I would like to offer my heartfelt prayers for your continued good health and happiness as we welcome 2018.

　Soka University opened its doors in 1971 based on the founding principles to “Be the highest seat of learning for humanistic education,” “Be the cradle of a new culture,” and “Be a fortress for the peace of humankind,” with the educational goal of nurturing “creative individuals.”

　Our long-term plan, “Soka University Grand Design,” has entered its third and final stage. The plan was created with 2021 in mind as the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the university’s founding. As upheld by the “Top Global University Project” in which the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology selected Soka University as one of its top global universities in 2014, Soka University has been engaged in the globalization of its campus in order to nurture “Creative Global Citizens” that can lead peace and sustainable prosperity. Using our network of exchange, which has now expanded to 194 universities in 58 countries and regions around the world, approximately 60% of our students participate in various international exchange programs, while approximately 650 international students have been welcomed at Soka University. Thus, a campus rich with an international environment where a diverse range of students can study together has been realized.

　In addition, in April of last year, we established the Research Promotion Center to strengthen the university’s research strategy. While improving its research environment, Soka University was selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “Private University Research Branding Project” (“Type B: Global Development” category), and is engaged in research activities, communicating with research institutes within and outside Japan on a cross-sectional basis in order to solve the various issues that face global society.

　Students are also playing active roles both within and outside Japan, participating in international conferences and international exchange projects sponsored by Japan’s Cabinet Office, as well as being victorious in various business contests. In this way, they are exhibiting growth and development in various fields.
　
　This year again, as faculty and staff, we are determined to increase our efforts to respond to the demands of the times to bring forth and nurture the unlimited potential that students innately possess, all in order to establish the university as “Toward a global hub for humanistic education” based on the founding spirit of our founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda.
　Thank you very much, in advance, for all your support in 2018.

Yoshihisa Baba
Soka University President
January 2018