International Christian University

The International Christian University is a non-denominational private university located in Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1949.

It is a liberal arts college and has several partner institutions worldwide including the University of California system, University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, Yonsei University, UCL and many others.

Classes are taught in both English or Japanese and the faculty must have a strong grasp of both languages. Approximately 30 per cent of the courses are offered in English. There are 31 undergraduate majors including anthropology, computer science, economics, international relations, linguistics, music, psychology and public policy among others.

There is also a a graduate school which offers courses in education, international relations, social and cultural analysis, media and language, public economics, peace studies, comparative culture and natural sciences.

The university follows the major system, similar to that of US universities and students are not required to decide on a major until the end of the second year.

There are also eight research institutes at the university. These institutes plan and sponsor conferences, lectures, symposia and seminars and give students the opportunity to meet with scholars in a number of different areas, from Japan and overseas.

There are approximately 100 student-led clubs and organisations spanning the arts, sports and academics.

Some notable alumni of the university include jazz pianist Kei Akagi, Kazuo Hirai, the chairman of the Sony Corporation, Toshio Arima, president of Fuji Xerox and Toyohiro Akiyama, a TV journalist and the first Japanese national to have flown in space.