“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 comes to mind when you think of Sophia University?
I would be most delighted if you imagined an international environment, highquality language education, or a transdisciplinary campus.
These are indeed defining features of our university, rooted in a humanistic education inspired by Christian humanism—one that fosters a commitment to serving others and society.
This spirit is embodied in our educational philosophy: “For Others, With Others.” At Sophia University, “Others” extends beyond those close to us—it includes all people on our planet, from the socially vulnerable to those facing crises and hardships.
The global community is striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
For over a century, Sophia University has nurtured graduates with a strong sense of humanity – individuals who see social issues as their own and work to bridge differences in nationality, culture, and religion through dialogue, trust, and collaboration.
To strengthen this tradition, our students and faculty work together to foster an inclusive campus—one that harmonizes diversity, inclusivity, and equity, which are seemingly contradictory elements but essential to upholding the dignity of every individual.
If we shift our focus to contemporary society, where you will become future leaders, it is marked by unprecedented complexity and uncertainty. Many of today’s challenges have no pre-existing solutions, and knowledge from a single discipline or a four-year university education alone is no longer sufficient.
What is crucial is the ability to embrace change and continue learning. At Sophia University, we encourage students to discover their field of interest, ask critical questions, and seek solutions through Liberal Education and Learning.
By designing their own learning journey, our students pursue self-motivated learning and build the foundation for lifelong learning. Additionally, all undergraduate students study on the same campus, allowing them to flexibly take courses across different departments.
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.
This transdisciplinary learning environment, which bridges the humanities and sciences, will be an invaluable asset in navigating an increasingly complex society. Another defining feature of Sophia University is its dynamic research collaborations with international organizations and private businesses.
By witnessing firsthand how academic research shapes and influences society, students gain insight into realworld knowledge processing — a powerful tool that will inspire them to carve out their own futures.
At Sophia University, we aspire to cultivate leaders who work alongside others to shape the future. Leadership is not just about standing in the forefront and taking charge. Leaders of the next generation should be people who can bring out the ideas and strengths of those around them, embrace change, and adapt to new challenges.
We look forward to welcoming ambitious students who are eager to take on new challenges and thrive through their studies at Sophia University.
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