For student | Keio University Shinohara Seminar

Information for Students

Each year, in the second week of July, we host an alumni meeting on a Saturday. Shinohara Seminar alumni return to share their post-graduation experiences in the workplace and beyond. It is a valuable opportunity for current students to explore career paths, ask questions, and build meaningful connections with alumni.

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Alumni Meeting

Each semester, the seminar combines lectures, student presentations, and other interactive activities. Lectures by Prof. Shinohara cover fundamental theories of public administration and introductory topics in quantitative analysis. Students present their research three times per semester and receive feedback from both the professor and their peers. There is no final paper requirement, allowing students to focus on ongoing participation and research development.

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Weekly Sessions

Fieldwork is organized once or twice a year, depending on the academic calendar. These excursions provide students with practical exposure through visits to public institutions and opportunities to collaborate with students from other universities. In the past, we have visited locations such as Shiroyama Dam and the International University of Japan in Niigata Prefecture, offering opportunities for hands-on learning and discussion.

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Fieldwork

Seminar Activities

We accept applications every semester.
Please refer to the syllabus and contact us at the email address below if you are interested.

Selection
- Applicants will have an interview with Prof. Shinohara.
- If you have taken one of his classes, the interview may be waived.
Application Period
- Applications are accepted prior to the start of each semester. Interviews are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- As the seminar has limited capacity, applications may close early once the maximum number of members is reached. If you are seriously interested, we encourage you to get in touch as early as possible.
Contact Information
- shinohara-research-group☆keio.jp (Please replace ☆ with @ and contact us from your keio.jp email address.)

About Application

Application Requirements

We welcome students who are curious, motivated, and willing to explore ideas both independently and collaboratively. Please make sure that you meet the following conditions before applying:

You have taken (or will be taking) a class taught by Prof. Shinohara during the semester you enroll.
You are curious about how administrative systems work and willing to actively engage with real-world issues. No prior research experience is required—what matters most is a proactive mindset and a desire to ask questions, think critically, and grow through discussion and exploration.

Auditing the Seminar

If you are interested in auditing the seminar or attending as a guest, please contact us by email or speak directly with Prof. Shinohara.

FAQ

What activities do students do during weekly sessions?

Students engage in two main types of class activities:

Lectures on Public Administration Concepts – These sessions provide students with foundational knowledge of key theories and frameworks in the field of public administration.
Development of Personal Research
Projects – Students work on formulating and refining their own research topics. This involves identifying relevant issues, conducting literature reviews, and applying theoretical concepts to analyze specific cases.

What activities do students do beyond weekly sessions?

In addition to classroom learning, we participate in extracurricular activities every semester. At the end of each term, we go on a field trip to strengthen the bond between Japanese and international students and to connect with students from other universities. In the spring semester, we also hold an annual alumni meeting, which provides a valuable opportunity for current students to meet and exchange experiences with alumni.

What concepts does the Shinohara Seminar follow?

The Shinohara Seminar is grounded in the exploration of theoretical concepts in public administration and policy. We aim to think critically about how institutions function, how policies are designed, and how theory can inform real-world solutions. By engaging with both classic and contemporary frameworks, students develop a strong foundation for analyzing governance and public systems. We value a balance between theoretical understanding and practical inquiry, fostering an environment where ideas are tested through discussion, research, and fieldwork.

What is the atmosphere of the seminar like?

At Shinohara Seminar, the close bond between professors and students fosters an environment where students feel comfortable seeking advice not only from faculty but also from fellow students. This supportive atmosphere offers valuable guidance for both academic research and career development.

What kind of research do students conduct?

In Shinohara Seminar, student research is generally centered on themes related to local administration. Over time, students develop and refine their ideas into graduation projects by their fourth year. Even if you start with a vague idea, it can always evolve—nothing is set in stone. Topics range from personal interests to passion projects, as long as they connect to public policy, local administration, or public values. Examples include hospital policy, political participation in Japanese society, and homelessness. The choice is yours!

Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus
5322 Endo, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 252-0882 Japan