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The founding philosophy of the University of the Ryukyus, established on May 22nd of 1950, is "Freedom and Equality, Peace and Tolerance," which reflects the principles of Abraham Lincoln. Based on this philosophy, the University of the Ryukyus has set as its guiding principles the "pursuit of truth," "contributions to society, locally as well as internationally," and the "pursuit of peace and coexistence." The University continues to endeavor to uphold its future vision as "an institution with both local and global features that functions as an outstanding education and research hub in the Asia-Pacific region," It has been making steady progress towards these goals. The University is located in Okinawa, the only prefecture in Japan that consists of islands. Although the islands of Okinawa may be small, each one has its unique ecosystem and distinct histories and cultures that encompass a harmonious blend of people, culture, and natural surroundings. The islanders have coexisted with nature while preserving the wisdom of their traditional culture for generations. They also possess a history of active exchange with other islands. Because of each island's strong individuality, Okinawa has evolved into a diverse, multicultural society. Stemming from its location within the Asia-Pacific islands, the University's identifying features and strengths derive primarily from its "island attributes." The University has developed various distinctive education and research activities, reflecting its island and marine environments, such as tropical and subtropical climates. More specifically, research in the fields of coral reef ecosystems, subtropical agriculture, tropical medicine, island disaster management, and island environmental studies have allowed the University to exercise its core strengths, propelling its efforts towards the realization of its position as a center for global research in subtropics and island studies. Okinawa was the site of the final battle of the Pacific War, which resulted in the loss of a significant number of lives and heavy destruction to its nature and cultural heritage. To this day, vast U.S. bases remain in Okinawa. For these reasons, the University of the Ryukyus has followed its guiding principles of "Freedom and Equality, Tolerance and Peace" since its founding. The quest for truth and the desire to make a broader and meaningful contribution to our immediate region and global society continue to be our primary objectives. As the only integrated University in Okinawa, the University shall continually strive to share with the local community and the rest of the world its achievements from research that leverages Okinawa's characteristics as a sub-tropical island, as well as discoveries that may expand internationally and reflect in some way Okinawa's unique historical, social and cultural features. Working closely together with others for the collective good of nurturing versatile young talent, the cooperation of the government, citizens, businesses, and the education and medical industries will assist the University in contributing to the preservation of a diverse, multicultural society. The University strives to carry out this mission to the best of its abilities by functioning as a "Global Academic Network" linking the Asia-Pacific region. The world continues to change dramatically in the 21st Century. Global warming has become a severe threat. The wasteful use of resources for development primarily benefiting advanced countries has led to the depletion of natural resources and regional conflicts. As such, it has become essential for our modern societies to emphasize our abundant wisdom and the supple, flexible mind of the south as alternatives to the theories that benefit the advanced countries in the north, and we must pay particular attention to the vital importance of ecological and environmental issues. The University of the Ryukyus, with the guidance from Michigan State University, has developed its traditions: contributing to and advancing along with the local community conducting international exchange broadening our knowledge base through academic and educational activities, particularly on a regional level with other Asian countries with whom we share many commonalities and making a global intellectual contribution to exchanges with Europe and America. Furthermore, we have enhanced the development of human resources, regardless of gender and nationality. Our university vision can be summed as follows: Contribute to society both locally and globally through education and research. Promote the advancement of knowledge with other Asian countries through international exchange. Conduct high-quality education and research as a global knowledge hub. View full university