Book Review: Richard Joslyn and Bruce Stronach. The History of Temple University Japan: An Experiment in International Education. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2023. 292 pp. $30 (paperback). ISBN 9781439919507.

Abstract

Japanese universities have consistently and extensively documented their histories; however, The History of Temple University Japan: An Experiment in International Education stands out as a first account of a foreign university’s branch campus in Japan. In this work, former Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) deans Richard Joslyn and Bruce Stronach explore why TUJ was founded and how it has survived and thrived. Given their backgrounds in higher education administration, the authors bring a wealth of experience to their exploration. In analyzing the history of TUJ, they contextualize the institution within the broader U.S.–Japan relationship and the realms of cultural and economic globalization. The authors posit that the key to TUJ’s success lies in the unwavering commitment of individuals at Temple and in Japan to international higher education. They view the symbiotic relationship between TUJ and its Japanese stakeholders as a microcosm of the U.S.–Japan relationship and propose that TUJ could serve as a prototype for institutions in Japan and worldwide, exemplifying successful cross-cultural collaboration. This book is a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners interested in the internationalization of higher education.