Yamagata University

As one of the best national comprehensive universities in northern Japan, Yamagata University fosters human resources to solve problems and innovate new technologies for local and global societies. Offering various courses, we are dedicated to creating high-quality environments that meet their learning needs and interests.

Yamagata University has produced many distinguished graduates, carrying on the tradition treasured since back in the five predecessor schools. Yamagata University has four campuses spread throughout Yamagata Prefecture. By networking and enhancing collaboration among these campuses, YU offers educational programs and research projects, making full use of each region's characteristics.

YU named its general education programs "Arts and Sciences Education" (Kuban Kyoiku in Japanese) in 2010. The purpose of Arts and Sciences Education at YU is to have students expand their views, think critically, make sound judgments in the rapidly changing society, and acquire the fundamental academic skills necessary for advanced study.

Faculties at YU teach students the well-selected themes of their specialties, using the various teaching methods. Students can acquire the basic and necessary skills needed to succeed in their future careers through small-sized seminars, information-processing education, and practical language education.

As a comprehensive university, YU proudly offers students a wide variety of Arts and Sciences Education curriculums to choose freely. Student evaluation for each class is conducted, and both faculties and students make continuous efforts to improve classes' quality.

Yamagata is undoubtedly one of Japan's most incredible places to experience the beauty of four distinct seasons. Throughout the year, there are various fieldworks to join in the rich natural environment of Yamagata. Students enjoy their campus life every season: Seeing cherry blossoms and hiking in the fresh green of the mountains in spring, fishing and marine sports in the Sea of Japan in summer, beautiful foliage and delicious "Imoni-kai" (taro and beef stew party) in autumn, and skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in winter.

Yamagata University posits its mission and will play a crucial role as the regional society's driving force under sound university management.

• Regional Innovation
• Future Creation
• Multicultural Collaboration

With a harmonious relationship between nature and humans as its theme, YU aims to grow as an institution with a shining presence by exerting full efforts for education, research, and social responsibility to accomplish its goals:

• The University aims to become an institution where students are willing to learn and are taken the best care.
• The University fosters profound humanity based on well-rounded knowledge acquired through sound critical thinking. It produces students who are skilled at identifying and solving problems using fundamental academic skills and high-level expertise.
• The University promotes progressive research to provide solutions to problems facing human beings.
• The University aims to become a world-leading institution while being based in a local community. Protection of natural resources and the environment is a significant consideration.
• The University continues to reform itself to attain the above goals by conducting constant review and assessment in a four-stage cyclical process, including planning, execution, assessment, and improvement.