by Sasaki Tetsuo, Religion Department head

Tohoku Gakuin University, Sendai

Oshikawa Masayoshi, who had been baptized by missionary James Ballagh, worked together with missionaries W. E. Hoy and D. B. Schneder from the Reformed Church in the United States to establish Sendai Theological Seminary in 1886, 127 years ago.

The seminary was renamed Tohoku Gakuin University five years later, but the Christian faith that these three held has continued to be the foundation upon which this school has been based. One concrete symbol of that commitment is that worship services are held every day on each campus.

Students major in the specialized fields of one of six departments but also study liberal arts broadly to cultivate their character. These studies develop the skills that will be necessary in their chosen careers and widen the possibilities they will have in life.

Studying at Tohoku Gakuin University is not only designed to develop personal skills but also aims to cultivate the kind of character that can built faithful relationships with one’s neighbors. This means that the students become able to view themselves in an objective manner. This is why there is so much emphasis on the chapel services at the university; they add to the overall educational experience that develops our students into persons who love their neighbors and can contribute to the welfare and culture of the world. (Tr. KY)

From Shinto no Tomo (Believers' Friend), January 2014 issue