From Urban Planning to President of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Nobuo Haruna's academic journey began with a focus on urban planning at the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Engineering; however, his interests shifted when he chose to study international relations in graduate school. Before completing his dissertation, he took on a position as a part-time lecturer at a private university in Aichi Prefecture, living frugally in a guest house that cost him about 1,500 yen ($10.40) per night. His experience teaching international students opened doors for him, and he secured a full-time role at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies at the age of 40, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Now, at 50, Haruna holds the esteemed title of president of the university, making him the youngest person to lead a national university in Japan. His background and fresh perspective enable him to identify organizational challenges that may be overlooked by long-term members. Despite his responsibilities as university president, he remains committed to teaching, emphasizing that lessons are opportunities for shared experiences with students. A change in his teaching approach was spurred by feedback from an international student regarding the lack of class discussions, prompting him to foster a more interactive classroom environment.

Haruna prefers a casual look, often donning T-shirts and sneakers instead of formal suits, which he finds more conducive for interaction with students. His office door is always open, welcoming students to stop by in the afternoons to seek advice on their graduation theses or future career paths. His unique path to leadership began with his realization about the interplay between environmental issues and politics. After grappling with research pressures, he completed his doctoral dissertation at age 38. At Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Haruna progressed from lecturer to associate professor, then became vice president responsible for international affairs before ultimately ascending to the presidency just two years later.