to create a sense of rivalry and collaboration among the four institutions, pushing them to improve and compete on a national level. This wasn’t about diminishing the importance of universities in Tokyo, but rather about fostering a healthy regional balance in higher education. The goal was to elevate the overall quality of education in the Kansai area by encouraging these universities to strive for excellence.
The post-war period saw a dramatic expansion of the Japanese university system. The number of students attending universities increased significantly, driven by economic growth and a desire for social mobility. Kwansei Gakuin University, founded in 1888, Kansai University (1886), Kobe University (1917, originally Kobe Higher Commercial School), and Doshisha University (1875) were all well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. However, they lacked the national recognition of institutions like the University of Tokyo. Matsubara’s coinage aimed to address this imbalance.
The Journalist’s Deliberate Choice
The choice of an acronym was deliberate. Matsubara wanted a name that was easy to remember and pronounce, and that would quickly gain traction among the public. He understood the power of branding and the importance of creating a memorable label. The term “Kankandoritsu” fulfilled these criteria perfectly. It was catchy, concise, and readily adaptable for use in news reports and everyday conversation. The success of the name is a testament to Matsubara’s understanding of media dynamics and public perception.
The Asahi Shimbun, where Matsubara worked, was a major national newspaper with a significant reach. Its adoption of the term “Kankandoritsu” gave it immediate credibility and helped to spread its usage throughout the country. Other media outlets quickly followed suit, solidifying the name’s place in the Japanese lexicon. The story highlights the influence of the press in shaping public discourse and defining cultural narratives.
Impact on University Competition and Collaboration
The effect of the “Kankandoritsu” label was profound. The universities themselves began to embrace the term, using it in their own marketing materials and promotional campaigns. A sense of friendly rivalry developed, with each institution striving to outperform the others in areas such as research funding, student enrollment, and academic rankings. However, the term also fostered a degree of collaboration, as the universities recognized their shared interest in promoting the Kansai region as a center of academic excellence.
Today, the four universities continue to be highly regarded institutions, attracting students from across Japan and around the world. They have each developed their own unique strengths and specializations, but they remain united by their shared identity as members of the “Kankandoritsu” group. The term has become deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, representing not only the four universities themselves but also the spirit of regional pride and academic ambition.
The Evolution of Japanese Higher Education
The story of “Kankandoritsu” also provides a valuable lens through which to examine the broader evolution of Japanese higher education. In the decades since the term was coined, the university system has undergone significant reforms, including the introduction of graduate schools and the increasing emphasis on research. The Japanese government has also implemented policies aimed at promoting internationalization and improving the quality of education. These changes have had a profound impact on the landscape of higher education in Japan, but the “Kankandoritsu” universities have remained at the forefront of innovation and excellence. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) continues to play a key role in shaping these policies, as outlined in their recent initiatives regarding law school strengthening (“About the Function Enhancement Plan for Law School”).
The legacy of Hiroshi Matsubara’s journalistic insight continues to resonate today. The term “Kankandoritsu” remains a powerful symbol of regional identity and academic achievement, reminding us of the important role the press can play in shaping public perception and fostering a sense of community. The universities themselves are now focused on navigating the challenges of globalization and technological disruption, while continuing to uphold their commitment to academic excellence.
Looking ahead, the “Kankandoritsu” universities will likely continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of higher education in Japan. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain their commitment to innovation will be crucial to their continued success. The next major development to watch will be the impact of MEXT’s ongoing reforms on law school education and the broader legal profession.
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