Ritsumeikan University
The history of Ritsumeikan dates back to 1869, when Prince Kinmochi Saionji, an eminent cosmopolitan statesman of modern Japan, founded it as a private academy with a spirit of freedom and innovation in the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto. The Ritsumeikan Academy has grown to encompass two universities, Ritsumeikan University (RU) and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), four high schools, four junior high schools, and one primary school. Ritsumeikan University (RU) has now become an integrated university with a rich culture of individuality and international awareness accommodating more than 36,400 students across three campuses; Kinugasa, Suzaku in Kyoto and Biwako-Kusatsu in Shiga. RU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a wide range of academic disciplines including humanities, social science, arts, science and engineering. RU attaches a great deal of importance to international education, and through its links with over 390 overseas universities offers a range of study abroad opportunities to its students. In order to promote the internationalization of education and research, RU is actively accepting international students from many different countries and regions through various programs such as short-term program (one year or less), summer/winter program (two to five weeks), degree programs (four years), masters or researchers programs offering a unique Japanese language and cultural experiences.
Mission statements of Ritsumeikan: Reflect upon history and build an institution where many cultures coexist in the spirit of international mutual understanding. Build relationships of trust, through research and education, as well as sports and cultural activities, and establish its roots in the local community, to create an academic institution open to international society. Strive to strengthen links with society and promote its institutional development by fully utilizing the characteristics of a private academic institution, the participation of its faculty, staff and students, and the support of alumni and parents, while respecting the principles of autonomy, democracy, transparency, non-violence and justice. Pursue the creation of universal values based on academic freedom and search for solutions to the pressing issues facing humankind, with its educational endeavors based on its founding spirit and educational ideals, bearing in mind to believe in the future, to live for the future. Foster learning and the development of individual talents in order to nurture just and ethical global citizens. Promote peace, democracy and sustainable development in Japan and throughout the world. In accordance with the aforementioned mission, Ritsumeikan has set forth the following vision: Becoming an open academy that contributes to the region and global society. Learning communities and learner-centered education. Aiming to become a distinctive global research university. Promoting environments that improve educational ability and the quality of research
Foundation year:1922
Short name:RitU
Type:Private
Students:35230
Faculty:2430
Faculty/Students Ratio:14:1
Region:Asia
Location:Kyoto
