Soka University Cherry Tree planted by the University Founder Daisaku Ikeda on the day of the Soka University Completion Ceremony in full bloom
The Global Square was completed in 2013 as a new symbol embodying the philosophy of “student-centered university.”
As it steadily executed the plans set forth in the Grand Design, in 2014, Soka University was selected for the Top Global University Project of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). In reaching its 50th anniversary, Soka University embarked on its path through the next 50 years as “A university that fosters ‘global citizens’ that can create value,” aiming to foster capable individuals who can sincerely face global issues and boldly challenge toward realizing peace.
2011
April
Establishment of the Japan Studies Center
April
Establishment of the Specialization in Social Welfare in the Faculty of Letters
2012
April
The Faculty of Letters, Department of Human Studies was reorganized
into 11 majors and 1 specialized course
2013
March 30
Inauguration of the Faculty of Nursing Building
April
Establishment of the Faculty of Nursing
September 4
Inauguration of the Global Square
September 6
Inauguration of the Student Center
2014
April
Establishment of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts
April
Establishment of the Center for the Promotion of Gender Equality
September 26
Selected for the MEXT’s Top Global University Project
2015
April
The Faculty of Engineering was renamed the Faculty of Science and Engineering
with two departments: the Department of Science and Engineering for
Sustainable Innovation and Department of Information Systems Engineering
September 8
Faculty of Education Building
2016
June 11
Establishment of the Russian Center
June 28
Establishment of the Soka University Thailand Office
(Thammasat University-Soka University Liason Office)
July 29
Completion of the Club House annex
September 1
Establishment of Tsubasa Child Care Center
September 26
Establishment of the Soka University South Korea Office
2017
March 24
Opening of Takiyama International Dormitory and Man’yo International Dormitory
April
Establishment of Research Promotion Center
2018
April
Establishment of the Graduate School of International Peace Studies and the Distance
Learning Division, Faculty of Letters, Department of Human Studies
April
Establishment of International Business Department in Soka Women’s College
August 14
Establishment of the Soka University Philippines Office
(University of the East-Soka University International Program Office)
2019
April
Establishment of the SDGs Promotion Center
2020
April
Graduate School of Engineering was renamed as the Graduate School of
Science and Engineering; Biosciences Major was established
April
Establishment of the Ikeda Research Institute for Soka Education (IRISE)
September
Establishment of the Institute of Plankton Eco-engineering
2013｜Completion of the Global Square
“The environment for providing student-centered education is now in place and students can actively learn to their full potential. I cannot help thinking how happy Mr. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the founding father of Soka Education, and Mr. Josei Toda would be to see the University today. I can almost see their big smiles.”
(Message sent from Ikeda for Soka Glory Meeting, October 2013)
Facilities That Embody the Principle of “Student-Centered” University
“In most universities, the upper floors of the school building are occupied by research offices and do not have any lounges or seminar rooms where students can gather. However, here in the Global Square, there is a lounge on each floor and plenty of space is provided for students to sit down and have a chat or study.” (Interview to President Baba in 2018)
Photos
Filled with high hopes for the future of the University, Ikeda shared his plans to build a new educational building, the Hall of Learning (the current Global Square) on various occasions including his speech at the 34th entrance ceremony (April 2004)
Inauguration ceremony of the Global Square (September 2013)
Panoramic view of the lush green mountains surrounding the campus
Harmony Lounge where exchanges with international students can be held
The stylish Gran Café is a popular spot among the students
Platto: a spacious lounge situated next to a convenience store
TENKU Garden: an open space facing the Central Tower
Various student consultation desks have been consolidated to offer a full range of services in a one-stop shop
The learning commons SPACe enjoys favorable reception from within and outside of the University as a learning space where free and creative ideas are born through various encounters
2013-2014｜Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of International Liberal Arts
Faculty of Nursing
Fostering nurses with strength of character, advanced practical nursing skills, and a global mindset
The Three Principles of the Faculty of Nursing (tentative translations)
Nursing of lifelong learning that delves into the principle of life’s inherent sanctity
Nursing of an illuminating heart of encouragement that brings out the power of life
Nursing of wisdom and compassion to together open the path of triumph
Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA)
All academic courses are conducted in English and all students go on a study abroad program, which will open the door to a global career
Photos
View of the campus after the Faculty of Nursing Building (on right) was completed (2013)
Inauguration ceremony of the Faculty of Nursing Building (March 2013)
Overseas nursing training of the Faculty of Nursing
U.S. Philippines Korea Zambia Sweden
Class of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts
All students go on a study abroad program
All FILA students must study abroad as part of the mandatory program for graduation
Canada Australia New Zealand U.S. Malaysia (short-term training course)
“Soka University’s “Global Initiative for Humanistic Education
– Fostering Global Citizens for Building Peace and Sustainable Prosperity –””
was selected as MEXT’s Top Global University Project (Type B)
“Exemplary measures such as enhancement of study abroad support systems and establishment of international dormitories, that set a model for other universities to follow, have produced positive synergetic effects among students” (Excerpt from AY2017 Mid-term Evaluation Report)
Network of 225 partnering universities in 62 countries and regions across the world
Key Indicators of Progress
Number of international students studying at Soka University (inbound students accepted during the academic year)
Number of Japanese students studying abroad (outbound students sent during the academic year)
Number of students achieving foreign language proficiency standards (equivalent to TOEFL iBT80)
Ratio of classes held in a foreign language (excluding language subjects) *AY2023 target is already achieved
Programs in which students can complete the curriculum only in foreign languages *AY2023 target is already achieved
Ratio of international faculty, etc.
Latest topics
Please refer to the English description written on the exhibition panels.
Exhibit
In commemoration of the founding 50th anniversary of Soka University, the 50 Years of Soka University was published in Japanese.
Please feel free to read it. Please also refrain from taking this book out of this area.
