Mission Statement

Tohoku University has been committed to the “Research First” principle and “Open Door” policy since its foundation, and is internationally recognized for its outstanding standards in education and research. The university contributes to world peace and equity by devoting itself to research useful in solving societal problems, and educating human resources in leadership skills.

Towards Tohoku University 2016

In order to fulfill this mission, Tohoku University will carry out the following objectives within the next 10 years.

Establish ourselves as an internationally recognized university and research center

• Consistently produce top research in a broad spectrum of fields, including the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.
• Create cutting edge research institutions and other forums capable of responding to the rapid dissemination of knowledge and a knowledge based society.
• Establish our presence and reputation as an international locus in general research while maintaining close links with major national and international research networks.

Nurture human resources capable of leadership that contributes to knowledge and the advancement of society

• The faculty's cutting edge research will be reflected in their teaching.
• Content and pedagogy of all courses will be that of a top level educational institution.
• Establish an educational foundation which enables students to explore new avenues of human knowledge and to become aware of the responsibilities of leadership.
• Develop educational programs and institutions that foster outstanding, internationally minded specialists with theoretical and practical knowledge.

Contributions to the community and to the world

• Contribute to the development of community and humanity by making available to the world the benefits of research and human resources with exceptional leadership abilities.
• Provide equal opportunity to all capable, highly motivated students and faculty, regardless of nationality, race or religion, age or gender, or any other social standing.
• In keeping with our tradition of practice oriented research and education, create a science park by further promoting university industry collaboration.
• Dramatically increase the quality and availability of public education, and the provision of consultative services requiring specialized knowledge.
• Open the campus to the general public and consider ways in which the university's intellectual and material resources, such as the libraries and academic materials and facilities can be beneficially utilized.

Establish a culture, environment and management system appropriate for an internationally renowned research and education institution

• Maintain and further develop a university culture that will stimulate the creation of world class research and education.
• Create an atmosphere conducive to intellectual activities by bringing aesthetic unity to the campuses and their natural surroundings.
• Establish a human, material and financial base in a management system which allows a world class research and educational institution to develop rapidly and flexibly.

Historical Background

Tohoku University was founded in 1907 as the third Imperial University of Japan, following Tokyo Imperial University and Kyoto Imperial University. From its start, it displayed to the world an unswerving commitment to an “Open Door” policy. Departing from the norms of other imperial universities, it accepted graduates from technical schools and higher normal schools, and despite opposition from the government at that time, became Japan's First University to admit female students in 1913（admitting three in that year）.

At the time of its founding, Tohoku University was able to attract a group of young and brilliant researchers who had trained around the world to serve on its faculty. For this reason, a “Research First” principle was established, calling upon scholars to not only pursue highly productive research but to also put their findings to work in the teaching of their students. In addition to this, Tohoku University has nurtured a tradition of “Practice Oriented Research and Education,” in which the results of cutting edge research are being put to use for the good of society and the improvement of living standards. Evidence of our pioneering practice （before the Second World War） includes the establishment of local venture businesses which have contributed to regional industry, and our status as the nation's center for research on family law; the domestic branch of law which is closely associated with our daily lives.

Although Tohoku University was severely damaged in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, great efforts have been made to restore the basic educational and research functions of our university, and with the traditions, the spirit of Tohoku University as its foundation, we will work toward the reconstruction of the Tohoku region and the revitalization of Japan.