PhotosLocation


Kyoto_University Latitude and Longitude:

35°01′34″N 135°46′51″E / 35.026212°N 135.780842°E / 35.026212; 135.780842
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kyoto University
京都大学 ( Japanese)
Motto Japanese: 自由の学風
Motto in English
Freedom of academic culture
Type Public (National)
EstablishedJune 18, 1897; 126 years ago (June 18, 1897)
President Nagahiro Minato [1]
Academic staff
4,062 (Teaching Staff) [2]
Administrative staff
3,658 (Total Staff) [2]
Students22,426 [2]
Undergraduates12,852 [2]
Postgraduates9,574 [2]
Location, ,
35°01′34″N 135°46′51″E / 35.026212°N 135.780842°E / 35.026212; 135.780842
Campus Urban,
135 ha (333 acres)
Athletics48 varsity teams
Colors  Dark blue [3]
NicknameKyodai
Affiliations Kansai Big Six, ASAIHL
Website www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en Edit this at Wikidata

Kyoto University (京都大学, Kyōto daigaku), or KyotoU (京大, Kyōdai), is a national research university located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1897, it is one of the former Imperial Universities and the second oldest university in Japan.

The University has ten undergraduate faculties, eighteen graduate schools, and thirteen research institutes. The University's educational and research activities are centred in its three main campuses in Kyoto: Yoshida, Uji and Katsura. The Kyoto University Library Network, consisting of more than 40 libraries spread across its campuses, [4] has a collection of more than 7.49 million books, [5] making it the second largest university library in the country. [6] In addition to these campuses, the university ows facilities and lands for educational and research purposes around the country. [7]

Kyoto University has maintained a strong tradition of academic freedom, which is stated in its motto 'freedom of academic culture (自由の学風, Jiyū no Gakufū)'. [8]

As of 2024, Kyoto University counts five Prime Ministers of Japan and a President of Taiwan amongst its alumni. 19 Nobel Prize laureates, two Fields Medalists, one Gauss Prize winner, and five Lasker Award recipients have been affiliated with Kyoto University, giving it the most Nobel laureates of all universities in Asia.

History

Old photo of Kyoto Imperial University

Founding

Kyoto University can trace its roots back to the Chemistry School (舎密局, Seimi-kyoku), an institution for Chemistry and Physics founded in Osaka in 1869. Seimi is a Japanese transcription of the Dutch word chemie, meaning chemistry. [9] In 1894, this institution was replaced by the Third Higher School, which was a specialised boys' boarding school. Back then, the country had only one university, Imperial University (today's University of Tokyo), and the call for the nation's second university in the Kansai region was gaining momentum. However, due to financial reasons, the government was reluctant to do so. [10]

The situation changed when the aristocratic politician Saionji Kinmochi, who was from a notable kuge family in Kyoto, suggested the founding of the nation's second university using war reparations from the First Sino-Japanese War. [10] This plan was edicted accordingly in 1896, and Kyoto Imperial University (京都帝國大學, Kyōto-teikoku-daigaku) was established on June 18, 1897, [11] as the second university in the country. The University started using Third Higher School's buildings, and the higher school moved to a patch of land across the street, where the southern section of the Yoshida Campus stands today. The Imperial University in Tokyo was renamed Tokyo Imperial University following the founding of its counterpart in Kyoto.

It started teaching with the College of Science and Engineering in the year of its foundation, which was followed by the establishment of the College of Law in 1898. Other faculties and colleges were established during its first decade as a university. The low rates of success of its graduates in the Higher Civil Service Examinations led to the Chief Commercial Law Professor Yoshihito Takane ( 高根義人) adopting a distinct style of teaching, which he called the 'German way of cherishing the freedom of research, teaching, and learning'. He is said to be the originator of the current motto 'freedom of academic culture (自由の学風, Jiyū no Gakufū)'. [12]

Post-war period

The Allied Occupation Period following Japan's defeat in the Second World War saw a radical reform in the country's educational system, and Kyoto University was not immune from it. Along with other Imperial Universities, Kyoto Imperial University dropped the word 'imperial' from its name and came to be known as Kyoto University (京都大学, Kyōto daigaku) in October 1947. In May 1949, as a result of the American-led reform, former Imperial Universities merged with higher schools and became four-year universities as they are today. Kyoto University merged with the Third Higher School, which had been coexisting with the university since its founding as a university-preparatory boys' boarding school. The now-integrated higher school became the College of Liberal Arts (教養部, Kyōyō-bu) within the university in September 1949, and came to be in charge of equipping all first-year undergraduates with general knowledge such as mathematics and foreign languages. [13] [14] The college was replaced by the Faculty of Integrated Human Studies (総合人間学部, Sōgō-ningen-gakubu) in 1992. [15]

Kyoto University has been incorporated as a national university corporation along with all the other national universities, gaining a greater independence from the MEXT.

Campuses

The Clocktower
Yoshida Campus headquarters

Kyoto University is organised across three main campuses: Yoshida, Uji, and Katsura, each playing a distinct role in the university's academic and research activities.

Situated in Sakyo, Kyoto, the Yoshida Campus is the oldest and serves as the university's central hub. This campus is characterised by its mix of architectural styles, from historic brick buildings such as the Clock Tower Centennial Hall to modern research facilities. It encapsulates the university's history and is subdivided into seven areas, including the North Campus and the Yoshida-South Campus, which used to be occupied by the Third Higher School. [16] [17]

The Uji Campus, located in Uji, Kyoto, was formerly occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army. The university acquired it just after its reorganisation into its current form, in 1949. Today, it houses several research institutes and centres focusing on natural sciences and energy. Along with its large laboratories, Uji Campus is recongnised for its greenery and serene environment. [16]

The Katsura Campus, in Nishikyo, Kyoto, is recognised as a 'Techno-science Hill' for its forward-looking approach to research and education in engineering and informatics. Established in October 2003, Katsura aims to pioneer new knowledge domains in the 21st century. This campus is organised into four sections, each dedicated to different facets of technological and scientific exploration. [16]

Organization

Kyoto University is organised into 10 undergraduate faculties and 19 graduate schools. The president of the university is Nagahiro Minato, who assumed the office in October 2020 and expected to serve until September 2026. [18]

As of 1 May 2023, the university's student body consists of 13,038 undergraduates and 9,577 postgraduates. Apart from audit students and research students, there are 2,249 international students. [19]

Faculties

Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering Classroom Main Building (Yoshida Campus)
Graduate School of Science Building No. 4 (Yoshida Campus)
Faculty of Law and Economics Main Building (Yoshida Campus)

Kyoto University has 10 faculties. [20]

Graduate schools

Kyoto University has 19 graduate schools. [20]

Academic

Professional

Notable research institutes and facilities

International Programmes

Kyoto University offers a range of international programmes aimed at both its students and international students seeking to study there, across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Undergraduate Programmes

Kyoto University provides undergraduate degrees available for international students across all 10 faculties, with core modules available in English to cater to the needs of international students. The Kyoto University International Undergraduate Programme (Kyoto iUP) is a notable initiative, offering a comprehensive 4.5-year programme that consists of a six-month preparatory course (mainly intensive lessons of the Japanese language) followed by a four-year normal undergraduate degree programme. This programme is designed for students with no Japanese language proficiency and offers various financial support options, including admission/tuition fee waivers and monthly scholarships. [21] [22]

Graduate Programmes

At the graduate level, Kyoto University has 18 Graduate Schools offering master's, doctoral, and professional degree programmes, all of which are available for international students. International students are well-represented, with over 2,000 international students enrolled. The university facilitates a conducive learning environment with English-taught programmes, Japanese language education, and scholarships tailored to international students' needs. [23]

Academic rankings and reputation

University rankings
THE National [24] General 5
T. Reuters National [25] Research 2
WE [ ja] National [26] Employment 10
NBP Kansai [27] Reputation 1
Shimano National [28] Selectivity SA
QS Asia
(Asia version) [29]
General 17
ARWU Asia [30] Research 2
THE World [31] General 55
QS World [32] General 46
ARWU World [30] Research 39
ENSMP World [33] Alumni 5

Kyoto University maintains a high academic reputation, and is regarded as one of the nation's top two universities, along with the University of Tokyo.

Popularity and selectivity

Kyoto University is one of the most selective universities in Japan. The selectivity for its undergraduate degrees is usually regarded as among the top two, along with the University of Tokyo. [39] [40] [41]

Athletics

Kyoto University competes in 48 sports. The university is a member of the Kansai Big Six Baseball League.

Controversy

Members of the university's American football team, the Kyoto University Gangsters, were arrested in 2006 for gang rape, which had been recently added to the Penal Code in January 2005 following the Super Free rape controversy. The three students had forced a female university student to drink liquor to the point of unconsciousness, at which point they gang-raped her. They were all convicted. [42] [43] [44]

Notable people

Of the nineteen Nobel Prize winners who have been affiliated with Kyoto University in some way, eight attended the university as undergraduate students. [45] Fields Medal winners Heisuke Hironaka (1970) and Shigefumi Mori (1990) and one Carl Friedrich Gauss Prize winner Kiyosi Itô are also affiliated with the university. [46]

See also

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Profile of President Nagahiro Minato". Kyoto University. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Kyoto University Facts and Figures 2021-2022" (PDF). Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  3. ^ Kyoto University Visual Identity Guidebook (PDF) (1 ed.). October 1, 2018. p. 8.
  4. ^ "Kyoto University Library Network". www.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  5. ^ "蔵書数等". 京都大学 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  6. ^ "図録▽大学図書館蔵書数ランキング". honkawa2.sakura.ne.jp. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  7. ^ "大学の施設". 京都大学 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  8. ^ "Kyoto University Basic Concept for Internationalization". KYOTO UNIVERSITY. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  9. ^ "沿革". 京都大学 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  10. ^ a b "[大学が成立した背景] | 京都大学 白眉センター|白眉プロジェクト". www.hakubi.kyoto-u.ac.jp. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  11. ^ "Historical Sketch". About Kyoto University. Kyoto University. 2004. Retrieved July 17, 2007.[ dead link]
  12. ^ 京都大学. "平成9年度 入学式式辞 | 歴代総長の式辞で振り返る | 京都大学のあゆみ". 京都大学 創立125周年記念事業特設サイト (in Japanese). Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  13. ^ "History". KYOTO UNIVERSITY (in Japanese). Retrieved November 2, 2019.
  14. ^ "Third Higher School | Kyoto University Fund | Funds in Operation". www.en.kikin.kyoto-u.ac.jp. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
  15. ^ "沿革 | 京都大学 大学院人間・環境学研究科 総合人間学部". February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c "Campuses". KYOTO UNIVERSITY. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  17. ^ "Campuses | Academics". Kyoto iUP. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  18. ^ "Message from the President". KYOTO UNIVERSITY. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  19. ^ "学生数". 京都大学 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Departments". Kyoto University. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011.
  21. ^ "Kyoto iUP - Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program". Kyoto iUP. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  22. ^ "Undergraduate degree programs". KYOTO UNIVERSITY. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  23. ^ "Graduate degree programs". KYOTO UNIVERSITY. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  24. ^ "Japan University Rankings 2023". Times Higher Education. 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  25. ^ "Thomson Reuters 20 Top research institutions in Japan". Thomson Reuters. 2011. Retrieved July 22, 2022. (this raking includes 5 non-educational institutions)
  26. ^ "Employment rate in 400 major companies rankings" (in Japanese). Weekly Economist. 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  27. ^ "Nikkei BP Brand rankings of Japanese universities" (in Japanese). Nikkei Business Publications. 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  28. ^ "GBUDU University Rankings" (in Japanese). YELL books. 2009. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  29. ^ "QS Asian University Rankings". QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited. 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  30. ^ a b "Academic Ranking of World Universities". Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  31. ^ "THE World University Rankings". Times Higher Education. 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  32. ^ "QS World University Rankings". QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited. 2024. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  33. ^ "ENSMP World University Rankings" (PDF). École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris. 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  34. ^ "World University Rankings". Times Higher Education (THE). September 25, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  35. ^ "QS World University Rankings 2024". Top Universities. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  36. ^ "World Reputation Rankings". Times Higher Education (THE). October 6, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  37. ^ "ShanghaiRanking-Univiersities". www.shanghairanking.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  38. ^ "2023 tables: Institutions | Annual tables | Nature Index". www.nature.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  39. ^ 文藝春秋 (in Japanese). Japan: Bungei Shunjū (magazine). February 2010. p. 312.{{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year ( link)
  40. ^ "入試難易予想ランキング表 | 条件検索". ranksp.keinet.ne.jp. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  41. ^ "【2024年度入試対応】東進の大学入試偏差値一覧(ランキング)". 【2024年度入試対応】東進の大学入試偏差値一覧(ランキング) (in Japanese). Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  42. ^ "Kyoto University trio held in suspected gang rapes". January 27, 2006 – via Japan Times Online.
  43. ^ "Kyoto U. students admit gang rape". February 7, 2006 – via Japan Times Online.
  44. ^ "Four university football players accused of rape in Kyoto | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis". The Asahi Shimbun.
  45. ^ "ノーベル賞". 京都大学 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  46. ^ "Dr. Kiyoshi Ito receives Gauss Prize". Kyoto University. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2017.

External links

Media related to Kyoto University at Wikimedia Commons