Outreach Programs of the Association of Japanese Geographers Focusing on Qualification Systems

Abstract

The Association of Japanese Geographers presently has four types of qualification and approval systems in the two areas of GIS and regional geography. These systems aim at enhancing the social status of geography and contributing to the association by promoting the development of geography in university education. We did not pay much attention to the association's outreach programs at first, but the above systems contributed to the appeal of the association by emphasizing that qualified persons should at least have a background in geography. It now appears necessary for the association to take further steps from a specialized perspective to activate its projects such as summer school programs. The association should take various measures to revitalize its outreach programs by improving social collaboration and contributing networks in geography.