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Endowed Chair: Japanese Studies

For further information, please contact
Dr. Allan Bird
Professor of Business
314-516-6286
314-516-6757 FAX
Allan Bird

In 1999, Mr. Seigo Arai, businessman and friend of the Shibusawa family, made a generous gift to the University of Missouri-St. Louis to establish the Eiichi Shibusawa-Seigo Arai Professorship in Japanese Studies. The professorship strengthens the faculty and curriculum in East Asian studies by providing enhanced teaching, research and community programs about Japan.

Honoring "the Man Who Built Japan's Business Community"
Eiichi Shibusawa's life (1840-1931) spanned the most turbulent period in modern Japanese history. With a respect for the value of both permanence and change, Shibusawa is credited with modernizing the Japanese economy. Known as "the man who built Japan's business community," Shibusawa introduced the gold standard, created the country's first joint-stock company, established the forerunner of the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank and founded more than 500 companies. Shibusawa was also a strong supporter of improved U.S.-Japan relations. Not only did he recognize that the two countries had much to learn from each other, he also believed that their future prosperity was dependent on the strength of their relationship. Shibusawa retired at the age of 76, devoting the last 15 years of his life to working on behalf of the less fortunate through a number of philanthropic activities.

An International Business Focus
In recognition of the accomplishments of Eiichi Shibusawa, the Center for International Studies has named a scholar, Allan Bird, with expertise in Japanese and international business to serve as the first holder of the Eiichi Shibusawa-Siego Arai Professorship in Japanese Studies. Working with the Center, the Japanese-American community and the community at large, the professor develops programs for campus and community audiences about Japanese business and the U.S.-Japan relationship. The professor also cooperates with the relevant faculty at UM-St. Louis and Washington University to strengthen multidisciplinary programming about Japan. In addition, the professor collaborates with the other international professors and the Center to develop a comprehensive international program highlighting the diversity of St. Louis' ethnic heritage.