ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the recent trends in Japanese university reforms in terms of the role of the university articulated in Centers of Learning by Joseph Ben-David. It explores what elements of Ben-David's suggestions have actually been implemented in the Japanese academe a quarter of a century after the appearance of the Japanese translation. The chapter argues that, while some of Ben-David's ideas became largely taken for granted in the thinking about higher education in Japan, very important points in his sophisticated argument were neglected. The recent trends in university reform in Japan are consistent with these three notions: pragmatic utilization of universities, the promotion of professional training, and the promotion of science. The "professional" education, which in the context of Japanese higher education means the exam preparation training for national certifications such as National Bar Examination or Certified Public Accountant, has been strongly promoted in recent years.
