Tenri University

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Founded in 1925, Tenri University now boasts over 30,000 alumni who have benefited from its educational goals of enhancing each student's potential, fostering their global awareness, and instilling in each individual the desire to contribute to the overall improvement of the human condition. Based on the Tenrikyo religion's humanistic teachings, promoting the world of the "Joyous Life" for all humankind, the University's long history of applying this educational philosophy, in a manner suited to each generation's needs, is the foundation of its proud tradition.
Since being reorganized from a language school into a university in 1949, Tenri University has developed some of the most advanced language training methods in the country, including creating the first Language Laboratory class, designed to train students in practical speaking ability. These highly praised original methods are continuing even today. The Faculty of Budo and Sport Studies has produced several world-class athletes while promoting international exchanges in various sports. Also constituting the University are the Faculty of Human Studies, which investigates the meaning of human existence from a religious perspective—with the study of Tenrikyo as its basis—and works to enhance the life experience of individual human beings the Faculty of Letters, which deepens studies of Japan, taking advantage of the University's location in the Yamato region with its long history and traditions and a Master's degree program in clinical psychology.
Throughout its 90-year history, Tenri University has always strived to innovate in these fields, intending to nurture students who can contribute to the construction of the "Joyous Life," as advocated in the University's founding spirit.
The Yamato region, famous for its rich historical and cultural heritage and beautiful natural environment, is the home of Tenri University. The University also has two internationally renowned institutions affiliated with it—Tenri Central Library and Tenri Sankokan Museum. Further, the University is surrounded by a peaceful and heartwarming religious atmosphere embodied in the Sanctuaries of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters, which creates an ideal background for the University's students to adopt "the Tenri Spirit" epitomized by dedication to others, to foster "international perspectives," and to develop "future-oriented visions" with due consideration of the past and the present.
In April 2010, Tenri University reorganized its academic programs. The Faculty of International Studies was born with improved overseas student exchange programs, aiming at a deeper international exchange level and cross-cultural understanding. The Faculty of Budo and Sport Studies expanded its programs to correspond to a variety of social needs. "Our Paths to the World" is the motto with which we advance.
To fulfill its objective of developing each student's potential, the University maintains small classes throughout the undergraduate years. Also, faculty advisors work closely with their students on a person-to-person basis. Further, all department members or courses of study strive to build strong ties with students from their freshman through their senior years.
To develop personnel who will contribute to the international community, Tenri University has engaged in international exchanges since its establishment, actively supporting overseas language and cultural training, study abroad programs, and international sports events. Sister school relationships are maintained with over 30 universities. In many countries, exchange programs with these institutions include collaboration in education and research, student and faculty exchanges, and goodwill sports tournaments. Tenri University also promotes a variety of volunteer social programs abroad.
He believed that "sports cultivate the mind and body, providing the means to savor the teachings of Tenrikyo." He supported the movement to introduce judo as an official Olympic event in Tokyo's 1964 Olympic Games. Tenrikyo's teachings have undoubtedly promoted the development of "spirit" and "technique" in the Tenri Judo program. A wide variety of other sports has also inherited this same spirit at Tenri.

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