# Center for Integrated Area Studies > Subsidiary of Kyoto University (2006-2016) and its predecessor **Wikidata**: [Q112671875](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112671875) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/center-for-integrated-area-studies ## Summary The Center for Integrated Area Studies was a research institute that operated as a subsidiary of Kyoto University from 2006 to 2016, succeeding an earlier organization established in 1994 under the National Museum of Ethnology. It functioned as a dedicated entity for area studies and area informatics before being replaced by the Kyoto University Center for Southeast Asian Studies. ## Key Facts - **Inception Date:** 1994 - **Operational Period as Kyoto University Subsidiary:** 2006–2016 - **Predecessor Organization:** National Museum of Ethnology (1994–2005) - **Parent Organization (2006–2016):** Kyoto University - **Successor Entity:** Kyoto University Center for Southeast Asian Studies - **Field of Work:** Area informatics, area studies - **Aliases:** Japan Center for Area Studies, 地域研究企画交流センター - **Differentiated From:** Japan Consortium for Area Studies - **Classification:** Research institute (instance of) - **Identifiers:** VIAF IDs 151491995, 139272290, 185146997247618890997 - **Reference Source:** https://kyoto.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/message/#toc-id2 ## FAQs **What was the organizational history and timeline of the Center for Integrated Area Studies?** The entity began in 1994 as a project under the National Museum of Ethnology, operating under that parent until 2005. In 2006, it transitioned to become a subsidiary of Kyoto University, a status it maintained until its closure in 2016. **Which organizations were responsible for the Center's governance during its existence?** From its founding in 1994 until 2005, the Center was affiliated with the National Museum of Ethnology. From 2006 to 2016, its parent organization was Kyoto University. **What academic fields did the Center focus on, and what entity replaced it?** The Center specialized in the disciplines of area studies and area informatics. Upon its conclusion in 2016, it was succeeded by the Kyoto University Center for Southeast Asian Studies. ## Why It Matters The Center for Integrated Area Studies served as a critical bridge between the National Museum of Ethnology and Kyoto University, consolidating resources for the study of specific geographic regions. By operating as a dedicated research institute rather than a general university department, it allowed for focused investigation into area informatics and area studies without the distraction of broader undergraduate teaching obligations. Its existence facilitated the transition of specialized area studies research into a new institutional framework under Kyoto University, ensuring continuity in the field before its functions were absorbed by its successor. The organization represents a specific era of collaborative academic infrastructure in Japan, linking museum-based ethnology with university-based area studies. ## Notable For - Operating as a unique hybrid entity that shifted parentage from a national museum to a major university. - Maintaining a specific focus on "area informatics," a specialized intersection of technology and regional studies. - Holding multiple distinct VIAF identifiers (151491995, 139272290, 185146997247618890997) reflecting its complex institutional history. - Serving as the direct predecessor to the Kyoto University Center for Southeast Asian Studies. - Being explicitly distinguished from the Japan Consortium for Area Studies despite similar naming conventions. - Utilizing the Japanese alias "地域研究企画交流センター" alongside its English titles. ## Body ### Organizational History and Timeline The Center for Integrated Area Studies was established in 1994. During its initial phase, from 1994 to 2005, it operated under the auspices of the National Museum of Ethnology. A significant structural change occurred in 2006 when the entity became a subsidiary of Kyoto University. This relationship with Kyoto University continued until 2016, marking the end of its independent operational status. The entity was subsequently replaced by the Kyoto University Center for Southeast Asian Studies. ### Institutional Affiliations and Governance The Center's governance structure evolved over its lifespan, reflecting a shift in academic oversight. Initially, it was a project or subsidiary of the National Museum of Ethnology. In 2006, the parent organization changed to Kyoto University. This transition is documented with specific start and end times for each affiliation: the National Museum of Ethnology tenure ended in 2005, and the Kyoto University tenure ended in 2016. The primary reference for these organizational changes is found at the URL https://kyoto.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/message/#toc-id2. ### Academic Scope and Specialization The primary field of work for the Center was area studies, with a specific emphasis on area informatics. This focus distinguished it from general research bodies by targeting the intersection of regional knowledge and information systems. The entity is classified specifically as a "research institute," indicating its primary purpose was the generation of new knowledge through systematic investigation rather than teaching or policy advocacy. ### Distinctions and Related Entities The Center for Integrated Area Studies is explicitly differentiated from the Japan Consortium for Area Studies, indicating they are separate legal or operational entities. It is also distinct from the Japan Center for Area Studies, which is listed as an alias or related name. The organization's identity is further clarified by its unique set of VIAF identifiers: 151491995, 139272290, and 185146997247618890997. These identifiers help distinguish the Center from other similarly named organizations in library and knowledge systems. ### Legacy and Succession Upon the conclusion of its operations in 2016, the functions and focus of the Center for Integrated Area Studies were transferred to the Kyoto University Center for Southeast Asian Studies. This succession ensures that the research momentum in area studies and area informatics continued within the Kyoto University framework. The entity's legacy is preserved through its specific classification as a research institute and its documented history of affiliation with both the National Museum of Ethnology and Kyoto University. ## References 1. [Source](https://kyoto.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/message/#toc-id2)