Nagoya University (NU) was first founded in 1871 as a temporary hospital and medical school. After undergoing several transitions, NU was established as an imperial university in 1939, and it has grown to be one of the world’s top research universities. Throughout its history, NU has maintained a free and vibrant academic culture. Conducting research and education on all aspects of human beings, society, and nature, the University pursues its goal of contributing to the well-being and happiness of humankind. Nagoya University's fundamental objective is to cultivate leaders with genuine courage and intellect. We call such leaders “Yuuki-aru Chishiki-jin”, that is individuals who are able to harness their courage, curiosity, and creativity to fully, yet responsibly, exploit their freedom with their educational and research endeavors. Our multi-disciplinary curriculum is designed to cultivate ethical leaders who are able to develop innovative solutions, through inquiry and analysis, with strong communication and teamwork skills to be productive members of the global environment.
When Nagoya University was established in 1939 as the country's last imperial university, it comprised the School of Medicine and the School of Science and Engineering. In 1949, following educational reform, the Eighth Higher School, Nagoya Commercial College and other educational establishments were integrated into Nagoya University, giving birth to the new Nagoya University comprising 6 schools.
The University continued to develop steadily, undergoing numerous reorganizations and reforms. Since 2004, the University has been operated as a National University Corporation. It has become an international center of education and research with 9 undergraduate schools and 13 graduate schools. The year 2009 marks the 138th year since the establishment in 1871 of the University's forerunner, the temporary hospital and temporary medical school of the former Nagoya clan, as well as the major milestone of Nagoya University's 70th anniversary since its foundation as an Imperial University. Nagoya University is committed to generating world-leading results in research, and to training courageous intellectuals capable of solid logical thinking and possessing imaginative intelligence
Nagoya is the fourth largest city in Japan, and is the capital city of Aichi Prefecture. It lies in the southwest part of the Central Japan and is conveniently placed for access by public transport through being on the Bullet Train railway line that runs east-west along the Pacific Ocean. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima are all within easy reach.
Nagoya city is an ancient foundation which has played a significant role through history, not only as a transport hub but also as the main city of the rich and fertile Nōbi Plain. The magnificent Nagoya Castle was constructed early in the 17th century and the town with its many industries has since developed around it. Over the last century, the port of Nagoya has grown to become the largest in Japan for international commercial shipping and is today connected with over 150 countries worldwide. Because of its excellent transport connections, Nagoya has become increasingly prosperous and is now the home of many significant industrial businesses, such as the Toyota Motor Corporation.
Today, Nagoya has a population of more than 2 million and continues to develop as a vibrant center of commerce, culture, and learning. Its port, its business center, its museums, and its university make it one of the most lively and stimulating cities in Japan.
