Aichi Gakuin University, Nisshin Campus

Since its establishment in 1876 as a branch training center of Soto Zen Buddhism, Aichi Gakuin University (AGU) has been producing graduates who are able to contribute to society. Over 130 years it has been passing down the Buddhist spirit that emphasizes humanity. Our founding spirit is realized in the development of the personality of students under the unity of learning and practice according to Zen teaching. This sprit also provides society with graduates capable of demonstrating a sense of gratitude towards all life in the world. Carrying forward this philosophy, AGU is about to turn a new page in its history. In 2013, the university will establish the Faculty of Economics, and in 2014, a new campus, Meijo Koen Campus, will open in the center of Nagoya to offer students stimulating and inspiring academic experiences, promoting the synergy of partnerships between academia and industry.

AGU is also engaged in enhancing and enriching the curriculum in all its departments. We will strive to provide more attractive learning opportunities in order to increase student motivation for learning. We will also do our utmost to support the self-realization of each student. We have always been committed to offering human education based on Zen teachings by engaging each student eye-to-eye in our effort to bring out their capabilities. As we enter into a new era, it is our sincere hope that students will develop their full potential at AGU.

The Philosophy of Aichi Gakuin:

• Unity of Learning and Practice: “Unity of Learning and Practice” refers to the teaching of Dogen Zenji, the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism, based on his own religious experience. The phrase means that practice (the formation of personality) and learning (the pursuit of truth) are not two different things but exist in unity.
• A Sense of Gratitude towards All Life in the World: Each one of us owes our life to our mutual interdependence with all other beings. In awareness of this debt and in order to repay it, we are obliged to devote ourselves to society. In light of this AGU bases its education on the spirit of a sense of gratitude towards all life in the world.

Being one of the largest universities in the Chubu area, Aichi Gakuin University has a number of schools and programs that cater to a variety of learning needs. Learning is structured around small group seminars with a view to developing the complete personality of each student and to producing researchers and professionals who can apply their theoretical and practical capabilities for the benefit of society.

The Research Centers and Institutes represent the best of AGU’s academic offerings. They pride themselves on their range of research achievements?from commissioned projects and research to joint studies, regional studies, and independent studies?the fruits of which are given back to the society through public lectures, symposia, and various publications.

In this time of rapid globalization, an ability in foreign languages to effectively communicate with people around the world, as well as an in-depth understanding of other cultures are becoming all the more critical. In this light, AGU places a special emphasis on education in English and other foreign languages, and offers a variety of international programs, all with the aim of developing in students a global perspective. We also engage in the cross-border exchange of teaching staff, international joint research projects, and other modes of academic exchange.