A comparative study of two world cities, Kobe and Shinghai

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The aim of this joint research between Kobe University in Japan and Futan University in China is to compare two international cities, Kobe and Shanghai, along several dimensions, predicated on the assumpiton that they have been developed as a response, positive and negative, to the imperial political forces and, as part of the world economic system in the modern period. A major feature of this research is multi-disciplinary, covering the social sciences (international relations, politics, economics, law, business administration) and the humanities (history, literature, sociology, arts).Twenty five professors in total take part in this joint research project. Our findings are : (1) A resurgent Shanghai in economics and culture is a product of the Open Door Policy starting from the 1980s, (2) Kobe after the Earthquake of 1995 needs a closer economic tie with Shanghai and the Yangtse River Zone as its economic energy comes from port and transportation activities, (3) While shanghai is a cultural center in a multi-central China, Kobe cannot be more than a fashion center in a uni-central Japan, although Tokyo is the national center of all activities in terms of politics, economics or culture, (4) The Kansai Area with Kobe can be a counterpart of the Yangtse River with Shanghai in economic terms, (5) Both areas have enjoyed a good relationship with each other in culture and human networks throughout the history, (6) Nowadays exchange of professors and students between both universities is more needed as it forms essential part of cultural exchange activities between both international cities, and (7) A better relationship between both cities can be an integral part of globalization process in the world.