Komazawa University is one of the oldest universities in Japan. Its history starts in 1592, when a seminary was established to be a center of learning for the young monks of the Soto sect, one of the two main Zen Buddhist traditions in Japan. As is proverbially said, in old bottles new wine should be put, so we always endeavor to maintain the highest standards in cultivating cultural and social sciences. We always aim to contribute to the nurturing of those who are to translate their intelligence and learning into the reform of society in accordance with developments in our ever-changing world. In other words, Komazawa University will make every effort to realize its purpose as a university by promoting intellectual advancement, while efficiently making use of the advantages of being located near the center of metropolitan Tokyo.
The university itself is comprised of seven faculties and 17 departments. Also for students who wish to pursue advanced studies, each department has a graduate school. There are also nine research institutes. There is a total of 14,000 students and the university is particularly strong in the arts. The university is located in Komazawa, Setagaya, which is well known as a University and residential area and is about 20 minutes from the center of Tokyo, one of the biggest cities in the world. The university is also next to the Tokyo Olympic Memorial Park, so the campus is very quiet and peaceful, surrounded by trees and other plant life. Students can work or read books between classes here so the campus environment is a very suitable place for university life.
