Sophia University achieved a remarkable milestone by securing second place at the 23rd Intercollegiate Negotiation Competition held on November 16 and 17, 2024. The competition, hosted annually at Sophia University’s Yotsuya Campus since its inception, brought together approximately 300 participants from 29 universities across Japan and the world, including institutions from Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Mongolia, China, and India.
Teams competed in mock arbitration and negotiation on international business transactions, conducted in either Japanese or English, with their performances judged by over 150 domestic and international professionals and scholars. Representing Sophia University were 19 students from the Faculty of Law’s International Business Law Seminar, who achieved the university’s best-ever performance by finishing second overall.
The competition results placed Team Australia as champions, followed by Sophia University, the National University of Singapore in third place, the University of Tokyo in fourth, and Osaka University in fifth. Sophia University also excelled in specific categories, securing first place in Japanese negotiation and ranking second in the overall Japanese division behind the University of Tokyo. In the English division, they achieved third place, making them the highest-ranking Japanese university.
The team reported their achievements to Sophia University President Yoshiaki Terumichi on November 21. Karen Fukae, a fourth-year law student, described the experience as the culmination of a year’s preparation in negotiation and arbitration studies. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and adaptability, noting that the competition required understanding the other party’s interests and striving for mutually beneficial solutions. Through extensive simulations and practice, the team developed broader perspectives and refined their approach to negotiation.
Professor Tetsuro Morishita, who guided the team, praised the students for their dedication and growth. He highlighted their transformation over the past year, from initial hesitation to confidently debating their ideas before international judges and peers. The professor acknowledged the challenges the students faced, including intense discussions and moments of frustration, but commended their resilience and unity in achieving outstanding results. He expressed hope that the experience would remain a valuable asset in their lives.
The Intercollegiate Negotiation Competition continues to serve as a platform for fostering international collaboration and honing critical skills, and Sophia University’s performance this year underscores its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.
