Kyoto Sangyo University

Kyoto Sangyo University is a private higher education institution based in suburban Kyoto, Japan.

Founded in 1965 by Japanese business leaders, the university was initially opened with two core faculties: economics and science. It has since grown to seven faculties with 14 departments covering a range of degree courses across social studies, humanities and natural sciences.

Today, the university takes a broad liberal arts approach to education. The majority of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching takes place in a modern building with impressive facilities, including green spaces, book stores and even a barber shop.

Kyoto Sangyo University prides itself on its vast central library, which provides students with access to more than one million books, DVDs and electronic journals. The library also has an arrangement with other libraries and research institutions in Japan and abroad to promote the sharing of resources – meaning students have access to thousands more international publications.

It also boasts a 1,600-seat auditorium, Koyama Hall. The venue has a movable stage and ceiling, making it adaptable for different types of performances. The hall is used for theatre, music performances and also international conferences.

An astronomical observatory with one of the largest reflecting telescopes in Japan was built on campus by the university’s founder, Dr Toschima Araki, who was a researcher of astronomy and astrophysics. The observatory is used by researchers and students as well as local residents and experts from outside the institution, and is considered as one of the best facilities for stargazing in the country.

Student life is rich and varied, with a wide range of clubs and sports societies available to choose from, including an athletics society, brass band as well as student broadcasting and newspaper. Angling, calligraphy, flamenco and amateur dramatics societies are just some of the societies that students can join.

Sports are equally varied, ranging from ice hockey to horse riding, and Japanese Kenpo. A number of Kyoto Sangyo University’s sports teams compete nationally.