Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies is an independent, co-educational four-year liberal arts university. The school’s roots go back to the months after the city had been reduced to ashes by the atomic bomb. It was founded as Nagasaki College of Foreign Languages on December 1, 1945, by the Reverend Takeo Aoyama, Mr. Sumio Ogata, and other Uma-machi Church members in downtown Nagasaki.
Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies was established to carry out the spirit of Christian education (School Regulations, First Article). For this reason, the school offers programs in Christianity (School Regulations, Second Article). A brief outline is listed below. The school chaplain and committee on religion are responsible for the implementation and management of these programs.
There are only seven foreign language universities in all of Japan. West of Kansai, there is only one: Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies.
Learning a foreign language in Nagasaki is a significant and fascinating experience. For hundreds of years, Nagasaki has prospered as a gateway to the world. It served as a window to Western Civilization during Japan’s isolation in the Edo period. From all over Japan, young people with high ambition traveled to Nagasaki to study foreign languages and civilizations, and they played an essential role in the shaping of modern Japan.
At our university, in this historic, cosmopolitan city of Nagasaki, we firmly believe that “The world is our campus!” and “Our campus is the world!” By pouring our efforts into study abroad opportunities for Japanese students and accepting international students to our university, we aim to create a new kind of international exchange in the 21st century.
The purpose of foreign language study does not end with improving communication skills. Through the give-and-take of various languages, various people, and various cultures, you come to know others as well as yourself. The gap between peoples’ differences is narrowed, and a foundation for harmony is built. This is the true meaning of foreign language study. In other words, “The power to build a community through dialogue and mutual understanding,” the power of human potential, is more important than anything else.
Students, I desire that you forge the power of language and people, experience international exchange, build your self-confidence, and take off from Nagasaki to the world.
