The University of Tokyo

A message from the University of Tokyo

Established by the Japanese government in 1877, not long after the country's reopening to the world, the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) has played a leading role in Japan's modernization and development. In 2004, UTokyo was incorporated as an institution independent from the government, ushering in a new era of autonomy. With our 150th anniversary approaching in 2027, UTokyo continues to evolve as a pioneer in education and research.

Guided by our commitment to serve the global public, UTokyo pushes the frontiers of knowledge through interdisciplinary collaboration and groundbreaking research. Promoting academic freedom and diversity, we provide a rich curriculum in both the liberal arts and advanced specializations, empowering students to become global leaders. UTokyo aspires to be a university that is open to the world̶where scholarship thrives, unhindered by barriers.

As a pioneer in research and education, UTokyo believes that embracing a pluralistic, accepting approach in everything we do is imperative for pushing new boundaries and developing future global leaders. That's why, in June 2022, we adopted our Statement on Diversity & Inclusion. This document both reiterates and uplifts the principles of the university's charter, promoting respectful, continuous dialogue and banning any form of discrimination, including in decision-making processes. The statement not only facilitates inclusion within the university but extends this principle to all who cooperate with the institution, promoting a sense of belonging and respect for everyone.

UTokyo's undergraduate programs are structured into a two-tier system: the first two years comprise general education in the College of Arts and Sciences, while the last two years involve specialized education in the student's chosen faculty and department. This "late specialization" model provides students with a broad liberal arts foundation before they pursue focused study in their majors.

Following Japan's standard academic calendar, UTokyo's school year begins in April. However, in response to globalization, select undergraduate and graduate programs taught in English have adopted autumn admission to meet growing international demand and diversify student perspectives.

For nearly 150 years, UTokyo has exemplified Japan's tradition of academic excellence and ingenuity across a wide range of disciplines. A recent study revealed that, UTokyo scholars produced high-impact publications on over 17,000 research topics. This remarkable achievement reflects UTokyo's culture of boundary-pushing rigor across the academic spectrum. Unlike many Japanese universities that focus on only certain fields, UTokyo pursues excellence in all areas of scholarship. Our researchers unlock insights stretching from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to interdisciplinary frontiers.

This comprehensive ethos stems from UTokyo's mission to advance knowledge for society's benefit. While honoring Japan's scholarly traditions, UTokyo also promotes ever-greater global research engagement in English and other languages. By bridging academic cultures and languages, UTokyo seeks to expand the vistas of human understanding.