Lecturers at a university in western Japan could be forgiven for dreading the moment they have to introduce themselves at international conferences. Their institution's academic pedigree is not in doubt – but to the non-Japanese ear, the mere mention of its name is enough to prompt fits of giggles.

After years of politely tolerating the sniggering of their English-speaking colleagues, the staff of Kinki (pronounced kinky) University have had enough.

The university, named after the region of western Japan in which it is located, will in future be known as Kindai University, said its exasperated dean, Hitoshi Shiozaki.

While the word Kinki holds no potential for humour among Japanese speakers, Shiozaki said he was aware of the mirthful connotations of its English homonym.

"The word kinky also means perverted," he told reporters, according to AFP. "We have no other choice than to change the English name because we are serious about pursuing a more international school culture."

University officials hope the name change will not only put an end to the laughter, but also encourage students, who might otherwise be put off by the name, to take part in its international exchange programmes.

Staff and students will have to grit their teeth for a little longer, however. The new name – a contraction of Kinki and Daigaku, the Japanese for university – is not due to take effect until 2016, when the university opens its international studies faculty.