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Shinshu University is a national university with eight faculties (Arts, Education, Economics and Law, Science, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Textile Science, and Technology) and six graduate schools. The University offers courses and researches a broad range of academic disciplines on its five campuses located in Matsumoto, Nagano, Ueda, and Ina. Employing a total of 1,100 teaching staff, it has a student body of around 11,000 (including 300 international students). Shinshu University values the rich, natural environment of Shinshu and its history, culture, and people's work. Shinshu University strives to conserve Nature, improve all people's welfare, and cultivate industry through intellectual properties and activities. Shinshu University is where the intersection of diverse cultures and ideas fosters young individuals to understand and accept these diverse elements and live in harmony. Shinshu University values independent personality. Shinshu University fosters individuals with advanced technical knowledge and abilities, who love precious Nature accept the diversity in the cultures created by human beings and ideologies, and are educated individuals who exhibit rich communication skills, are cultivated, and have a strong desire to seek concrete issues and resolve them. The University advances wisdom in society by supporting innovative research for sustainable development, sharing the results of these accomplishments with the surrounding region, and creating a learning environment that attracts young talent. The University is highly focused on advancing the cooperation/coordination between itself and each related field by opening itself to the public in order to conserve Shinshu's natural environment, succeed and develop its history/culture, improve the welfare of each individual, and resolve the concrete issues regarding industrial development. The University takes full advantage of its multidisciplinary character by encouraging collaboration between its various academic departments, resulting in internationally recognized research and innovative teaching approaches. The Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting-Edge Research was established in order to bring together resources in five research areas in which the University has unique and world-class strengths: carbon science, energy and environmental science, fiber engineering, mountain science, and biomedical sciences. Our aim in pursuing this multi-faceted approach that transcends the traditional barriers separating academic fields is to nurture the next generation of researchers and position the University at the forefront of innovation and creativity in science and technology. We have also established the "Global Aqua Innovation Center for Improving Living Standards and Water-sustainability (COI)," a national project designed to promote social systems innovation. In the Reuters university rankings, Shinshu University was rated as one of the most innovative universities in Asia. The Faculty of Textile Science and Technology is the only faculty in Japan with "Textile" in its name. Since the time of the once-flourishing silk industry, it has been recognized as an international research center in fiber engineering, and in 2010 celebrated the centenary of its establishment. In 2012, we joined the European-based "Association of Universities for Textiles (AUTEX)" to stimulate international exchange and collaboration. We are proud of the way that, in recent years, our fiber engineering research has contributed to the worldwide development of material sciences. Shinshu University was ranked top overall for four years running from 2012 to 2015 in the Nationwide University Local Contribution Survey conducted by the Nikkei Research Institute of Industry and Regional Economy. Collaboration with local governments and local industries, offering open courses and symposia for the public, and providing local volunteers, are some of how the University's human resources and research activities contribute to local development. Nagano Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, a region blessed with abundant natural resources such as clean air, pure water, blue skies, and beautiful mountains. Local folk crafts, historical assets, and traditional culture are kept alive throughout the prefecture at many popular sites such as Zenkoji, Matsumoto Castle, and Ueda Castle. The University has five campuses turning out outstanding graduates in a wide range of fields. As a local center of knowledge, publishing the results of our unique research programs both in Japan and overseas, we proudly see our mission as that of "remaining rooted in the community, while opening up the world." View full university

The term "modern democracy" is included in the founding principles of this University. Therefore, strength, persistence, and cooperation become essential competencies. Societal needs and demands now require the "globalization of Universities." This means that we must increase international competitiveness, build a foundation for enhanced international relations between countries, and develop human resources to play a leading part globally. To do this, people must enrich their understandings of the various cultures upon which languages, customs, and values are based. As part of the need for such adaptation, we at MDU are actively recruiting international students to provide an environment in which Japanese and international students can cooperate and work together in their studies. The newly established Center for Global Human Resource Development Education is to become a hub for clinical practice, short-term exchanges, and research exchange programs with overseas Universities and medical institutions from all over the world. Additionally, the city of Shiojiri established a comprehensive cooperation agreement last year. Through cooperation and strengthened relationships between the arts, industry, medicine, education, and academia, the University holds a vital role in contributing to globalization and our regional and local communities. As a part of this agreement, students of MDU will have plenty of opportunities to contribute towards our goal to improve community health and the quality of life through volunteer activities and community events. Visitors to our campus will immediately recognize the beautiful nature in which we are surrounded. Even in the summer, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of frost-tipped mountains and enjoy the gentle breeze that blows the snow off of the peak of Mt. Hotaka. As the seasons change, you can enjoy the various flowers that bloom in harmony with the progress of time. In combination with the most advanced equipment and facilities, we are proud to say that we truly believe this makes MDU one of the world's best environments for your studies. MDU is very proud of the tools we offer to our students to enhance their learning experience. Student lounges and private study rooms are available at any time of the day. Several courses can be reviewed through e-learning materials. Students can now use the most advanced digital microscopes, and technical guidance given by professors in practical lectures are now provided through individual display monitors provided to each student. All rooms at the student dorms are single rooms fully furnished to support and satisfy their every need. Housekeeping services are also provided so students can place their undivided attention on their studies. There are a cafeteria and a French restaurant, and a Chinese restaurant on campus, providing our students and visitors with various healthy diet options. Students of every cohort complete weekly tests so that their instructors can assess their level of understanding. Lessons and lectures are then designed and adapted to match each students' level of progress. Only four students per instructor at MDU allow our students to enjoy personalized educational support and guidance. Students, guardians, and teachers regularly meet every year to check up on progress and address any issues. View full university