Tokyo Metropolitan University

Japan has been faced with problems such as aging, population decline, and large financial deficits; in recent years, the poverty issue has also emerged. And globally, there are environmental concerns, regional conflicts, and terrorism. We are now experiencing many unprecedented difficulties. I believe it is only strong and flexible young minds with senses of justice and morality that can overcome these difficult situations and create a society in which all people can live with dignity.

We at Tokyo Metropolitan University intend to help students develop the genuine ability to think and the ability to take on challenges for the future before they enter the working world. Only by taking those steps one by one, we believe we can contribute to the overcoming of the challenges faced by the international community.

To that end, we have been working to enhance our educational and research environments. As a public university operated by Tokyo, one of the world’s leading cities both in terms of population and culture, we pledge to continue to be at least one of Japan’s top universities. Our specific initiatives include the cultural subjects curriculum that allows you to study a variety of academic topics in an interdisciplinary manner, and the small-group teaching system that allows for passionate face-to-face discussions. Joint interdisciplinary research projects are encouraged because we think they are indispensable in improving the quality of education. However, higher education is never fully accomplished through unilateral action from teachers; its quality can be improved only when students are really eager to learn. So you are a protagonist in this university. We expect each of you to be an active learner, not a passive one. Tokyo Metropolitan University will give its all-out support to such students.

Tokyo Metropolitan University’s mission is “to pursue the vision of an ideal human society in a metropolis.” Based on this mission, our basic philosophy is to give instruction and conduct research in a broad range of knowledge and in highly specialized sciences, and then, through collaboration with industry and educational and research institutions, etc., to produce education and research results that are relevant to large cities, to nurture students rich in humanity and creativity, and to contribute to the improvement and development of human society.

Universities should be places where students can acquire practical learning. Tokyo Metropolitan University respects the autonomy of each and every motivated student, we provide an education that makes full use of the special features of a metropolis, and we strive to nurture students who will become actively involved in society at large.

Tokyo Metropolitan University promotes advanced research that is focused on large cities, and we demonstrate our presence to the world. We promote research by organically combining research that is compliant with our university’s mission together with research that is consistent with academic systems.

In collaboration with the government administration, Tokyo Metropolitan University fulfills the function of a think tank for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. In addition, by cooperating with private businesses, nonprofit organizations(NPO), educational and research institutions and administrative agencies, we provide returns to society in the way of our educational and research results, and we make contributions to stimulate industry and to improve and develop the lives of Tokyo’s residents. Tokyo Metropolitan University is engaged in education and research which is relevant to the metropolis of Tokyo, and in providing returns to the community through the subsequent outcomes of that education and research.