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A Message from the President

Hiroshima Shudo University: Nurturing “pioneer spirit” for over 60 years

President YANO Izumi

Hiroshima prefecture, in a region of Western Japan, is famous for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. In the south of the prefecture, the Seto Inland Sea area attracts visitors all year round to famous landmarks such as Miyajima Island, home to the World Heritage Site of  Itsukushima Shrine and the famous floating Torii gate. The temperate climate of this coastal region produces not only an abundance of fish and seafood, but also an assortment of citrus fruits grown on the islands scattered around the sea. Indeed, Hiroshima has long been the largest producer of lemons in Japan. In the north of the prefecture, the Chugoku Mountain Range is home to river gorges, ski slopes and apple orchards, all reflecting the diverse and prosperous natural environment of the area. Immersed in these beautiful surroundings, the people in Hiroshima are well known for spending their leisure time fishing, fruit picking, and enjoying winter sports. Within such a rich natural environment, first as a college in 1952 and then as a university from 1960, Hiroshima Shudo University (HSU) has for over sixty years fostered individuals who can contribute to the local, national, and international communities.
 
Sixty years ago, Hiroshima was then a very different place. The city was in the midst of a slow and purposeful reconstruction, having been devastated by the dropping of the atomic bomb on August 6th, 1945. Through the concerted efforts of the people of Hiroshima and the support and encouragement from the rest of the country, and from around the world, the city was rebuilt step by step. Now in the heart of the city, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, and contemplation and as a symbol of reconstruction. 
Arising out of this post-war reconstruction, HSU was established with the mission of nurturing Hiroshima’s business leaders and contributing to the local industry, when the city’s economy moved from post-war reconstruction to high economic growth. The term “pioneer spirit”, which was a favourite phrase of HSU’s first president, Hakuji Harada, continues to accurately describe the educational philosophy of the University. Starting with the Faculty of Commercial Sciences, the University has expanded its academic fields to include the faculties of Humanities and Human Sciences, Law, Economic Sciences, Human Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, and Global Community Studies. Over its long history, HSU has been continually working to foster the growth of citizens who can contribute not only to the local community, but also further afield within Japan and abroad. 
And now, HSU is as determined as ever to keep moving forward and producing “pioneers” who can open a new era in this rapidly changing and diversifying modern society. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the HSU campus is just 30 minutes away from the centre of Hiroshima city by public transportation. It offers an environment where students can concentrate on their studies while immersed in natural surroundings; where they can take advantage of active learning opportunities both inside the classroom and outside of the campus, in farming villages and in local businesses. We look forward to welcoming students from all over the world who want to experience studying in this privileged natural environment and acquiring the pioneering spirit of Hiroshima Shudo University.