In ASEAN countries, the development of agriculture-based rural regions is a key policy theme. Therefore, we will conduct education and research on agriculture and rural development from the viewpoint of agriculture economics. Economic development in East Asian countries (widely defined) has been described as a Japan-led flying geese development model. Among ASEAN development-leading countries, Vietnam is expected to achieve the greatest development and needs Japan’s agriculture and rural development experiences most. Operations of the proposed Promotive Center for International Education and Research of Agriculture in Vietnam will become a foundation for its expansion into future ASEAN development-leading country candidates (Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia). The Agricultural and Rural Development Economics Unit will conduct education and research on technology, management and socio-economic systems for agricultural and rural development in ASEAN and other developing countries from the viewpoint of international development and relations studies. The unit will also implement education and research on agricultural management strategies for agriculture business growth leading agricultural and rural development and on decision-making support measures for their implementation from the viewpoint of business administration and regional planning studies. The Department of Agricultural and Resources Economics, which is closely related to the unit, covers six research areas -- environmental life economics, agricultural policy, farm management, quantitative food economic analysis, food marketing, and international agricultural development economics. The area that is most closely related to the unit is international agricultural development economics for visiting researchers.