In 1930, educator Tsunesaburo Makiguchi , the founding president of Soka Gakkai, published the first volume of The System of Value Creating Pedagogy. “Soka” in Japanese means value creation (“gakkai” means society or association). In essence, to create value means to enhance life. To strive for good, toward peace; to persevere in the challenges to uphold and protect human dignity; to be undaunted by hardship—the essential ideals of Soka education exist in the effort to nurture such creative humanity.
Fellow educator and Makiguchi protégé, Josei Toda (1900-58), succeeded Makiguchi's philosophy of value creation; Toda's vision and values, in turn, was succeeded by Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai's third president. In 1971, Ikeda founded Soka University, actualizing the goals and ideals of Soka education and put forth the following founding principles:
The 21st century dawned with much hope and expectation on the part of the people of the world. However, turmoil and an increasing sense of helplessness have become a pervasive reality in both the educational community and society as a whole. What is most required at this critical juncture in history is the emergence of individuals capable of shaping a new social reality, one based on peace. It is my belief, therefore, that those engaged in higher education, whose responsibility it is to produce people of talent, shoulder a grave responsibility.
The unchanging mission of Soka University is to foster and develop individuals capable of creating new values in whichever arena they are engaged; individuals who, irrespective of the age, embody the founding spirit of the university, as laid out by Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, the founder. Dr. Ikeda has remarked that Soka University is now in its second pioneering period, one in which it must open up a "golden age" of value-creating education. In order to help usher in such an age, I am resolved to create, through the united efforts of the faculty, administration and student body, a new history within Soka University.
The primary mission of Soka University is value creation, to nurture the creative, life-enhancing potential of each student and to inspire students to employ that potential for the greater benefit of humanity. This is the founder's call.
University education should not be limited to the teaching and acquisition of specialized knowledge. The lack of distinction between knowledge and wisdom is a prime source of the crisis that modern society faces. What society requires are individuals who are able to freely employ knowledge in order to bring forth the wisdom to creatively confront the challenges of our ever-changing reality. Soka University strives to provide humanistic education that will foster individuals who, exercising wisdom rooted in a rich humanity, can fulfill that requirement.
First established in medieval Europe, universities played a significant role in the development of scholastic philosophy based on Christianity that facilitated the birth of the Renaissance. Today, an integrating philosophy that embraces and brings order to the diversity of human susceptibilities, culture, reason and learning is once again imperative. Such a philosophy, firmly grounded in a recognition of our common humanity, can provide the basis for fostering global citizens, or creative individuals enriched by learning.
A global citizen can be defined essentially as an individual of wisdom, courage and compassion—courage to respect and appreciate differences such as race, culture and ethnicity, and to make such differences a source of nourishment for one’s own growth; compassion to feel empathy and a sense of identification with people in other parts of the world. Such courage and compassion are themselves a limitless font of wisdom. Soka University aims to be a cradle for the creation of a global culture based on the solidarity of global citizens—a solidarity of creative humanity.
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There are so many events on campus, so it is fun to be a student in here. I believe the best part of this university is being able to get many opportunities. Because we have huge diversity in ethnicity, we can explore a lot of cultural experiences. In addition, all students go on Study Abroad as 3rd year students. Not only are they learning second or third languages, but they can also utilize those language skills in their daily life in different countries.
By Natsuno Nakamura (Jul, 2018) |
Having completed my first year here I can say without a doubt that this is the school for me. When deciding between universities one of the most important factors I considered was school/class size. SUA has a student faculty ratio of 8:1 and a student body of around 400. The class size at Soka allows students to be far more involved than they could ever be in a traditional lecture hall. Class discussions matter, and students are highly encouraged to get to know their professors.
By Rafael Schultz (Jun, 2018) |
Hi! I am a first year student of SUA. I love our university! Our campus is really small compared to other universities. There are about 12 students in each class. But, thanks to the small class size, you have more opportunities to communicate with your friends and professors during classes and also outside classes. SUA offers scholarships based on students’ family income and academic performances. Students with family income of $60,000 or less can receive full tuition scholarships! The architectural theme of our campus is Italian village, and the campus is surrounded by beautiful nature :) The campus is open to the community, and many people enjoy the beautiful view while walking or running with their dogs on the campus trail. You will absolutely love walking around the campus and studying here :)
By Sayaka Matsumoto (Jun, 2018) |
I'm an international student at Soka University of America. SUA is a great school with a small student body of about 450 students from around 45 countries of the world. Most of our classes are small with 12 students on an average and student to faculty ratio is 8:1. Small class sizes enable students to have one-to-one interactions with professors. We get personalized feedback and support from our professors. The interdisciplinary education and diversity of our campus help us view things through different lenses, widening our perspective. Education is good here and Soka is the right fit for you if you like to build one-on-one connections with peers and faculty members. The campus is really beautiful, and you can have a tour of our campus! Do visit and check out our gorgeous campus! :)
By Min Thapa (Apr, 2018) |
I am an incoming student into SOKA University, I really like the aspect that there exist a Low ratio of student to teacher, with this I belief studying at the university which has a strong curriculum that focus on peace and human right will enhance proper understanding on the course outline, also am very much interested in knowing more about SOKA EDUCATION, and the founding principles of her founder Dr Ikeda.
By Etoijeck Clovis Njiewie (Feb, 2019) |
A very meaningful college experience with many opportunities for students. From small classroom size experiences to opportunities like Learning Clusters and Study Abroad. I think the people at Soka are very caring and supportive from my experience as a student. Our campus location and resources are also excellent for those who like nature and staying active. We are surrounded by the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park on 80% of our border providing us with a great view of nature. Our recreation center also has several amenities: Olympic-sized pool,racquetball courts, weight room, indoor basketball court, outdoor tennis courts, and a track and field area (etc.)
By Karen Moreno (Nov, 2015) |
I was able to transform my vision of myself and my potential thanks to SUA. I graduated in 2008 and am now a special education teacher. It has been a crazy journey but now I'm proud of who I've become. Go to SUA and seek out challenges. Seek different perspectives and listen carefully to other people. Those people will become the alumni network that stands by you after you graduate. Those friendships will last. The education you get at SUA will be a valuable foundation for the rest of your life.
By Diana Emiko (Jun, 2015) |
Remembering the doors opening at Soka and the building of Soka. Amazing staff and facility. If you want a beautiful campus, an amazing education and be amongst top students Soka is your University.
By Lauren Selinsky r (May, 2015) |
I am a freshman at SUA. I really appreciate attending SUA because I learn how joyful studying is. Because we are small, I have many friends and upperclassmen to support me academically and opportunities to learn from amazing professors in small classes and to ask questions directly. In addition, the small campus gives me an opportunity to talk with many people on campus, which broadens my perspective. Furthermore, people at SUA are so warm that they support me a lot personally. I am sure that SUA education is helping me to live a contributive life.
By Hinako Kishino (Feb, 2015) |
Very good professors and students interactions. I enjoy learning directly from my professors and they always give me insightful feedback. The small class size learning (12 students in average) makes every student' voices to be heard. Study Abroad and Learning Cluster are my favorite! I like the opportunities to travel around the world to learn, study, do research, and have fun. Studying at SUA is definitely a life changing experience for me.
By Wee Leng (Feb, 2015) |
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The education my daughter receives here is nothing short of transformative, with dedicated staff who genuinely care about student success and remarkable strides in her academic journey.
By Raheem (Jan, 2024) |