1.
associate professor (former academic title)
The former Japanese academic title roughly equivalent to associate professor. Officially replaced by 准教授 in 2007, but still widely understood and occasionally used.
Composed of 助 (assistant, helper) + 教授 (professor). This was the standard title for the rank below full professor in Japanese universities until 2007, when the School Education Act was revised and the title was changed to 准教授.
The change was made partly because 助 ("assistant") was seen as implying a subordinate role, whereas 准 ("associate") better reflected the independent standing of the position.
Related words
- 准教授: associate professor (current official title)
- 教授: professor
- 助教: assistant professor (current title, created in the 2007 reform)
- 講師: lecturer
Usage
Still frequently encountered in older texts, historical accounts, and popular media. Many people continue to use 助教授 informally even after the official change.