Prof. Toyoh Sakai

Since Dr. Toschima Araki, our first president, established our university in 1965, we have made remarkable achievements. I believe they are the result of his exceptional ideals in fostering a keen international awareness, as well as a concern for the preservation of the rich traditions of Japanese culture.

Successive presidents, Dr. Sukekata Kashiwa and the last president, Masanori Nitta, sustained this educational philosophy. Our foremost objective is to further the development of men and women who are capable of contributing to a world in flux. We must provide them with diverse opportunities to be creative, and to develop a sense of social responsibility with self-discipline.

In order to become such individuals, it is necessary for our students to acquire a broad and deep understanding of the civilizations and cultures of the world. More importantly, they need to increase their knowledge and awareness of the special characteristics and historical significance of Japanese culture.

In this dawning of the twenty-first century, globalization and developments in information technology continue to accelerate, and we are urged to find solutions to human activities that are ecologically unsustainable. As the world undergoes these transformations, we must be alert and flexible to meet a myriad of shifting needs through a synergistic balance between science and technology, the humanities, and the social sciences. Our distinctive collection of academic disciplines on one campus is a great advantage in the pursuit of such interdisciplinary objectives, freely allowing for innovation and renewal of curriculum to meet the needs of our changing society.

We will strive to create a learning environment where our students are able to acquire knowledge and advanced skills in their specialized fields enabling them to fulfill their aspirations. Above all, what our university endeavors to instill most is the "Koyama spirit," a rich and enlightened mind with a broad understanding of how one can participate in, and contribute to society.