Ritsumeikan University, established in 1900, is a renowned private university located in Kyoto, Japan. Recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and innovative research, Ritsumeikan continues to play a significant role in shaping higher education in Japan.​

History and Legacy

Founded by Prince Kinmochi Saionji, Ritsumeikan University traces its origins to 1869. Initially established as a private academy, it evolved into a university in 1922. The name “Ritsumeikan” is derived from a passage in Mencius, emphasizing the importance of cultivating one’s mind to “establish one’s destiny.” ​

Today, Ritsumeikan is considered one of Western Japan’s most prestigious universities, forming part of the “Kan-Kan-Do-Rits” consortium, which includes Kwansei Gakuin University, Kansai University, Doshisha University, and Ritsumeikan University. ​

Academic Programs

Ritsumeikan University offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple campuses:​

Undergraduate Colleges

1. Kinugasa Campus (KIC) – Kyoto:
   
   • Colleges:
     
     • College of Law
       
     • College of Social Sciences
       
     • College of International Relations
       
     • College of Letters
       
     • College of Image Arts and Sciences
       
   • Graduate Schools:
     
     • Graduate School of Law
       
     • Graduate School of Sociology
       
     • Graduate School of International Relations
       
     • Graduate School of Letters
       
     • Graduate School of Language Education and Information Science
       
     • Graduate School of Core Ethics and Frontier Sciences
       
2. Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC) – Shiga Prefecture:
   
   • Colleges:
     
     • College of Economics
       
     • College of Science and Engineering
       
     • College of Information Science & Engineering
       
     • Integrated Institute of Arts & Science
       
     • College of Life Sciences
       
     • College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
       
   • Graduate Schools:
     
     • Graduate School of Economics
       
     • Graduate School of Science and Engineering
       
     • Graduate School of Life Sciences
       
     • Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
       
3. Osaka-Ibaraki Campus (OIC) – Osaka Prefecture:
   
   • Colleges:
     
     • College of Business Administration
       
     • College of Policy Science
       
     • College of Comprehensive Psychology
       
     • College of Global Liberal Arts
       
   • Graduate Schools:
     
     • Graduate School of Business Administration
       
     • Graduate School of Policy Science
       
     • Graduate School of Technology Management
       
     • Graduate School of Management
       
     • Graduate School of Human Science
       
4. Suzaku Campus – Kyoto:
   
   • Graduate Schools:
     
     • Graduate School of Law
       
     • Graduate School of Public Policy
       
5. Tokyo Campus – Tokyo:
   
   • Purpose: Supports students’ job search activities and other related endeavors.​
     

Research Initiatives

Ritsumeikan University is committed to advancing knowledge through its various research organizations and institutes. These centers focus on areas such as international relations, disaster mitigation, and digital humanities. Notable facilities include:​

• Research Center for Disaster Mitigation Systems: Established in 2005, this center focuses on disaster mitigation using sensor systems and computer networks.​
  
• Art Research Center: Located at the Kinugasa Campus, it houses the Digital Humanities Center for Japanese Arts and Cultures, emphasizing research on Japanese art and culture through digital means.​
• Kyoto Museum for World Peace: Aims to critically examine Japan’s militaristic past with exhibits ranging from the Sino-Japanese War to the Iraq War.​
  

Campus Life

Ritsumeikan University offers a vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular activities, including over 200 student clubs and circles. Students are encouraged to participate in community festivals and volunteer activities, fostering a sense of community and personal development. ​

International Engagement

Recognized for its internationalization efforts, Ritsumeikan University has established exchange programs with institutions worldwide, including the University of British Columbia, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Hong Kong. The university offers dual degree programs with American University and Australian National University, enhancing global academic collaboration. Nearly 1,800 Ritsumeikan students study abroad annually, while the university hosts approximately 2,500 international students each year. ​

Rankings and Recognition

In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, Ritsumeikan University is ranked between 631st and 640th globally, placing 4th among private universities in Japan. The 2023 QS Asia University Rankings position it at 126th, making it the 3rd highest-ranked private university in Japan. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings Japan edition of 2023 ranks it 31st, highlighting its strong presence in the region.