A Message from the President

Tokyo International University(TIU) was established in 1965, and in April of this year (2006) we are welcoming the 42nd group of new students.  The fundamental philosophy of Taizo Kaneko, the founder of TIU, is "Developing Citizens of the World."  At the time of the foundation of TIU, he arranged an affiliation with Willamette University in Oregon, U.S.A., and TIU has sent students to the United States every year since then.

Tokyo International University of America (TIUA) was established in 1989, and is located adjacent to Willamette University.  About 100 TIU students have spent one year studying abroad at TIUA and Willamette every year since then.

When I went to a foreign country for the first time, I was 40 years old.  At that time, I firmly believed that I should have gone overseas at a younger age.  I keenly realized that if I had seen a foreign country when I was younger, my life would have been changed.

I am convinced that students should go overseas and study when they are young even if it is not a long-term experience such as the one-year program.  To go abroad and take a hard look at countries other than Japan with your own eyes is strongly recommended.

To the students who are studying at TIUA, you need to utilize this opportunity effectively.  The one year spent at TIUA and Willamette can be the most important one in your life.

                                                                                                                    -- Takayoshi Arai