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The University of Tokyo
東京大学
Latin: Universitas Tociensis
Former names
 Imperial University (1886–1897)
Tokyo Imperial University (1897–1947)
Type National
Established 1877
Academic affiliations
 IARU
Association of Pacific Rim Universities
Association of East Asian Research Universities
Alliance for Global Sustainability
Alliance of Asian Liberal Arts Universities
Washington University in St. Louis
McDonnell International Scholars Academy
President Makoto Gonokami
(五神真)
Academic staff
 2,209 full-time
276 part-time (2017)
Students 28,253 (2017)
Undergraduates 14,002
Postgraduates 14,251
5,771
Other students
 804 research students
Location
Bunkyō
,
Tokyo
,
Japan
Campus Urban
Colors Light Blue     

The University of Tokyo (東京大学, Tōkyō daigaku), often called Tōdai (東大), is a famous university in Tokyo, Japan. It is known as one of the top universities in Asia and the world. Many important leaders and scientists have studied here.

History of the University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo started in 1877. It was created by combining older government schools. These schools taught subjects like medicine and Western knowledge.

Over the years, its name changed a few times. In 1886, it became the Imperial University (帝國大學, Teikoku daigaku). Later, in 1897, it was renamed Tokyo Imperial University (東京帝國大學, Tōkyō teikoku daigaku). After World War II ended, the university went back to its original name: the University of Tokyo.

What the University Teaches

The University of Tokyo has many different schools and programs. It has 10 faculties for students studying for their first degree (undergraduate students). It also has 15 graduate schools for students who want to continue their studies after their first degree.

Faculties and Colleges

These are some of the main schools for undergraduate students:

  • Faculty of Agriculture
  • College & Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
  • Faculty & Graduate School of Economics
  • Faculty & Graduate School of Education
  • Faculty & Graduate School of Engineering
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Letters
  • Faculty of & Graduate School Medicine
  • Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Faculty of & Graduate School Science

Graduate Schools

These schools offer advanced degrees after a student finishes their first degree:

  • Graduate School of Frontier Sciences
  • Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology
  • Graduate School of Information Science and Technology
  • Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies
  • Graduate Schools for Law and Politics
  • Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences

Research Institutes

The University of Tokyo also has special places where scientists and researchers work. They study many different topics.

Non-Scientific Institutes

  • Institute of Oriental Culture
  • Institute of Social Science

Scientific Institutes

  • Institute of Medical Science
  • Earthquake Research Institute
  • Institute of Industrial Science
  • Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
  • Institute for Cosmic Ray Research
  • Institute for Solid State Physics
  • Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute
  • Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology

Famous People Who Studied Here

Many important people have graduated from the University of Tokyo.

National Leaders

Several people who became the Prime Minister of Japan (the head of the government) studied at the University of Tokyo.

Nobel Prize Winners

Seven people who studied at the University of Tokyo have won the Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize is a very important award given to people who have made amazing discoveries or contributions to the world.

Other Notable Graduates

Other famous graduates include Masao Iri, Masatake Mori, Masaaki Sugihara, and Toshio Irie.

Related pages

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Universidad de Tokio para niños

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