"The Research Center for Regional Economics aims to play a role as a think tank for the region. The Center organizes and conducts consigned research and joint research necessary for the region at the request of the private sector, administrative organizations, public corporations, universities and other institutions. " "The University was founded in1987 by the union of local governments in the Kushiro area who were eager to enhance the district's profile by having a community-oriented University for its citizens and visitors. The University has very well-qualified faculty specialising in economics and business, as well as a comprehensive liberal arts department. lt therefore not only attracts students from the local community but from many other areas in Japan, including Tohoku, Osaka, and Kyushu."