About Toyo University Message from the President
In Starting a New Learning Journey
Message from the President
The 44th Toyo University President
Etsuko Yaguchi
Profile
Doctor of Humanities, Professor, Faculty of Letters. Completing the Doctoral Program, all requirements except the dissertation fulfilled, at the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University. Specialized fields: Social education and lifelong learning. Became a professor at the Toyo University Faculty of Letters in 2003. Subsequently, Yaguchi worked as Director of the Center for Social Contribution, Dean of the Faculty of Letters, and as a councilor of the Toyo University Incorporated Educational Institution before taking up her current role in April 2020.
Academic year 2023 is finally underway. Congratulations to all new students on their matriculation. I hope that all senior students have a richer learning experience and enjoy more diverse experiences than ever before.
We have suffered for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in addition, since the military action in Ukraine in February last year, we have witnessed shocking scenes where many people have lost their lives and peaceful daily lives. A new spring is once again upon us while we face the questions of what we can and must do.
With the gradual resumption of overseas travel that had been restricted, direct international exchanges are actively taking place, and the number of exchange students sent overseas and hosted in AY 2022 exceeded pre-COVID 19 numbers. I hope you will further enrich your learning by using this valuable opportunity for cross-cultural understanding.
Enryo Inoue founded Toyo University in 1887 as the Tetsugakukan. We value our founding spirit of “The Basis of All Learning Lies in Philosophy.” Even amidst challenging circumstances with various social issues, I want you to cherish our founding spirit and critically examine the true essence that lies behind matters and events, and develop the ability to make informed decisions and take action by engaging in discussions and considering diverse opinions.
Since April 2022, the age of adulthood has been lowered to 18, allowing you to enter into various contracts independently and take greater responsibility for participating in politics. Beyond the position as students in the school education system who have been under the protection of their guardians, you will now be expected to act as adults, making your own decisions and living independently. Students must embody Toyo University's founding spirit of "Independence and Self-Initiative,” and the importance of "Integrating Knowledge and Virtue" as responsible citizens will increase. I encourage you to develop the cognitive ability to seek the true essence of things and to continue your learning journey by aiming to live according to your own principles.
It has been one year since the release of the Toyo University Official App, which aims to be the compass of students’ learning journey. We will continue to enhance the app’s functions as a compass so that all students can continue their independent learning journey.
In June 2021, we established “Toyo University Incorporated Educational Institution Charter of Conduct for SDGs” This highlights our commitment to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as a problem relevant to the university and to create an inclusive and diverse society through action. Initiatives are already being developed toward solving common global issues, and student SDGs Ambassadors are involved in various activities. This is the spirit of “improving oneself for the benefit of others, and striving in actions,” which is the Heart of Toyo University that has passed down through the ages.
Let’s value this spirit and once again strive to do our best this year in all of our activities.