History
Utako Shimoda founded what is today Jissen Women’s University. After she served the imperial court and became the dean and professor of a school for the children of Japanese nobility, she visited Europe and the United States for the purpose of researching women’s education. Through these visits, she learned that women’s education was a key to national strength and that it would be important to provide education not only to upper-class women but to women of all backgrounds. A pioneer of women's education, she founded Jissen Girl’s School and Jissen Girl’s Polytechnic in 1899 with the aim of promoting a spirit of independence among women. She realized that women share responsibility for changing society and the world. Her founding principle continues to guide the university to this day.
Jissen: Put into Practice
The meaning of jissen in Japanese is “put into practice”. Jissen Women’s University is true to this concept and offers many opportunities for internships, volunteer work, and problem-based learning. With more than fifty programs at companies and local governments, students work to develop skills relevant to the needs of these organizations. Students use these practical experiences to help secure employment and to make positive contributions at their new workplaces.
Location
Shibuya Campus
is located in central Tokyo. Packed with shops and restaurants, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts. It is a hub of youth fashion and entertainment trends. There are several other dynamic districts within walking distance. Omotesando is known for its luxury shops and elegant cafes. It neighbors Harajuku, the capital of kawaii culture. Roppongi is known for both its nightlife and its art museums. Though the Shibuya Campus is in the heart of Tokyo, it is a peaceful environment. Modern and filled with light, our campus features a grand atrium, a rooftop garden and many comfortable places for study or conversation.
Location
Hino Campus
is located in a quiet suburban area about thirty minutes away from central Tokyo. Rich in nature, the Hino area features a number of historical temples and shrines. In the past, Hino was home to a famous group of samurai known as Shinsengumi. Now Hino holds an annual festival to honor and celebrate the samurai spirit. As home to our Faculty of Human Life Sciences, the design of the Hino Campus reflects the core value of living a better life. This is seen in the inclusion of spaces for collaborative work and quiet study. Our plaza, for example, features modular benches that can be rearranged to suit anything from lunch under the shade of our venerable cherry tree to a variety of group projects.
Japanese
Language Classes
Jissen Women’s University offers two types of Japanese language programs. Our Intensive Japanese Language Program is for students of beginning to intermediate proficiency levels (N5-N3). These classes are small, warm and friendly.
Our International Exchange program is designed for students of advanced proficiency levels (N1 and N2). In addition to their Japanese language courses, students in this program may enroll in mainstream classes at Jissen. Each international student will receive a certificate upon successful completion of her language program.
Student Support
Jissen Women’s University utilizes a system called Jissen Total Advanced Support (J-TAS), which allows students to track their own academic growth while at Jissen. Furthermore, staff members advise students on their course schedules and career plans. Each student is supported by an average of fourteen staff members and instructors on J-TAS.
Each campus has a dedicated team that provides support in navigating the application process and adjusting to life at Jissen. International students are warmly welcomed by staff members, resident assistants, Japanese conversation partners and Jissen students. We are all here to help international students feel at home while studying at Jissen.
Community Engagement
We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, international events and clubs that are open to international students.
- Welcome party for international students
- Farewell party for international students
- Volunteer organizations
- Japanese culture excursions (e.g., Kabuki at National Theater, handmade washi experience, and Edo Tokyo Museum.)
- Japanese Conversation Partner Program
- Overnight homestay experience
- Clubs: Naginata Club, Koto Club, Japanese Etiquette Club, Soran Bushi Club, and more...
The Tale of Genji
Jissen Women's University has devoted itself to the study and teaching of The Tale of Genji since its founding in 1899. It is widely known in the academic community that the professors of the Department of Japanese Literature have led the study of The Tale of Genji in the postwar period, starting with the lectures by Utako Shimoda, the university’s founder. The process of collecting old manuscripts related to The Tale of Genji continues to this day, and the existing collection is regarded as one of the best in Japan. Presently, we have advanced to a new stage of research using modern science and technology, and are disseminating the findings of this research worldwide. Embracing the tradition established by the founder of the university and developing it in accordance with the needs of modern era, Jissen Women's University continues to move forward as an institution widely known for The Tale of Genji.
