History

The Tokai University Educational System (TES) had its genesis in a small, private
high school founded in 1936 by Shigeyoshi Matsumae, based upon the
educational philosophy of the Danish leader N.F.S. Gruntvig, whose ideas were
introduced to Matsumae by famed Japanese educator Kanzo Uchimura. From
these two men, Matsumae came to believe that schools were more than a place
to acquire knowledge; they were where people could cultivate and develop their
thoughts, ideas, and individuality.
Designed to engender an appreciation and understanding of the diverse cultures
that exist on earth, the mission of TES is to promote and provide an internationallyoriented
education that will result in a peaceful world. It is based upon the belief
Hawai‘i Tokai International College that education nurtures the development of
ethical global citizens who are grounded in the liberal arts, technologically capable,
protective of the environment, and respectful of the harmony that exists in nature.
Today, the Tokai University Educational System is composed of an extensive
network of educational and research institutions throughout Japan, with overseas
facilities in Denmark and Hawai‘i. Major university campuses are located in
Kanagawa, Kumamoto, and Hokkaido. Graduate and research training facilities
include a medical school with four hospitals, a marine research center with oceangoing
vessels, a space center, and an agricultural experiment station. In addition,
there are six junior colleges and fourteen senior high schools.
In keeping with Matsumae’s vision, TES has established educational institutions
in many international locations — Copenhagen, Denmark; Vienna, Austria; Seoul,
Republic of Korea; Bangkok, Thailand; and Hawai‘i Tokai International College in
Kapolei, Hawai‘i. In addition, TES maintains student exchange programs and joint
research projects with universities all over the world.