Beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms, International Christian University rises. It stands as a beacon of international education in Tokyo. Established in 1949, International Christian University broke ground as Japan’s first liberal arts college.
Imagine a university born from a vision of peace. International Christian University emerged from the ashes of World War II. Japanese Christian educators sought to create a space for fostering lasting peace. They aimed to nurture globally minded individuals. The Japan International Christian University Foundation played a crucial role. It was established in New York in 1948. The foundation’s mission was fundraising and advocating for world peace. It particularly focused on reconciliation between Japan and the United States.
International Christian University is a non-denominational private university. It resides in Mitaka Tokyo. The university is rooted in Christian ideals. International Christian University champions service to humanity. It promotes lasting peace and a blend of freedom and reverence. All students engage in studies in both English and Japanese. This bilingual approach makes International Christian University unique.
Prince Takamatsu, General Douglas MacArthur, and BOJ President Hisato Ichimada helped establish International Christian University. The honorary chair of the US fundraising campaign was General Douglas MacArthur. Hisato Ichimada headed the Japan campaign. He helped raise funds to purchase land for the university. Eleanor Roosevelt delivered International Christian University’s first convocation address.
Now, let’s talk about the campus. International Christian University boasts a sprawling campus of 620000 square meters. That’s equivalent to 13 Tokyo Domes. The main campus spans 150 wooded acres. It is located in Western Tokyo. Shinjuku is just half an hour away by train. You will find computer and internet access available throughout the campus.
Did you know that International Christian University’s campus sits on ancient archaeological remains? These remains date back to pre-Jomon and Jomon periods. Students have the opportunity to participate in archaeological fieldwork. Excavated items are on permanent display in the Hachiro Yuasa Memorial Museum. The campus was also once home to a Nakajima Aircraft Company factory.
Taizanso Garden is also on campus. It features a traditional Japanese tea house. It also includes the One-Mat Room. The room was constructed out of wood gathered from sacred sites. International Christian University also owns campuses in Nasu and Karuizawa.
The university houses a Rotary Center for peace and conflict resolution. It partners with Rotary International. It is the only Rotary Peace Center in Asia. The University of California Tokyo Study Center is located on International Christian University’s campus.
International Christian University offers 31 undergraduate majors. It also has a graduate school. Around 30% of all courses are offered in English. The rest are in Japanese or both languages. International Christian University operates on a trimester system. The academic year is divided into three terms of approximately eleven weeks each.
International Christian University embraces diversity. It cultivates global citizens. The university nurtures a sense of community. It fosters dialogue and empathy on a global scale. International Christian University empowers graduates to tackle complex global issues.
International Christian University is more than just a university. It is a place where students and faculty from around the globe unite. They learn and live together. They address emerging global challenges. It stands as a testament to the power of education. It is a beacon for a more interconnected world.