Tohoku University

Tohoku University is committed, first and foremost, to excellence based on the spirits of its foundation, "Research First" and "Open-door" policies. Towards these lines, the following objectives are being pursued.

Research-intensive University
Tohoku University's prime objective is to contribute to the well-being and advancement of humanity through its research activities. To realize this objective, the university is undertaking the following research activities.

1. Ntegrated Body of Knowledge. Research is coordinated between all departments and research institutes devoted to the study of the natural and social sciences and other humanities deemed necessary for the development of society.
2. Accumulation of Knowledge. World class research is continually being carried out in new fields of knowledge, technology and values.
3. Transmission and Spread of Knowledge. Researchers are educated to attain a broad vision, high professional qualifications, and a keen sense of social responsibility.

A University opens to the World and the Community
Tohoku University strives to contribute globally as well as to the local community as an open university. This objective is being carried out through the following activities.

1. · We welcome capable and highly motivated students, regardless of nationality, race, gender and religion, as well as outstanding research faculty.
2. · We vigorously promote collaboration between the university and industry in the interest of forging closer relationships with communities and localities.
3. · We actively provide educational opportunities for the general public through programs such as open courses, online learning, extension programs and free legal counseling.
4. · We continue in our efforts to develop an environmentally friendly campus, which is an enjoyable and restful place for local people.

Development of Future Leaders
At Tohoku University, those in charge of education in the various departments and graduate schools are faculty members who are leaders in their own fields of research. By exposing their students to cutting-edge knowledge, these outstanding teachers are committed to nurturing human resources capable of assuming leadership in the advancement of society and knowledge. The undergraduate programs stress the acquisition of a solid foundation in the various specializations and languages, and the ability to effectively utilize information so that students are capable of working internationally.
While educating researchers familiar with world-class research and capable of making substantive contributions, the graduate programs also produce professionals with a high level of theoretical and practical knowledge in their fields

Principles of Strategy for International Exchange
The mission of Tohoku University is to search for truth and create and disseminate human knowledge, thereby contributing to the realization of a society where humanity can live in peace and dignity.  More specifically, as an inclusive university, bringing together a collaborative and mutually stimulating mix of academic fields, our aims are to honor the wisdom of the world throughout history, identify current and future agendas for scholarship, share our knowledge and discoveries with  the community and the world, and actively cultivate individuals with the desire and capability to contribute to humanity.
Throughout the last century, this university upheld three principles: Research First, Open-Door, Practice-Oriented Research and Education, demonstrating that the members of this institution have been keenly aware that internationalization in research and education is an indispensable condition for achieving our mission and aims.
In August 2000, Tohoku University stated its intention of becoming a world-class research and educational institution through international exchanges.  Subsequently, when Tohoku University became a legally independent institution in April 2004, it was decided that the highest priority would henceforth be granted to the realization of internationally competitive research and education. Furthermore, in November of 2004, Tohoku University declared that it is striving for global excellence under the slogan Tohoku University, Creating Global Excellence (Tohoku University provides opportunities for world-class research and education).
As evident from these statements, the promotion of international exchange has become increasingly pivotal to accomplishing the universities mission and aims. Clearly required in the planning and carrying out of international exchanges are the strategies by which we can promote the above mission and goals.
In keeping with this mission to foster both breadth and depth of strategic international exchange and collaboration, Tohoku University is committed to the following basic goals:
1) Promote research of the highest world standards through active participation in an international academic network.   
2) Invite highly motivated, capable and talented individuals from all over the globe and cultivate international leaders who can contribute to the advancement of world development.
3) Communicate our accomplishments in education and research internationally and contribute them to the international community.  4) Strengthen the foundations of research and education and increase the university international recognition to support realization of the above three goals.