Doshisha

Doshisha University, commonly called Doshisha, is a private research university in Kyoto, Japan. It traces its origins to the Doshisha English School, founded in 1875 by Niijima Jō (Joseph Neesima) with support from American Protestant missionaries. The institution was established to provide Western-style education in a Christian setting and played a role in the modernization of higher education in Japan. It adopted the name Doshisha and gradually expanded from a school into a university with multiple faculties and graduate programs.

Historically, Doshisha advanced education by combining Western subjects with ethical and religious education. Over the years it developed into a comprehensive university with undergraduate and graduate offerings across a broad range of disciplines. The institution emphasizes internationalization, research collaboration, and global engagement, maintaining partnerships with universities worldwide and offering programs in English.

The main campus is located in Kyoto and serves as the university’s academic hub, with additional facilities supporting research, student life, and collaboration. Doshisha operates multiple graduate schools and faculties spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and business, reflecting its aim to educate socially responsible leaders.

Notable aspects of Doshisha include its historical ties to Christian-inspired education, its long-standing role in Japan’s modern higher education landscape, and its ongoing commitment to international exchange and scholarly excellence. As one of Japan’s oldest private universities, it continues to be recognized for teaching quality, research activity, and global partnerships.