Hiroshima Jogakuin University

A private women’s college founded in 1886, Hiroshima Jogakuin University has a history of trailblazing for its host community.

Opened as Hiroshima Joggakai in 1886, it was the city’s first school for women and its first building in 1892 was one of its earliest western-style structures. In the 1930s it was among the highest-level vocational institutions for women in Japan.

Winning university status in 1949 made it Hiroshima’s first private university. The current campus in the suburb of Asaminami was constructed in 1960 and it introduced master’s courses in 1995 and doctorates two years later.

It retains the Christian roots of its foundation, with a motto of ‘Cum Deo Laboramus’ – We Work with God – and a mission of Christianity, liberal arts and global mindedness, aiming to develop "steadfast personalities in an ever-changing and diverse world".

In 2018 it had 1,353 students, who are admitted on the basis of an entrance exam, divided between two faculties. Humanities and liberal arts incorporates departments of international English and Japanese language and culture, while human life sciences encompasses human life and environment, nutrition and health promotion and child education. Graduate studies are offered in language and culture and human life sciences.

It has 26 international partners in nine different countries, including 12 in the United States, while many students undertake internships with companies and agencies in Japan or abroad. It has also retained institutional links with associated junior and senior high schools and a kindergarten. Annual events include a Peace Seminar held every August.