Contemplate the motto of Showa Women’s University: “Be a Light to the World.” It embodies the institution’s spirit. Showa Women’s University is a private women’s university. It stands in Setagaya Ward in Tokyo. Enkichi Hitomi founded it in 1920. It was re-established in 1949.
The university shares its campus. It shares it with a graduate school. A high school also shares it. Furthermore, a junior high school, an elementary school, and a nursery school are here.
Originally, it was named Japan Women’s Institute. This was in 1920. Mr. Hitomi Enkichi founded it. His educational ideas came from Lev Tolstoy. In 1922, it became Japan Women’s College. The location changed from Bunkyo Ward to Setagaya Ward. Finally, in 1949, it adopted the name Showa Women’s University.
The university boasts diverse departments. The Faculty of Humanities and Culture includes Japanese Language and Literature. English Language and Communication is also included. History and Culture and International Studies are available too. Students in English have a chance to study abroad. They can go to the Showa Boston Institute.
The Faculty of Human and Social Sciences studies human society. They use history, economics, and psychology. Students can choose from Social Work, Welfare Career, and Parenting Support.
The Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences prepares students for community service. They study resource management and human needs. They also study family relationships and working environments.
Showa Women’s University includes a Junior College. It offers academic and vocational training.
The Hitomi Memorial Hall is on campus. It is known for its acoustics. Many classical concerts have taken place here.
The General Education Center offers teacher training programs. It also offers foreign language studies.
There is also Showa Junior & Senior High School. It was established in 1922. About 44% of its students enter Showa Women’s University. Showa Elementary School was established in 1953. Showa Kindergarten was established in 1951.
Showa Women’s University emphasizes study abroad programs. The Showa Boston Institute opened in 1988. Over 700 students study in Boston each year.
The university’s history traces back to Enkichi Hitomi. He founded the Japan Women’s School of Higher Education. The original buildings were destroyed in World War II. The university moved to Setagaya Ward in 1945.
The university’s foundation is based on Leo Tolstoy’s teachings. Tolstoy believed education should encompass culture. There is a statue of Tolstoy in front of the auditorium.
Showa Women’s University has undergraduate and graduate programs. It also has research institutes. These include the Institute of Modern Culture and the Institute of Women’s Culture.
Showa Women’s University continues to educate. It empowers women to shine their lights on the world.