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Sophia University (Jouchi Daigaku 上智⼤大学)is one of the most prominent private universities in Japan. Founded in 1913 by the Roman Catholic religious order of the Society of Jesus, it has grown from its 3 original departments of Philosophy, German Literature and Commerce to 9 undergraduate faculties and 10 graduate schools, with over 13,900 students in total.

Physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, it is also close to the socio-economic and political core of Japanese society. From its early days the university has been a center for internationalization and to this day continues to act as a bridge to the wider world. Many of its graduates find their way into fields such as the media (national broadcasters such as NHK), global development (international organizations like the United Nations), or global business (multinational corporations).

The university’s core values of respect for equality, diversity and contribution to the larger social good are captured into its motto: “Men and Women, With Others, For Others”. These values permeate not only its academic curriculum but also guide students in their extracurricular activities. Students undertake many volunteer activities run inside and outside the university, but also beyond Japan, for instance, the support activities focused on refugees, or on the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, just to name a few.

Sophia University has been promoting educational and research activities based on a spirit of charity and globalism through encounters and dialogues with people of diverse backgrounds in the hope to bring forth solutions to the many problems that torment our world today.