Our History

In 1920, when Japan was still in the turbulent aftermath of the First World War, Showa Women’s University was established by Enkichi Hitomi, a poet and educator, and his wife, Midori, who found their educational ideals of “love, compassion, and harmony” in the teachings of Leo Tolstoy. The university’s motto “Be a light to the world” reflects our commitment to educating women who can initiate meaningful changes in society.

1920
Japan Women’s Institute, which later becomes Showa Women’s University, is founded in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.
1922
Showa Senior High School opens.
1945
After all the school buildings are destroyed in a bombing raid during the Second World War, the school moves to Setagaya Ward.
1947
Showa Junior High School opens.
1949
The Japan Women’s Institute becomes Showa Women’s University.
1951
Showa Kindergarten opens.
1953
Showa Elementary School opens.
1974
Graduate School (Master’s Programs in Literature) starts.
1980
Hitomi Memorial Hall is completed.
1986
Graduate School (Master’s Programs in Life Sciences) starts.
1988
International Campus Boston is founded.
1989
Doctoral programs in literature and Life Sciences start.
1994
Research Hall and Koyo Museum are completed.
2006
British School in Tokyo starts on the Setagaya campus.
2013
The Faculty of Global Business is established.
2017
The Faculty of International Studies is established.

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