The sun is setting, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and purple. Right in front of you stands Hijiyama College, a testament to the pursuit of knowledge and the heart of education. The name “Hijiyama” originates from a green hill in the center of Hiroshima City. Founded in 1939 as Hiroshima Showa Women’s Middle School, the institution was initially designated as a teacher training school for students of Hiroshima University of Literature and Science. They were preparing to shape the minds of future generations. The founding philosophy is to strive for the traditional Japanese ideal of “Permanence in Life.” This philosophy is symbolized in the name of Hijiyama, a landmark known by the citizens of Hiroshima. It represents the harmony between nature and human beings, and the importance of art and culture. In 1994, the school blossomed into Hijiyama University, a four-year institution, and in 1998, the university and its junior college became coeducational, embracing diversity and opening new horizons. Hijiyama College continues to evolve, adapting to the changing times and society. Its goal is to encourage education and research connected to the local area, and to empower students to make positive contributions toward a richer, more inclusive society. As you stand before Hijiyama College, you are witnessing a place where the future is being shaped. The wind across the campus whispers tales of innovation, ambition, and determination, reminding you that the pursuit of knowledge is a journey that never ends.
芸州廿日市御本陣旧跡
“A castle built on the plain?” you might ask. “Isn’t that a bit…exposed?” And indeed, the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, the