The "Project to Promote Responding-to-Needs Type Global Area Studies" framework newly established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, began as a 4-and-half-year program in October 2006. Link for reference: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology: "The direction of proceeding with 'the Project to Promote Responding-to-Needs Type Global Area Studies' (Report)"

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