Founded in 1874 Rikkyo University stands before you a testament to history and faith. It’s a private university in Ikebukuro Tokyo. Rikkyo is one of the prestigious MARCH universities. It shares this honor with Meiji Aoyama Gakuin Chuo and Hosei universities.
Rikkyo’s origins trace back to St Paul’s School a boys’ school established by Channing Moore Williams an Episcopal Church missionary. The school’s first classes were held in Williams’ home in Tsukiji. Initially five students attended. The number grew to 55 within the first year. Many lived in a school dormitory.
A devastating fire in 1876 destroyed the early school buildings. The Domestic and Foreign Mission Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church provided funding. A new principal James McDonald Gardiner oversaw the construction of impressive new facilities. These included a three-story brick building with a 60-foot spire.
In 1891 the school became St Paul’s College. The curriculum expanded. Enrollment surged but the buildings were deemed unsafe. The new president Rev Theodosius Stevens Tyng embarked on a fundraising trip to the United States. Tragically an earthquake in 1894 damaged the college. Classes were temporarily held in Trinity Parish House. New buildings were completed by 1896.
Rev Arthur Lloyd’s presidency saw a remarkable increase in enrollment. A government license exempted students from military service. This allowed access to higher education. Lloyd skillfully navigated the school through challenges. The Japanese Ministry of Education tried to limit religious instruction in approved schools. Rikkyo retained its license because religious instruction was limited to the dormitories.
In 1909 Rikkyo acquired 23 acres near Ikebukuro. It moved to a new campus in 1919. The University Chapel was consecrated in 1920. The university received official charter in 1922.
The 1923 Great Kanto earthquake caused structural damage to the red-brick campus buildings. Rikkyo’s suburban location saved it from the devastating fires in the city center. Until the 1920s most classes were taught in English. Japanese language textbooks became more available by the end of the decade.
During World War II Rikkyo’s Anglican Christian identity faced pressure. President Shigeharu Kimura was forced to resign. The university severed ties with Christianity. Many Christian faculty lost their positions. The University All Saints Chapel was closed.
After the war the US Occupation authorities removed officials associated with militarism. Rikkyo reinstated its Anglican Church ties. Faculty members like Paul Rusch helped restart classes and rebuild. Women were admitted to degree programs in 1946. Renowned architect Kenzo Tange designed a library extension. It was completed in 1960.
Rikkyo operated a research reactor from 1961 to 2001. This contributed to neutron radiography and energy research in Japan. A second campus in Niiza Saitama opened in 1990. New graduate schools were established in 2002. These include programs in Business Administration Social Design Studies and Intercultural Communication. In 2014 Rikkyo was designated a Global Hub university receiving special government funding.
Today Rikkyo University stands as a global institution with a rich heritage. Its history blends faith scholarship and international engagement. It stands as a prominent example of higher education in Japan.