Project "Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future..."

In celebration of its 80th anniversary, Osaka University has established the project "Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future..."

"Reflecting on the origin..." refers to going back to and rededicating the university to the spirit of inquiry, research, and scholarship embodied in the founding institutions of Tekijuku and Kaitokudo, Osaka University's roots. 

"Looking to the future..." refers to the future-oriented course the university intends to take in building and enhancing its mutual relationships with society, with business and industry, with the world, and putting into practice, as a local and international cultural organization, the Osaka University motto "Live Locally, Grow Globally." In this way, Osaka University will achieve the characteristics of its distinctive "Handai* Style."

 

*"Handai" is the Japanese nickname for Osaka University.

 

"Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future..."
 

"Reflecting on the origin..."

  • Osaka University was founded as Osaka Imperial University in 1931. Originating from the "gakumonjo" ["place of study"] Tekijuku (1838) in Osaka, with academic roots reaching back to the spirit of Kaitokudo, a "place of study" established by 5 Osaka merchants in 1724, the university has blossomed as an institution of scholarship and research.

  • The university's psychological origins go back to the two "places of study" built not by the government but by citizens for citizens, a unique characteristic that is a source of pride.

  • Osaka University aims to recognize anew its unique origin in Tekijuku and Kaitokudo -- two institutions imbued with the scientific spirit and thoroughly pursuing rational scholarship and preeminent knowledge, dramatically developing both in line with the times.

  • On the other hand, the establishment of Osaka University of Foreign Studies (1921), the other key component of Osaka University, was realized by the donation of one million yen by HAYASHI Choko (1873 - 1945), an Osaka businesswoman. Her donation to the national government and perseverance built a school for developing internationally-minded people.

    2011 will mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of Osaka University of Foreign Studies. Recalling the spirit that founded Osaka University of Foreign Studies, Osaka University will continue to work toward becoming a preeminent school for internationalization.

 

"Looking to the future..."

  • Thus, Osaka University, as a university open to society, will renew its dedication to the motto, "Live Locally, Grow Globally" and execute its mission under the Ground Plan.

  • Osaka University will return to Nakanoshima where it was founded in order to play a role in projects for industry-university cooperation with companies in Osaka and in projects for university-community cooperation, including Kaitokudo for the 21st Century, and in roles as a local cultural organization and as an international organization.

    Furthermore, the university will be actively involved in the redevelopment of Nakanoshima. For, attracting the most excellent students requires not only an attractive university, but also the attractiveness of the city it is located in.

  • Osaka University will promote further globalization using the Project for Establishing Core Universities for Internationalization --"Global 30"-- as a jump-start to enhance its international presence as a world-class research-based university. 

In the year marking its 80th anniversary, Osaka University will hold ceremonies, commemorative lectures, and symposiums, particularly in Nakanoshima, where its deepest historical roots lie, as it reaches to establish a new standard of excellence.