University of The Ryukyus - University Philosophy

University Philosophy

The philosophical view held by the University of the Ryukyus is that the world continues to change dramatically in the 21st century, global warming has become a serious threat, and that the wasteful use of resources for development primarily benefiting advanced countries has and continues to lead to the depletion of natural resources and regional conflicts. The world view expressed by the university holds to the immorality of living in perpetuation of such trends.

As such, it is held to be important for modern societies to put an emphasis on the wisdom and philosophy of the underdeveloped countries of the world, particularly those in the southern hemisphere (this belief being influenced by Okinawa's position as Japan's southernmost prefecture and the poorest in the country), as alternatives to the theories and practices that benefit the advancement of the nations of the north. Therefore, the university pays particular attention to the role and import of ecology and environmentalism.

The University of the Ryukyus was established under the guidance of Michigan State University. It has since developed its own traditions of contributing to and advancing the position of the local community, of conducting international exchange, of broadening the knowledge base of the people of Okinawa through academic and educational activities, particularly on a regional level with other Asian countries with whom it shares many commonalities, and also to make a global intellectual contribution via its exchanges with Europe and America. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance development of human resources, regardless of gender and nationality.

The goals of the university can be summarized as:

1. Conduct education that focuses on continual improvement in the quality of graduates
2. Improve the environment in which the potential of young researchers and new academic fields is developed
3. Promote basic research and research utilizing Okinawa's regional characteristics
4. Strive to be a university that makes intellectual contributions to society at large that passes on learning, and that generates new learning.