History

1982

  • TUJ was established in Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku, drawing public attention as the first campus of an American university in Japan. TUJ started by offering the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in TESOL program
  • Started the M.Ed. program in Osaka

 

Photo: A June 1982 letter from U.S. President Ronald Reagan congratulating TUJ on its establishment (June 1, 1982)

1983

  • Launched the Undergraduate Program, enabling students to obtain American B.A. and A.A. degrees without leaving Japan

 

Photo: The entrance of the first campus at Shiba-Koen and the TUJ sign

1984

  • Moved to Shibuya
  • Held commencement of the class of 1984 (the first A.A. degree graduates)

 

Photo: The Shibuya campus entrance

1986

  • Held commencement of the class of 1986 (the first B.A. graduates)

 

Photo: A commencement ceremony in TUJ's early days

1987

  • Moved to Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku
  • Launched IELP in Osaka

 

Photo: The new nine-story TUJ campus in Shimo-Ochiai

1988

  • Began offering a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in TESOL program

 

Photo: The Shimo-Ochiai campus cafeteria

1992

  • Main TUJ operation moved to Minami-Osawa, Hachioji
  • Established campuses in Takadanobaba for M.Ed., Ed.D. and IELP programs

 

Photo: The TUJ Minami-Osawa campus in Tama New Town in Hachioji

1993

  • Initiated the Open College Program and the Globalization Program, welcoming more working professionals to TUJ

 

Photo: A panel discussion at TUJ

1994

  • Inaugurated the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program

 

Photo: Student studying at the library

1995

  • Started the Ed.D. program in Osaka
  • Held the first TUJ alumni reunion

 

Photo: Student events and club activities

1996

  • Terminated the relationship with local business partners and became a wholly-owned operation of Temple University
  • Relocated the campus to Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku
  • Launched the Executive MBA Program, the first in Japan
  • Relaunched the Open College Program and the Globalization Program as the Continuing Education Program and Corporate Education Program, respectively

 

Photo: The 1996 opening ceremony for the Azabu campus

1998

  • Started offering an undergraduate major in communications
  • Started an M.Ed. program in Fukuoka

 

Photo: The entrance to the Azabu Hall

2002

  • Changed the name of the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) to the Academic Preparation Program (APP)

 

Photo: APP class

2003

  • Introduced undergraduate majors in psychological studies, art, and international affairs

 

Photo: Art class

2004

  • Launched an undergraduate major in tourism and hospitality management
  • Established the Institute of Contemporary Japanese Studies (ICJS)

 

Photo: ICJS seminar

2005

  • Designated as the first Foreign University, Japan Campus by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

 

Photo: A February 2005 letter from U.S. Ambassador Howard Baker celebrating TUJ's designation as the first Foreign University, Japan Campus

2006

  • Concluded an Agreement on Joint Activities with Tokyo's Minato City

 

Photo: Concluding the joint activities agreement with Minato City Mayor, Masaaki Takei

2007

  • Launched an undergraduate major in business management
  • Held 25th anniversary symposium
  • Changed the name of the Academic Preparation Program (APP) to the Academic English Program (AEP)

 

Photo: 25th anniversary symposium

2009

  • Launched an undergraduate major in international business studies
  • Changed the Japanese name of the Academic English Program (AEP)

 

Photo: Today's TUJ

2010

  • Changed the name of the Institute of Contemporary Japanese Studies (ICJS) to the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS)
  • Launched an undergraduate major in Japanese language

 

Photo: ICAS Seminar

2011

  • Established a new four-year, full scholarship program for Japanese students supported by Goldman Sachs Gives, a donor-advised fund
  • Launched Continuing Education Program in Osaka
  • Started accepting credit cards for tuition payments

 

Photo: President Hart delivering the keynote speech at the commencement ceremony

3/11 Great East Japan Earthquake

It occurred in the middle of the spring semester and academic programs were suspended for about three weeks, but all classes resumed by April 4. Syllabi were revised to accommodate options offered to students, including distance learning and continuing courses at Main Campus in Philadelphia. All courses were completed with only a one-week extension of the semester. The commencement ceremony was held according to the originally planned schedule.

2012

  • Held 30th anniversary symposium
  • Began Credit Exchange Program with Musashi University

 30th Anniversary 

 

Photo: 30th anniversary symposium

2014

  • Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an Agreement on Credit Transfer and Student Exchange with Toyo University Faculty of Regional Development Studies (currently Faculty of Global and Regional Studies and Faculty of International Tourism Management)
  • Start Credit Transfer Program with the School of Arts and Letters at Meiji University
  • Started the Musashi Temple RED Program courses for junior high and high school students who plan to study abroad or at a foreign university in Japan
  • Started hosting the TOMODACHI Internship Program
  • Signed an MOU with National Taipei University

 

Photo: 2014 commencement ceremony

2015

  • TUJ Symposium “American University Administration and Global Competition” held at the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo
  • Improved Executive MBA Program. Earn an MBA in 18 months

 

Photo: At the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo

2016

  • Started Credit Transfer Program with Showa Women's University

 

Photo: Signing ceremony at Showa Women's University

2017

  • Held 35th anniversary symposium

 35th Anniversary

 

Photo: 35th anniversary symposium

2019

 New Campus Project

 

Photo: New Campus in Setagaya

2020

 

Photo :Master in Management class

2021

 

Photo: The first recipients of the Mochida-Stronach scholarship. Mr. Mochida, President of Goldman Sachs Japan (left), and Dean Emeritus, Dr. Stronach (right).

 2021 News Articles 

2022

 40th Anniversary

 

Photo: U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel delivers 40th anniversary speech at TUJ (February 16, 2023)