University of Tokyo, The

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With the aim of becoming the “World’s Tokyo University,” we are striving to create an institution that contributes to the benefit of all human society. As the twenty-first century moves forward, the pace of change accelerates, and conflicts between technology and society, humankind and the environment, and among cultures are becoming increasingly evident. At the same time, the age of nations is coming to an end, and global competition has inspired a growing awareness of the need for a collective human society. In this era of rapid change, the University of Tokyo intends to contribute to that international goal by reviving the importance of “knowledge.”

Essentially, knowledge frees human beings. It is a profound source of power that encourages candid human interaction and provides people with vigor as well as liberating them from various limitations. The creation and application of new forms of knowledge will no doubt determine the future direction of human society.

Human society has developed by producing a wide variety of knowledge over its long history. However, the professionalization and segmentation of knowledge that has taken place over more than a century has obscured its true value. This university, the place where knowledge is traditionally accumulated, declares its intention to open itself up to society and serve as a site for fresh creative exchanges and developments.

It is the mission of the University of Tokyo to present to the world a new model for a university that re-establishes faith in knowledge.

It is necessary to transform the university into a vigorous center for the free-flow of intellectual energy. To create such an intellectually dynamic institution, the university will concentrate on maintaining an efficient core, ensuring a just distribution of power, and establishing a flexible interface. The three key words here are “Autonomy/Distribution/Cooperation.”

At every organisational level, we are tirelessly reassessing current conditions and making reforms where necessary. It is possible to achieve our mission only if the institution constantly strives to develop and enhance new ways of thinking. Following the example of outstanding institutions both inside and outside Japan, it is hoped that every individual at the University of Tokyo will be able to pursue the truly rewarding life of the mind that such an institution ought to provide.

This vibrant intellectual milieu will benefit every member of the University of Tokyo, who can then expect to be involved in the world’s leading creative projects. Let us put into practice the bold claim that we offer the “best education and research in the world.” Our mission is to educate the next generation of talent that shares in our collective ideal to remain sensitive to others while courageously taking the lead. The University of Tokyo will both promote excellent research and encourage the integration of the latest expertise in all fields. The university will then become a crossroads where academic achievement and social issues meet, and where the models, industries, and academic fields of the future can confidently be developed.

As I assume the presidency of the University of Tokyo, I would like to exhort all members of the university to make every effort to meet the exciting challenge of reviving the importance of knowledge.