On May25, Sophia University concluded a partnership agreement with the Ashinaga Foundation, a public interest foundation dedicated to supporting orphaned students. The agreement aims to promote closer collaboration between the two institutions, including the acceptance of orphaned students from overseas as Sophia University scholarship recipients and the provision of educational and academic support by Sophia University students to Ashinaga scholars. The signing ceremony was held at the Ashinaga Foundation’s headquarters in Hirakawacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

Sophia University has a longstanding relationship with the Ashinaga Foundation. In 2011 and 2014, the University entered into memoranda of agreement with the Foundation to accept students it supports from abroad as scholarship recipients and has since welcomed a number of such students. Building on these past initiatives, the newly concluded partnership agreement reaffirms and further strengthens the framework for cooperation between the two organizations through this renewed agreement.

Under this partnership, Sophia University will continue to accept orphaned students supported by the Ashinaga Foundation as scholarship recipients and will provide comprehensive support for their academic pursuits and broader student life. This initiative reflects Sophia University’s strong alignment with the Ashinaga Foundation’s mission: to offer both material and emotional support to all orphaned children and, through education, to cultivate individuals with a strong volunteer spirit who can contribute to global society. Grounded in its tradition of Christian humanism, Sophia University will work in close collaboration with the Foundation to advance these shared goals.

Commenting on the agreement, President Miki Sugimura stated:

“I am truly delighted and honored that Sophia University has been able to conclude this partnership agreement with the Ashinaga Foundation. When I visited the Foundation’s headquarters for the signing ceremony, I had the opportunity to learn about its history since its establishment and was deeply impressed by the dedication of all those who have supported its activities. Their commitment to standing alongside others and providing mutual support through compassionate care resonates strongly with us. I also feel that this philosophy has a natural affinity with Sophia University’s educational ethos, ‘For Others, With Others,’ which lies at the heart of our Jesuit Catholic foundation. Through this agreement and beyond, I hope that, while cherishing our respective missions, we can continue to walk together in nurturing the next generation. I sincerely wish the Ashinaga Foundation continued growth and success.”

Looking ahead, Sophia University will further enhance its scholarship and educational support initiatives in cooperation with the Ashinaga Foundation under this agreement. Through these efforts, the University remains committed to fostering individuals who can work collaboratively with empathy for others and who embody the spirit of “For Others, With Others.”