Introduction
We are trying to grow more and more.
Dr. Mitsuyasu Kato
The University of Tsukuba was founded in 1973 as a university with a new concept that reflected the ideals of Japan after its economical development. For over 40 years since, we have continued to make unprecedented growth as a forerunner of university reform in Japan. Still today, with our slogan, “Imagine the Future,” we are forging ahead with reforms to further strengthen our uniqueness as a global research and education center by being a university of the future that leads the way in finding solutions to the global issues of the day.
The Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences was established in 2001 as a school of interdisciplinary research on human life and activity. Its aim is to foster individuals with a comprehensive viewpoint and creative research ability who can bring about a paradigm shift in confronting the issues that humankind will face in the twenty-first century. Compared with other universities’ faculties of human sciences that mainly include schools of education, psychology, and social science, the University of Tsukuba is greatly distinguished by the fact that its medical faculty is also part of the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences.
In 1979, the graduate school of the University of Tsukuba’s medical school set up its Department of Medical Science Research, the forerunner of today’s Master’s Program of Medical Sciences. It was the first master’s program in medical sciences in Japan and admitted university graduates as well as people with working experience from diverse academic backgrounds. The curriculum included foundation courses in basic, clinical, and social medicine as well as a rich variety of elective courses. Students were nurtured to become researchers, educators, and other highly trained professionals who could respond to the social and academic needs of various walks of life and thus contribute to making and maintaining a safe and healthy society. This educational philosophy was driven further forward by the merging of the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences that brought about an academic environment in which, even at the doctoral level, students with nonmedical backgrounds comprise almost half the number of students. In addition, in recent years we have formed partnerships with many institutions overseas. These partnerships allow our students to participate in overseas Musha-Shugyo* study, in teaching assistantships at the Summer School for students from our partner institutions, and in presentations and discussion at the Leading Graduate Schools International Conference. Through these many opportunities to participate in international activities, we are striving to develop individuals who can participate actively in the international community. Moreover, through the G30 International Program, courses taught in English are offered not for overseas students only but for overseas and Japanese students together, thus making an academic environment that promotes “day-to-day internationalization.”
In striving for an ideal graduate school, we faculty members have cooperated sincerely with each other to build up this program. It is a program that brings together talented students both from within and from outside Japan and develops them into individuals who can contribute to advancing the health and welfare of humankind by overcoming global challenges. We strongly hope to carry this program forward with students who have high ideals and a passion for learning. To make great leaps forward is the prerogative of youth. Let’s take up the challenge. You are the builders of the next new era.
*Musha-Shugyo: voluntary apprenticeship of young Musha (= Bushi) away from their hometown in the feudal period (see: Inazo Nitobe. Bushido: the Soul of Japan.)
Full Name: Mitsuyasu Kato
Nationality: Japanese
Position/Year: Professor, Associate provost, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba
Field of study/Major: Experimental Pathology, Molecular Cell Biology
