Sophia University confers the title of Emeritus Professor on retired faculty members who have made outstanding contributions, following a formal selection process. To date, more than 460 former professors (including those who are deceased) have been named Emeritus Professors.

In AY2026, 11 faculty members were newly awarded the title of Emeritus Professor of Sophia University, and two were awarded the title of Emeritus Professor of Sophia University Junior College Division. The conferral ceremony for Emeritus Professor titles for AY2026 was held on May 13.

At the opening of the ceremony, President Miki Sugimura delivered remarks and reported on the selection process, expressing appreciation for the achievements of the new Emeritus Professors. This was followed by the presentation of certificates to each recipient.

Following the presentation, Chancellor Sali Augustine delivered a congratulatory address, expressing respect and gratitude for the recipients’ accomplishments. The Chancellor also emphasized the importance of their continued involvement as members of the University’s intellectual community, and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to building on its traditions while advancing new initiatives and contributing to a better future.

Finally, Emeritus Professor Masayuki Fujimura delivered remarks on behalf of the newly appointed Emeritus Professors. Referring to the phrase “Life is like a relay race,” he described life and learning as a process of passing the baton from one generation to the next, noting that his own baton has been handed on to faculty and to the students who have graduated.

He also expressed his wish to continue supporting the University alongside them, even after passing the baton, likening this to running together within the relay zone. Acknowledging challenges such as rapid demographic changes and an uncertain socio-political environment, he conveyed his hope for the continued development of Sophia University and Sophia School Corporation, as well as his intention to remain involved in supporting their future as an Emeritus Professor. He concluded by expressing his sincere gratitude to all those who have supported him throughout his career.

A reception was held following the ceremony, attended by the President, the Chancellor, Vice Presidents, and current Emeritus Professors, to celebrate the appointment of the new Emeritus Professors.

The names of the newly appointed Emeritus Professors for this academic year are as follows:
( ) indicates their affiliation and title at the time of retirement.

Yasushi Hirosato (Specially Appointed Professor, Sophia University)
Ichiro Mitsunobu (Special Contract Professor, Faculty of Theology)
Masayuki Sema (Special Contract Professor, Faculty of Humanities)
Tomoyuki Iino (Special Contract Professor, Faculty of Humanities)
Takashi Okada (Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences)
Masayuki Fujimura (Special Contract Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences)
Atsushi Ichinose (Professor, Faculty of Foreign Studies)
Yasuko Tsuru (Professor, Faculty of Global Studies)
David Slater (Special Contract Professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts)
Shigeki Yasumasu (Special Contract Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology)
Naoki Fukui (Special Contract Professor, Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics)
Sachiko Kondo (Special Contract Professor, Sophia University Junior College Division)
Hirokazu Tangi (Professor, Sophia University Junior College Division)