On Thursday, April 3rd, the British higher education magazine Times Higher Education (THE) in collaboration with the Benesse Group announced the THE Japan University Rankings 2025. In this year’s rankings Soka University achieved its highest overall position to date—62nd nationwide and 20th among private universities—since the ranking’s inception in 2017.
We are especially proud to announce that in the “Internationality” category, Soka University ranked 8th nationwide and 3rd in the Tokyo metropolitan area, marking the fifth consecutive year we have placed in the top 10 for this category.
This rankings are based on 16 indicators across four key areas: educational resources, educational fulfillment, educational outcomes and internationality. These metrics aim to evaluate not only institutional capacity but also student experiences, learning outcomes, and academic growth.
The “Internationality” category—where we excelled—considers several key indicators:
- Ratio of international students
- Ratio of Japanese students studying abroad
- Ratio of courses taught in foreign languages
- Ratio of foreign faculty members
Since our founding, we have remained committed to fostering “creative global citizens” who can generate new value on the world stage. As a university selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Top Global University Project (2014–2023), we have implemented wide-ranging initiatives. These include promoting outbound programs for Japanese students, expanding international student enrollment, aligning academic programs with global standards, and enhancing international governance on campus.
Soka University located in Tokyo, Japan is recognized as one of the country’s Top Global Universities, a prestigious designation awarded in 2024 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This honor is part of Japan’s Top Global University Project, aimed at advancing the internationalization of higher education and attracting more international students to Japanese universities.
Founded in the early 1970s, Soka University has a proud history of academic excellence and global engagement. The university’s name, “Soka,” translates to “value creation,” reflecting its mission to foster global citizens who contribute to peace and the betterment of society.
To date, more than 50,000 students have graduated from Soka University, many of whom are making meaningful contributions around the world.
Soka University is built on the principles of humanistic education, with a vision to be:
- The highest seat of learning for humanistic education
- A stronghold for the peace and dignity of all people
Its inclusive, student-centered approach makes it a top choice for both Japanese and international students seeking a globally relevant education.
Over the years, Soka University has awarded honorary degrees to internationally recognized figures such as Rosa Parks, Fidel Castro, and Mikhail Gorbachev—individuals who have made significant contributions to peace, justice, and global development.
Note: Soka University in Japan specifically its South Asia Research Center (SARC) has a strong connection to Rabindranath Tagore. They have a statue of Tagore on campus, presented by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in 2009. Soka University also hosts events to commemorate Tagore’s birth anniversary, like a student-organized event in May 2023. In addition, the SARC has organized symposia and presentations related to Tagore’s works, such as one on “Women and Home in Tagore’s Writing”. The university’s connection to Tagore demonstrates its commitment to international understanding and cultural exchange.
