Dokkyo University facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dokkyo University

獨協大学
Motto	A University is an institution where character is developed through learning
Type	Private
Established	1883
President	Tadashi Inui
Academic staff	215
Administrative staff	153
Undergraduates	8892
Postgraduates	143
Doctoral students	15
Location	Sōka, Saitama , Japan
Colors	Blue

Dokkyo University East Building

Dokkyo University (獨協大学, Dokkyō Daigaku) is a private university in Sōka, Saitama, Japan. This means it's not run by the government. It's known for its excellent language programs and for connecting with universities around the world. The university officially started in 1964, but its history goes back much further, to 1881. Getting into Dokkyo University can be a bit competitive, as only about 30-40% of students who apply are accepted.

History of Dokkyo University

The name "Dokkyo" comes from a Japanese abbreviation for "German Studies Society." This society was created on September 18, 1881. Many important people helped start it, including scholars, diplomats, and leaders. The first leader of the society was Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa.

Early Days of the School

In 1883, the society opened a school called the "German Studies Society School." At first, only boys could attend, which was common at that time. They also started a special law school. This law school focused on Japan's first constitution, which was similar to Germany's. However, this elite law section later joined the Imperial University of Tokyo in 1895.

Challenges and Growth

The school faced some difficulties during World War I (1914-1918). Japan was on the side of the British Empire against the German Empire. Despite this, many Japanese people still liked or felt neutral about Germany.

The 1920s were a great time for the school. Many of its students went on to attend Japan's top high school in Tokyo. This high school is now part of the University of Tokyo. After World War II ended in 1945, the school became a regular boys' high school.

Founding the University

In the early 1960s, a former student and Education Minister, Amano Teiyū (天野貞祐, Amano Teiyū), was asked to help create Dokkyo University. Money for the university came from the school itself and local governments. The first university classes began in April 1964.

University Campus and Facilities

Dokkyo University is located in Sōka, Saitama, which is about 30 minutes away from the big city of Tokyo. The university has a campus with several buildings, including the Central, East, and West buildings. There's also a Student Center, a Library and Research Center, a Sports Ground, and various gardens.

Dokkyo University East gate

Dokkyo University Central building

The campus is right next to the Denu river. You can enter the campus through the East, West, South, or Ground Gates.

Dokkyo University South Gate, Sports Grounds and campus

The Teiyu Amano Memorial Stadium, where the university's baseball team plays, is located in Koshigaya, a short distance from the main campus.

Academic Programs

Dokkyo University offers many different subjects for students to study.

Undergraduate Studies

Students can choose from various fields in these faculties:

• Faculty of Foreign languages
  • Department of German
  • Department of English
  • Department of French
• Faculty of International Liberal Arts
  • Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (This means studying topics that cross different subjects.)
• Faculty of Economics
  • Department of Economics
  • Department of Management science (This is about how businesses and organizations are run.)
• Faculty of Law
  • Department of Law
  • Department of International Legal Studies (This focuses on laws that affect different countries.)
  • Department of Policy studies (since 2008) (This looks at how governments and organizations make decisions.)

Postgraduate Studies

After finishing their first degree, students can continue their education in:

• Graduate School of Law
• Graduate School of Foreign Languages
• Graduate School of Economics
• Dokkyo Law School (This is a special school for students who want to become lawyers.)

International Connections

Dokkyo University has an International Center. It helps students study abroad and welcomes students from other countries. The university also has agreements with many universities around the world for student and teacher exchanges. They even offer a special program for exchange students to learn Japanese language and culture.

Universities Dokkyo Partners With

The university has exchange programs with many universities both in Japan and in other countries. This allows students to experience different cultures and ways of learning.

University Rankings

In 2018, Dokkyo University was recognized as one of the top 100 universities in Japan. It was ranked 86th by Times Higher Education (THE), a well-known organization that ranks universities worldwide.

Student Life and Sports

Dokkyo University offers many sports and athletic programs for its students. The university's baseball team has been part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area University Baseball League since 1967, competing against other universities in the Tokyo area.

Famous Alumni

Many talented people have graduated from Dokkyo University. Here are a few notable alumni:

• Jun Enomoto, a Japanese football player
• Hiroki Kamemoto, a Japanese musician
• Rie Furuse, a Japanese singer
• Katsuko Nishimoto, a Japanese politician
• Atsuko Okamoto, a Japanese actress
• Koichiro Okuma, a Japanese martial artist
• Tomorowo Taguchi, a Japanese actor
• Sōichirō Takashima, a Japanese politician
• Toru Toida, a Japanese politician
• Yumi Yoshiyuki, a Japanese film director

See Also

• Dokkyodaigakumae Station (A train station near the university)
• Dokkyo Medical University (A related medical university)
• Himeji Dokkyo University (Another related university)