Rikkyo University

Rikkyo University

Rikkyo University, also known as St. Paul's University, is a prestigious private university located in Tokyo, Japan. With its rich history and foundation in the year 1874 by Channing Moore Williams, an Episcopal (Anglican) missionary, the university has grown to be one of the leading institutions in Japan, known for its academic excellence and diverse range of academic disciplines. The university's establishment was driven by Williams' vision to provide education based on Christian principles, and over the years, it has expanded its academic offerings while maintaining its foundational ethos. The university is organized into several colleges and graduate schools, each focusing on different areas of study. The College of Arts offers a wide array of programs including American Studies, Arts and Humanities, Christian Religious Studies, and various language and literature courses among others, emphasizing a broad liberal arts education. The College of Business is renowned for its programs in Business Administration, Business and Commerce, and International Business, preparing students for the global business environment. The College of Community and Human Services, College of Contemporary Psychology, and College of Economics provide specialized programs in their respective fields, from Social Work and Sports to Economics and Finance. Rikkyo University's College of Intercultural Communication offers programs in multiple languages and cultural studies, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering global communication and understanding. The College of Law and Politics and the College of Science offer rigorous programs in fields such as Law, Political Sciences, and Natural Sciences, catering to students with diverse academic interests. The College of Sociology and the College of Tourism further expand the university's offerings with programs in Media Studies, Sociology, and Tourism. The university's graduate schools and institutes provide advanced studies and research opportunities. The Graduate School of Social Design, for instance, offers interdisciplinary programs combining Arts and Humanities, Business Administration, and Social Sciences. The Institute of Atomic Energy and the Institute of Business Law Studies are examples of specialized research centers focusing on Atomic and Molecular Physics and Commercial Law, respectively. Other institutes such as the Institute of Christian Education, Institute of Church Music, and Institute of English Language Education highlight the university's continued emphasis on its Christian roots and commitment to comprehensive education. Rikkyo University's commitment to academic excellence, combined with its rich history and Christian foundation, makes it a unique institution within Japan's educational landscape. Its wide range of departments and programs across various fields of study provides students with a holistic education, preparing them for successful careers and contributing to society in meaningful ways. The university's focus on global understanding and communication, along with its dedication to social welfare and community service, reflects its mission to educate individuals who can lead with empathy, knowledge, and a sense of global responsibility.

Rikkyo Daigaku St. Paul's University

— Peter Smith