Introduction

Abstract

In 1988 Chiba University in Japan and the University of Alabama in the United States formed a joint research team later called CHIBAMA, a combination of CHIBA and BAMA (a common abbreviation for Alabama). The CHIBAMA project is in turn an outgrowth of the sister relationship formally established between the two universities in 1984. The first CHIBAMA Conference was held successfully in October 1988 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The second CHIBAMA Conference was held as successfully in October 1989 in Izu and Chiba, Japan. The third CHIBAMA Conference, held in July and August 1990 in Honolulu, Hawaii, capped the successful series, and was distinguished by the active participation of the East-West Center (EWC). The significant role of EWC staff and scholars has made the joint research project richer and more meaningful.