Taro Aichi
Chairman of Toyo Gakuen
A university is a place for expanding your possibilities by learning through social engagement. Encounter with diverse people and accumulation of various experiences lead you to broaden your perspective gradually and find a path that you should follow.
The founding spirit of Toyo Gakuen is Jikyo-Yamazu (自彊不息).
A quote from an ancient Chinese divination text, the Classic of Changes, Jikyo-Yamazu means continuing to develop yourself by encouraging yourself and stepping up efforts. This phrase was originally used to depict a superior person with ideal personality. However, I don't think this ideal is just for special persons. You develop yourself gradually in an environment where you find your new colleagues and continue learning by inspiring each other. You cannot make continuous efforts only with strong will. I believe that efforts are continued as a result of accumulation of experiences and daily learning.
At Toyo Gakuen University, we value such an approach to learning. The following three main ideas, which constitute our education philosophy, are also aimed at leading each one student to achieve personal development by learning together with their colleagues and through social engagement.
- Open paths by embracing and uplifting yourself and others.
- Engage with society and the global community.
- Create the future together through collaboration and support.
Society will undergo major changes due to progress in AI and other technologies. However, no matter how society may change, the nature of humanity will remain unchanged in that we develop ourselves through learning and accumulation of experiences.
As the Chairman of Toyo Gakuen, I focus on building an environment which will permit students to learn, take on challenges, and continue developing themselves together with their peers with peace of mind. I would like to enhance the educational environment so that Toyo Gakuen will continue to serve as such a place for learning.
I hope that each one of you will accumulate a lot of experiences and find your own Jikyo-Yamazu in the process.
Taro Aichi Profile
Chairman Aichi completed the master's program (major: Metal Engineering) at the Graduate School of Engineering of the University of Tokyo and completed the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies of Tohoku University, where he obtained Ph.D. He developed his career at companies including Dowa Mining, Co., Ltd. and Dowa Metal Mine Co., Ltd. He served as a councillor and a trustee of Toyo Gakuen before accepting his current position.