Shimane University

Shimane University was established as a national university in 1949, although we can trace our roots back to a teacher training college which was established in 1876. Since its establishment, Shimane University has continued to expand and now consists of six faculties on two campuses. The Matsue campus is home to the Faculty of Law and Literature, the Faculty of Education, the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, along with all of the Graduate Courses in these faculties, and the Faculty of Human Sciences (established April 1, 2017). Our newest faculty fosters students who will contribute to society by focusing on psychology, social welfare, and health science. On the Izumo campus, we have the Faculty of Medicine and its graduate courses. Shimane University’s goal is to enable students to develop international perspectives and their ability to be leaders in each region of the world. While studying here, students are equipped with the ability to cope with diverse problems like those they encounter in modern society. There are also empowered to take advantage of their accumulated knowledge, their cross-cultural awareness, and their technological skills. Furthermore, I believe that an important mission of Shimane University is to contribute to international society through creative research that is of an international standard. Currently, we have about 200 international students from various countries, and they are working hard to master their specialized fields. Studying alongside Japanese friends and other foreign students, these students also learn Japanese traditions and culture. Shimane University is located in a place well-endowed with nature, including Lake Shinji, the Oki Islands, and Sanbe Mountain. In addition, Shimane Prefecture has many historical and cultural assets such as the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Izumo Taisha Shrine, and Matsue Castle. Living here, students may come to feel a connection to the good nature, history, and culture of Japan. Thus, they can devote themselves to studying and learning in a peaceful environment with rich and abundant nature at Shimane University.