The Institute of Comparative Culture (ICC) strides to promote and support the interdisciplinary research of its members across a range of fields in the social science, humanities, business studies and economics. The institute further supports its members in building collaborative projects with researchers outside Sophia and in promoting the university’s international reputation for research excellence. The specialisations of ICC members include anthropology, sociology, politics, business, economics, history, literature, and art history, with a strong focus on East Asia and the region’s global connections. ICC’s research activities and public events are mostly conducted in English.

The principal activity of the ICC is supporting the collaborative research projects of its members. Current projects include Sophia Food Studies-Mobilities, Sustainability and Ethics; Water and Society; Refugees and Migrants in Tokyo; Network Studies; Exploring a Japanese Fishing Village Through Art. The ICC also sponsors symposia and public lectures organised by ICC members and their research partners from across the globe.

• Assisting visit scholars working with our faculty by providing access to Sophia’s research facilities.
• Publishing research by our members and visiting scholars.
• Supporting members with grant applications and administration.