Message from the President

Kumamoto Gakuen University celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2022, counting from the foundation of the Institute of Oriental Languages in 1942. Starting with the first 176 graduates, Kumamoto Gakuen University now has over 100,000 alumni. At its foundation in 1942, the students and faculty worked together to develop the school site and build the school building. Even after moving to the current Oe Campus in 1952, our students and faculty members have continued to spend their time on our campus under the founding principles of “Mutual Friendship between Teachers and Students,” “Deep Respect for Freedom and Liberty,” and “Warm Heart of One School as One Family” to this day.

The term “Mutual Friendship between Teachers and Students” means that teachers and students learn together as fellow human beings, sharing the same norms. “Deep Respect for Freedom and Liberty” means that all members of the school work hard in education, study, and research in a relaxed and free atmosphere, aiming to become bright, open-minded, free, and creative individuals. Finally, “Warm Heart of One School as One Family” refers to the academic culture in which faculty, staff, and students are united as one. With these three founding principles, we strive to nurture human resources who are rooted in the local community and who will make great strides in the world.

The environment surrounding the university is changing with the times. We have accurately grasped current trends and have been able to realize education that meets the needs of today. The educational themes that the university is working on include the development of human resources capable of solving the challenges of modern society, including SDGs, practical education in response to TSMC's (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) expansion into Kumamoto Prefecture, education that integrates the humanities and sciences to respond to digital innovations, and the promotion of sports education and activities.

We hope that you will acquire a wide range of knowledge and expertise during your time at the university and that you will realize your dreams through club activities, internships, study abroad experiences, and other activities. The possibilities are endless. We, the faculty and staff, are committed to maximizing student satisfaction so that upon graduation, you will leave for society feeling “I am glad I came to this university.”

Hiroshi Hayashi
President
Kumamoto Gakuen University