Toru ANDO
President of Ryukoku University

In a Dynamic Environment of Tradition and Creativity
A University where One can Connect, Collaborate, Coalesce

Ryukoku University is a university founded on the spirit of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (Pure Land Buddhism). Its history began in 1639, with the establishment of "Gakuryo," a training and educational institution for the monks of Nishi Hongwanji Temple. Over the past 380 years, the university has fostered individuals who are able to ‘seek the truth, live in truth, and reveal the truth.’ At present, we are a comprehensive university with approximately 20,000 students enrolled across 10 undergraduate Faculties, 1 Junior College, and 11 Graduate Schools. Activities pertaining to education, research, and social contribution are carried out across our three campuses: Fukakusa (in Kyoto City’s Fushimi Ward), Seta (in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture), and Omiya (in Kyoto City’s Shimogyo Ward).

When one hears the words “a Buddhist university with a long history,” one may have the impression that we are old-fashioned and outdated. Of course, we value our proud traditions and never neglect the importance of our history. However, we do not believe that these traditions and history should be blindly adhered to. Rather, Ryukoku University's raison d'être lies in actively utilizing these elements as the foundation for societal transformation through value creation and the advancement of humanity, or as nourishment for a new "journey" toward a better future.

In fact, our university promotes Buddhist SDGs with our “Ryukoku University Declaration on SDGs” and is boldly taking on the challenges of advanced, co-creative initiatives to become a hub for solving social issues. As philosopher Kiyoshi Miki (1897–1945) noted, "Tradition is necessary for creation" (Philosophy Notes), and a long history and good traditions are the driving forces for the creation of a shining future. Miki also stated, "Creation is the only way to make the most of tradition." One of the attractions of Ryukoku University is the opportunity to experience this dynamic relationship between tradition and creation.

Connect, Collaborate, Coalesce – this is the concept of the new school building, "Reimeikan," which will be completed in March 2025 on our Omiya Campus. At the same time, it expresses the vision of Ryukoku University as a whole. Students from all walks of life will ‘gather’ and ‘connect’ with each other, with members of our faculties and staff, with society and the world, and with various living organisms and the environment, "weaving" their future with the history of a new society. In addition to these three "Cs," it may also be appropriate to add words like "Crumble", "Cultivate", "Construct", and "Communicate".Students who attend this university will, through their learning, accumulate various experiences through their studies and create value alongside those of the local community and around the world. Amidst these diverse connections, students may find challenges along the way, but they will build irreplaceable relationships, maintain their aspirations, and both weave and transmit the story of a bright future. We are confident that students who fully experience the thrill of learning will become ‘sincere’ citizens who practice the philosophy of ‘introspective altruism’ and will become leaders of social change.

Kagami Shiko (1665–1731), one of Matsuo Basho's disciples, composed the following haiku:

"If it blooms in the field, it has a name in the field, plum blossoms."

Plum blossoms, when they bloom in the garden, radiate a beauty fitting for the garden. When they bloom in the fields, they exude a charm unique to the fields. Like these plum blossoms, Ryukoku University's mission is to nurture individuals who, no matter where they are or what circumstances they face, can contribute to the realization of a diverse society and world peace while demonstrating their individuality in human relationships.

Ryukoku University is a place where students can Connect, Collaborate, and Coalesce within the dynamism of tradition and creativity.

Toru ANDO
President, Ryukoku University