Doshisha's Educational Philosophy
We share the aspiration to realize our distinct educational philosophy
which has been cultivated and passed down over the years.
Christian principles, liberalism and internationalism lie at the heart of our educational philosophy. From its inception, Doshisha aimed to nurture individuals who would become the 'conscience of a nation’. Even though times have changed, our educational philosophy has remained solid and true, and has become even more unshakable through deeper insight into its significance and value. Precisely because we are in a rapidly changing society, we at Doshisha strive to step into the future with a unified mission to realize our educational ideals and achieve our aspirations.
Christian principles
Instilling conscience in students, as well as providing academic knowledge and professional skills, by building a strong mentality and morality
The founder, Joseph Neesima, aimed to nurture individuals who can think independently without being influenced by external forces and create change on their own initiative through the guidance of their conscience. With a strong belief that such individuals could be produced on Christian principles, Neesima implemented a Christian-based education, convinced that as a result, those who studied at Doshisha would become the 'conscience of a nation'.
Liberalism
Nurturing students' ability to acto independently and helping them to realize their full potential
Doshisha has long respected the independent and unconventional mind. We trust students’ growing capabilities, respect their individuality, and encourage them to act on their own initiative by fully exercising their abilities.
Internationalism
Developing individuals who are not only competent in foreign languages, but can also accept the different values of other cultures and discover something meaningful from them
On awakening to the importance of education after visiting America and studying there, Neesima decided to establish an institution of higher learning, Doshisha University, in his homeland. We, as a successor to his aspirations, have placed emphasis on fostering a global outlook and perspective in learning. We provide students with the opportunity not only to learn a foreign language as a communication tool, but also to become immersed in a defferent culture, understand the similarities as well as the differences of other cultures compared to our own, and learn to respect these diversities.
