ALSA 2025 meeting

Centers for Japanese Law (CJLs) have been established by Nagoya University and its partner universities in Asia, where undergraduate students from the partner universities have been educated as part of the International Cooperation for Legal Development. Students first learn the Japanese language, and after reaching an intermediate level, they learn Japanese law. CJLs have employed Content-Based Instruction and Inquiry-Based Learning. The graduates have recently taken on active roles in the legal field. The aim of this research is to clarify what graduates who have become paralegals and aspire to become lawyers in Vietnam and Cambodia have obtained in Japanese legal education and which context and methodology are most effective for the study of Japanese law. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for approximately one hour each with nine young paralegals who have been working for Japanese law firms in Vietnam and Cambodia. The three findings were identified from the analysis of the interview data. One of the valuable acquisitions for participants is knowledge of Japanese culture, including business etiquette and the general values of the Japanese people, gained through the Japanese language class. Secondly, the essential skills which participants obtained are academic skills and autonomous learning. Thirdly, participants are able to submit reports and to explain their recommendations and reasons to their superiors because they are familiar with syllogisms and understand the differences between Japanese law and the laws of their countries. Considering the findings, paralegals and future lawyers need to acquire academic theory, develop logical thinking skills, and demonstrate competence in working with Japanese individuals. CJLs should consider not only the cramming of knowledge and input from students but also encourage autonomous thinking in the Japanese class and law class together.