History of Gakushuin University | Gakushuin University

1847・1877

The Origin of the Gakushuin A public school was established on the east side of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto in 1847 . In 1849, Emperor Komei designated (an imperial edict) "Gakushuin” thereby giving the University its name. After entering the Meiji period in 1877, a courtier nobility school was setup in Nishiki-cho, Kanda. The name of the school, which was once located in Kyoto, was inherited by edict of Emperor Meiji. Gakushuin as we know it today was founded at this time.

1884・1947

To open, private schoolGakushuin established in 1884 for the purpose of educating court nobility became a government school operated by the Imperial Household Ministry. In 1945, the school system was revised to remove the education of court nobility from its purpose, and in 1947, it was reopened as a more open, private school.

1949

University OpeningGakushuin University with a new system was opened in 1949. Yoshishige Abe, the first president of Gakushuin University, stated in the founding prospectus of Gakushuin University that as characteristics of the University are "cultivating international knowledge, mastering foreign languages and understanding the living reality of the world and Japan, and furthermore, fusing East and West, Japan's great ideal as a cultural nation."

1964・1999

Development of the UniversityThe university developed smoothly in the 1960s. In 1964 it had four faculties, namely those for law, economics, humanities and science. The campus was also developed. The University celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1977 and the 50th anniversary of its opening in 1999.

Gakushuin University Today, and Beyond

Since its establishment, the University has consistently offered research and education that respect the individuality of students and nurtures, under a full educational environment that is unique to small-group learning. In 2024, Gakushuin University celebrated the 75th anniversary of its opening. The University plans to establish a Graduate School of International Social Sciences. In addition, the University plans to open two new graduate schools, the Graduate School of International Social Sciences and the Graduate School of International Cultural Relations, through a merger with the Department of International Cultural Relations of Gakushuin Women's College. In 2026, the University expects to comprise a “knowledge community” of students in 6 faculties, 20 departments, 8 graduate schools, 22 majors and one professional graduate school, the School of Law.
Note: School establishment plans are subject to change.