Rissho University, Shinagawa Campus

Rissho university, established in 1580 as an educational institution for priests of Nichiren Buddhism, is proud of its 430-year history. Today it boasts eight undergraduate faculties with 15 departments and seven graduate school research departments, all managed by Rissho Daigaku Gakuen.

At Rissho University, our vision is to cultivate students that have both high moral standards and deep expertise, with “a comprehensive university engaged with people, society and the Earth” as our slogan. To this end, we are advancing and deepening creative research activities that encourage diversity.

The Founding Spirit of Rissho University:

• Seek truth and show sincerity.
• Value justice and reject evil.
• Desire peace and serve humankind.

These three pledges are based on three vows made in the Kamakura period (circa 13th century) on the island of Sado by Nichiren, a prominent Buddhist monk, in his writing entitled Kaimokusho (Eye-opener). Specifically, Nichiren vowed in his youth to be the pillar of Japan, the eyes of Japan, and the great vessel of Japan. Taking these words to heart, he ultimately lived a life that contributed a great deal to society. Tanzan Ishibashi, the 16th president of the university, rephrased these three vows in contemporary terms and adopted them as the Founding Spirit of Rissho University.

Rissho University has compiled an impressive platform of valuable data and intelligence based on our research activities over the years. We use these resources to efficiently deploy the knowledge and technologies necessary to review methodologies of various schools of thought—from a pioneering and innovative perspective—in the academic fields of the humanities (including sociology) and the natural sciences.

Additionally, we would like to forge new research perspectives within a global context or holistic concept to derive the academic support that will be essential in the near future.

By developing research perspectives that embody the originality of Rissho University, we believe we can actively spread our pioneering research both in Japan and abroad, and at the same time amplify education for our undergraduate and graduate students.

At Rissho University Classes are small with a maximum of only 12 students per class. Rissho University’s fleet of outstanding Japanese language teachers explain the material until the students fully understand it. The teachers look out for their students’ well-being, as well. The administrative staff and Rissho students do what they can to support international students outside of class, too.

Rissho University offers programs of different lengths: three weeks, half year, and full year. Students can pick the program that matches their needs. Take a look at your schedule and see which program suits you!

There is no need to worry about whether you will be able to make Japanese friends. Members of the Rissho University Student International Exchange Association (RIEA) will be your first friends in Japan. Your Japanese will improve dramatically by talking with Japanese friends who are your same age.

Japan is known around the world for its unique culture. You may find it confusing at first since it may be very different from the culture of your home country. Don’t worry, though. The Japanese Language Program offers many opportunities for you to experience Japanese culture. You are sure to like Japanese culture by the time you return to your home country!

The Shinagawa Campus makes the most of its excellent location in the heart of Tokyo. The Kumagaya Campus takes advantage of its lush and spacious natural setting. The variety offered by these two completely different campuses is sure to add spice to your studies in Japan. If you find yourself tired of city life, refresh yourself at the verdant Kumagaya Campus. If you want to go see the world metropolis of Tokyo, take the free inter-campus shuttle bus to Shinagawa and explore Tokyo all day.