What Makes Us Special
History of Shitennoji University
The history of Shitennoji Gakuen (group of educational institutions) began in April 1922, when Tennoji Women’s High School was founded to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of Prince Shotoku’s passing.
Yoshida Gen’o, the chief priest of Shitennoji Temple at the time, believed that an all-round education based on Buddhism was essential. He resolved to reintroduce the spirit of Prince Shotoku—the founding father of Japanese culture—to the world of modern education for young women. It was Priest Yoshida’s sense of compassion and his consideration for students’ futures that brought our school into being.
The first article of the Seventeen-Article Constitution formulated by Prince Shotoku states that “Harmony is to be valued.” After 1,400 years, this philosophy lives on in our school precepts.
Our school precepts state, “Harmony is to be valued. Appreciate the four blessings: the blessing of the nation, the blessing of your parents, the blessing of the public, and the blessing of the Buddha. Be sincere. Be polite. Value health.” Our mission is to pass on to future generations a spirit of wa (harmony), full of respect and compassion.
Today’s Shitennoji University and Shitennoji University Junior College have their roots in Shitennoji Gakuen Women’s Junior College, which was founded by Shitennoji Gakuen in 1957 in Motomachi, Tennoji Ward, Osaka City.
In 1967, Shitennoji Women’s College was founded in Habikino City. Shitennoji Gakuen Women’s Junior College was renamed Shitennoji Women’s Junior College and moved to the Habikino campus.
In 1981, Shitennoji Women’s College became co-educational and was renamed Shitennoji International Buddhist University. In the same year, Shitennoji Women’s Junior College was renamed Shitennoji International Buddhist University Junior College (women only).
In 2003, Shitennoji International Buddhist University Graduate School was established. Also in that year, Shitennoji International Buddhist University Junior College became co-educational.
In 2008, the graduate school, university, and junior college were renamed Shitennoji University Graduate School, Shitennoji University, and Shitennoji University Junior College, respectively.
In September 2017, Shitennoji University and Shitennoji University Junior College celebrated their 50th and 60th anniversaries, respectively.
And in 2022, Shitennoji Gakuen marked its 100th anniversary.
Introductory Courses of wa
The main goal of the introductory courses is to help students learn about and understand the spirit of Prince Shotoku, the university’s founding father. The spirit of wa (harmony) I and II subjects in particular aim to nurture stable, thoughtful individuals by teaching our students about Buddhism and its principles.
Spirit of wa (harmony) I and II,
Introduction to Buddhism, Modern Society and Human Rights
The spirit of wa (harmony) I and II classes develop students into well-rounded and thoughtful individuals who can reflect upon themselves in serenity and respect themselves and others. Students must wear official university suits during these classes.
Favorable learning environment— Abeno Harukas Satellite Campus
The satellite campus is located on the 23rd floor in Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan, which stands at 300 meters. From here visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka. As with the Career Center at the university’s campus in Habikino, any IBU student can visit here to receive advice.
This office is also available for graduates of the university. They visit here to share information and enjoy interactions. With extension classes and lectures held for the public, this brightly sunlit, glass-paned satellite campus is always bustling.
Learn international culture in a global environment
i-Talk Language Plaza
Here, students can enjoy conversation with foreign language-speaking staff members and receive free language lessons. Since bilingual Japanese staff members are also stationed here, students can consult with them about studying, training, or internship programs abroad. Various events such as Halloween parties and welcome parties for students from overseas partner universities are held here. i-Talk is always available for students who are considering studying abroad or those who just want to enjoy talking in a foreign language.
