Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, was established in April 2000. Though relatively new to the academic scene, the school is one of the most popular universities among Japan's leading corporations today, with over 400 companies visiting the campus to recruit.

What makes APU so popular? What is unique about the school? These are among the questions answered in this four-part interview series.

The first interviewee is Susumu Yamamoto, a professor at the College of International Management (APM), one of two undergraduate colleges at APU, who also serves as the dean of careers.

Q: You were working for a leading Japanese company before starting to teach at APU. Why the switch and why APU?

Yamamoto: Yes, that's true. Before taking up my current position at APU in 2006, I worked for Sony, but I also loved studying and I obtained my doctorate. Actually, I had a vague longing to eventually teach at a university. The offer from APU came at such a time and I found it appealing.

APU is very unique for giving most of its lectures in English and Japanese. This means that the students are able to choose from a lecture conducted in Japanese or English.

Q: Tell us about your students. Where do they come from? What is their attitude toward study, work and social life?

Yamamoto: About half of our students as well as professors come from overseas. It is the only school in Japan where undergraduate students come from about 80 countries. They come to APU straight after graduating from high school. Generally speaking, these students enter our school on an English basis with no command of the Japanese language. Consequently, they receive very intensive training in Japanese during their first year.