“Hope does not disappoint”! It is a timely message for our time. Pope Francis adopted the words of St. Paul and proclaimed, “Hope does not disappoint,” as an encouraging message for all.
As of today, the world is facing different challenges due to human-made tragedies like violence and violations, climate changes etc., hence it is even more relevant to focus on a hope filled society.
Grounded in Christian Humanism, our founding spirit and educational ideals help us to conduct education, research, and social contribution initiatives towards a better future. Sophia remembers Pope Francis in a special way as we were blessed by his presence in our campus in 2019 speaking directly to our stakeholders.
The journey of Sophia University and other Schools of Sophia School Corporation in Japan began with the arrival of Saint Francis Xavier to Japan in 1549.
Driven by a profound thirst for knowledge and a commitment to contributing to Japanese society through learning and education, Saint Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a Catholic male religious order.
His vision of “establishing a university in Japan’s capital” was passed on to Jesuit priests who eventually established Sophia University in 1913.
In 1973, Sophia Junior College (now Sophia University Junior College Division) was established. Since 2016, Eiko Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Rokko Junior/Senior High School, Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School, and Sophia-Fukuoka Junior-Senior High School have also been part of the Sophia school Corporation.
Sophia has declared our 10 commitments in our long-term plan for the school corporation called “Grand Layout 3.0~towards 2030”(2023-2030). They are rooted in its founding philosophy “Sophia—Bringing the World Together” and our education spirit “For Others, With Others”, to foster a global community and preparing students for complex challenges.
［Profile］ Obtained bachelor’s degrees in Political Science from the University of Calicut, India and Philosophy from Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth in Pune, India.
Subsequently, graduated from the Faculty of Theology, Sophia University and received his M.A and Ph.D. in Area Studies (Ethnic Politics) at the Graduate School of Foreign Studies.
Teaching as Lecturer in the Faculty of Literature(2007), Associate Professor in the Faculty of Theology(2009), Professor in the Faculty of Global Studies(2016), he served as Vice President for Student Affairs (2017), and Trustee for General Affairs of Sophia School Corporation (since 2018), before becoming Chancellor of Sophia University since May 2023.
I seek your collaboration and support in pursuing these endeavors together in a spirit of Magis (better=a Jesuit motto), especially through networking and collaboration with institutes throughout the world that share our vison and mission.
What does it mean to study at a university? This is a question many people have faced when considering higher education. Today, knowledge and information are easily accessible through books and online resources, and there is no shortage of alternatives to university learning. At the same time, the society in which you will build your future is marked by rapid change and uncertainty, where clear solutions to complex problems are often hard to find. In such a world, what do we truly need? Learning at Sophia University helps each student confront this question. It is a process of cultivating a depth of thought that cannot be reached alone, and of developing perspectives shaped through dialogue with people who are different from ourselves.
To support this process, Sophia promotes the “Kiban Kyoiku” (Liberal Education & Learning) initiative to all incoming students. This program helps students discover the fields they wish to explore, formulate meaningful questions, and take their first steps toward solving real-world problems. This foundation sustains the creation and renewal of knowledge throughout one’s l ife. No matter h ow a dvanced artificial intelligence becomes, it cannot generate questions on its own. The ability to identify the essence of a problem, examine it critically, and create new value—the process of “deep learning” cultivated through Kiban Kyoiku—becomes an enduring asset for navigating an uncertain future.
Sophia University is rooted in Christian humanism and upholds the spirit of “For Others, With Others.” “Others” refers to people who face difficulties for various reasons. To stand with others means understanding their perspectives, recognizing the differences between them and ourselves, and walking our respective paths while being “together”. In this process, it is important not only to remove obstacles and guide the way. Yet it is equally essential to share precise information about where those steps exist, so that individuals can make their own decisions and move forward independently. Engaging in rigorous intellectual exchange with students and faculty from diverse national and cultural backgrounds will broaden your horizons and cultivate the qualities required of global leaders—someone who can truly stand with others.
Learning at Sophia University is by no means a smooth or easy path. A mindset that seeks shortcuts or efficiency alone will not be enough. Yet for those who are ready to design their own learning journey and think deeply, Sophia is a university wor th challenging yourself for. I look forward to welcoming motivated students like you to our campus as you embark on your intellectual adventure.
Born in 1962 . After serving as Professor in the Department of Education, Faculty of Human Sciences at Sophia University in 2013 , Vice President for Academic Exchange in 2014 , and Vice President for Global Academic Affairs in 2017 , appointed as President of Sophia University in 2025 . Currently serving as UNESCO Chairholder at Sophia University since 2024 . Specializes in comparative education, international education, and multicultural education.
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