Tokyo Woman's Christian University facts for kids
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東京女子大学
Tōkyō Joshi Daigaku |
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The front gate of Tokyo Woman's Christian University
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| Motto |
Quaecunque Sunt Vera
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Motto in English
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Whatsoever Things Are True |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1918 |
| President | Shoko Ono |
| Location |
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35°42′40″N 139°35′25″E / 35.71111°N 139.59028°E |
| Website | https://www.twcu.ac.jp/main/english/index.html |
Tokyo Woman's Christian University (東京女子大学, Tōkyō Joshi Daigaku), often called TWCU or Tonjo (東女, Tonjo), is a private university in Tokyo, Japan. It is a Christian university that welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Contents
Discover the History of TWCU
TWCU was started by Nitobe Inazō (1862–1933). He was a famous author, diplomat, and teacher. Nitobe became the first president of the university in 1918. The first classes were held in a place called Tsunohazu.
When Nitobe was a student in the United States, he joined a group called the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). This group believes strongly in peace and equality. Their ideas made him believe that Japanese women should have good chances for education.
Nitobe worked with August Karl Reischauer and Tetsu Yasui to create Tokyo Woman's Christian University. Reischauer was the father of a famous American ambassador, Edwin O. Reischauer.
Explore the TWCU Campus
The TWCU campus is in Iogi-mura, Toyotama-gun. The university moved here in 1924. The buildings were designed in the 1920s by Antonin Raymond. He also helped design the famous Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
The campus has seven buildings that are special cultural properties. This means they are important and protected. The main building is one of them.
The campus is very green and open, which is rare for a city. It has beautiful gardens and a small forest behind the main building. In the forest, you can find plum trees, cherry trees, and tall pine trees. You might even see raccoon dogs and many crows!
Special Places on Campus
- Nitobe Memorial Room: This room is in the main building. It has old papers and photos that show the university's history and ideas.
- The Chapel: This building has colorful stained glass windows and a pipe organ. Students can attend worship services here every morning.
- The Auditorium: This is a big hall used for important events. These include the entrance ceremony for new students, the university festival, and the graduation ceremony.
- The Reischauer House: This was the home of Dr. August Karl Reischauer and his family. It is also a protected cultural property. It has a charming Western-style design.
- Building No. 23: This is the newest and tallest building on campus. It was finished in 2009. From its wooden decks and terraces, you can see Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower on a clear day!
Study Programs at TWCU
TWCU offers a strong liberal arts education. This means students learn about many different subjects. You can choose courses from various fields, not just your main study area.
The university has one main faculty with twelve departments. Students can choose their major in one of these departments.
Undergraduate Departments
- Department of International English: This department combines studies in English literature, culture, and language science.
- Department of Humanities:
* Department of Philosophy * Department of Japanese Literature * Department of History and Culture (used to be just History)
- Department of International Society:
* Department of International Relations * Department of Economics * Department of Sociology * Department of Community Planning (a new department)
- Department of Psychology and Communication:
* Department of Psychology * Department of Communication
- Department of Mathematical Science:
* Department of Mathematics * Department of Information Sciences
TWCU also offers master's and doctoral degree programs for students who want to continue their studies after getting a bachelor's degree.
Meet Famous TWCU Graduates
Tokyo Woman's Christian University is known as one of the best women's universities in Japan. Many successful women have studied here, including:
- Marie Kondo (a consultant and author, famous for organizing)
- Sawako Ariyoshi (a well-known writer)
- Hanae Mori (a famous fashion designer)
- Jakucho Setouchi (a writer and Buddhist nun)
- Mikako Tabe (a popular actress)
- Ichiko Ima (a talented manga artist)
Global Connections and English Learning
TWCU has strong connections with many other universities around the world. These connections allow students to have international experiences.
Partner Universities Around the World
- Australia: University of Wollongong, Australian Catholic University, Flinders University
- China: Shanghai University of Foreign Studies
- Korea: Ewha Womans University, Sungshin University
- USA: St. Michael's College, Scripps College, California State University, Presbyterian College, Otterbein University
- Canada: McGill University, Algoma University, University of the Fraser Valley
- UK: Lancaster University, Middlesex University, The University of Edinburgh, The University of Leeds, The University of York
- Ireland: Dublin City University
- Spain: Alcalingua, Universidad de Alcalá
- France: Université Catholique de L'Ouest
Learn English at TWCU
Tokyo Woman's Christian University offers excellent English language education.
- Career English Program: Students take classes taught completely in English. They learn to think critically, debate, write, speak, and give presentations at a high level.
- Career English Island (CEI): This is a place where students can practice English every week. English teachers and students from other universities join in. Any student at TWCU can take part.
TWCU also hosts the International Theater Company London. This group comes from London to perform Shakespeare plays in English. They are directed by MBE Paul Stebbings. Past plays include A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet.
The Annual VERA Festival
Every November, the university holds its annual festival called the "VERA Festival." The name "VERA" comes from the Latin phrase "QUAECUNQUE SUNT VERA." This phrase is carved into the main building of the university.
It comes from a famous letter by Paul in the Bible (Philippians 4:8). It means: Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
The VERA festival features many performances by university clubs. Many people from outside the university also come to visit and enjoy the fun.
The University Symbol
The university symbol was designed in 1918 by the first president, Dr. Inazo Nitobe. The symbol has two "S" letters linked together. These "S's" stand for "service and sacrifice."
Nitobe wanted the symbol to show the Christian spirit of the university. He taught that helping others through "service and sacrifice" is the best way to show Christian values. You can find this symbol on many items, like stationery, sold at the TWCU bookstore.
The University Song
Over the years, TWCU has had two university songs. The first song was written by Kosaku Yamada.
The second song was composed in 1950 by the English poet Edmund Blunden. He was a professor at TWCU and the University of Tokyo. The fourth president, Isao Saito, asked Blunden to create a new university song. This song is based on an old English hymn. It is sung in Japanese at the graduation ceremony each year.
Images for kids
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Reischauer House on the campus of Tokyo Woman's Christian University in Suginami, Tokyo
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Administration building on the same campus
