Hiroyuki OBA is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Law, where he has served since 2004, becoming a full Professor in 2014. He currently holds the position of Dean of Academic Affairs at Waseda University, demonstrating his significant administrative responsibilities alongside his academic work. His career trajectory shows steady progression from Assistant Professor (2004-2007) to Associate Professor (2009-2014) and finally to Professor. Professor OBA earned his Bachelor's (2000), Master's (2002), and Ph.D. in Law (2007) from Waseda University, with additional academic experience at Universität Freiburg in Germany (2003-2004). His educational background provided the foundation for his specialization in civil law with particular focus on property law systems. His research interests center around the criticism of the theory of distinction between real rights and claims , the legal structure of changes in property rights , and real estate public notice systems . Professor OBA has developed a distinctive research profile through extensive comparative analysis between Japanese and German legal systems, particularly examining historical developments and theoretical foundations of property law. His work often bridges traditional Japanese legal frameworks with German civil law concepts, creating valuable cross-cultural legal insights. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on property law theory with evolving emphasis on inheritance registration systems, the concept of ius ad rem, and comparative analyses between Japanese and German property law systems. His scholarship demonstrates a methodological approach that combines historical analysis with contemporary legal challenges, particularly in real estate transactions and inheritance matters. The recurring theme across his work is the examination of how theoretical legal concepts manifest in practical registration systems and judicial decisions. Professor OBA has successfully secured multiple research grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, including a major project on 'A critical study of the theory of distinction between real rights and obligations' (2019-2024). His academic leadership extends to supervising doctoral and master's students in civil law research, though specific student names are not listed in the available materials. He is actively involved in several professional organizations including the German Property Law Research Association, Real Estate Registration Research Group, Japan Land Law Association, and Cadastral Issues Study Group. His overseas research at the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Private Law in Hamburg (2011-2013) further demonstrates his international scholarly engagement and expertise in comparative property law.
