Ryukoku University
Taiwan Member Universities
National Chi Nan University
National Cheng Kung University
National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology
National Sun Yat-sen University
National Taiwan Ocean University
Tunghai University
Japanese Member Universities
Ryukoku University
Ryukoku University was founded in 1639 as an educational institution called “Gakuryo” in the precincts of Nishi Hongwanji Temple (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City). Since that time, Ryukoku University has been striving to nurture talented individuals by continuing to brightly burn the light of education and research. Such a long tradition has fostered a spirit of deep human insight. This tradition is derived from the lifestyle of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, who lived through the turbulent Kamakura Period. Since Ryukoku University’s founding, we have continued to uphold the spirit of Jodo Shinshu as the founding spirit of the university.
In 1949, approval as a four-year higher education institution was attained under the new university system, and Fukakusa Campus was opened in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, along with the establishment of our Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Business Administration, and Faculty of Law. Seta Campus was opened in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture in 1989, and there the Faculty of Sociology and the Faculty of Science and Technology (presently the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology) – the first of its kind among Buddhist universities – were established. Ryukoku University celebrated its 38th anniversary in 2019 and currently has nine Faculties and 10 Graduate Schools, one Junior College, two research centers, and four research institutes spread across three campuses (Omiya, Fukakusa, and Seta).
The creation of new knowledge is a major characteristic of Ryukoku University, and includes the great educational reforms of the Meiji Period, the famous Otani Expedition to the Silk Road, a postwar project to promote advanced research, and the establishment of the first Faculty of Science and Technology, and Faculty of Agriculture, at a Buddhist University. However, an even more distinctive feature is the efforts made toward co-existence with others.
An enterprising spirit has been passed down from generation to generation, and focus is being given to the enhancement of our educational system by the expansion of internships and through curriculum reforms. In 2018, Ryukoku University formulated its next Long-Term Plan, “Ryukoku Strategic Plan 400 – Ryukoku Unlimited Challenge for 2039”. Our vision for the future is to “foster the development of citizens with the qualities of magokoro”, which will lead to the development of human beings who will contribute to world peace.
Videos
「Ryukoku University’s History – Produced by the Discovery Channel」(Japanese)
「Ryukoku University Brand Movie – 2022」(Japanese)
<Policy Practice and Inquiry Seminar>
The [Policy Practice and Inquiry Seminar] is a Problem Based Learning (PBL) course in which students work in teams to solve specific problems based on local issues and case studies. Students conduct research and policy practice in the community, discover human and regional issues, and work with others to solve these issues. This is essential for creating a cooperative society.
<Yunus Social Business Research Center (YSBRC)>
The idea was raised of establishing a center that will play a central role in social business to promote research and embody [Buddhist SDGs] which consider the sustainability of society from a Buddhist perspective. After a meeting with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Yunus Social Business Research Center was established.
The Center aims to conduct research and realize SDGs goals from a Buddhist perspective, carry out academic support projects for the regional implementation of social business, conduct projects for the realization of the university’s mission for social contribution, and house projects for human resource development in a multigenerational and multicultural cooperative manner.
