The Asian Students Cultural Association was established in 1957. The roots of the Association lie in the Shinsei Gakuryo opposite the main gate of the University of Tokyo in Hongo. Its history dates back to the Shiken Gakudo (Students’ Institution), presided over by Professor Shinkichi Uesugi of the University of Tokyo during the Taisho era. Before the war, students were idealistic and aspired to bring about fundamental change in society. After the war, the name of the institution was changed to “Shinsei Gakuryo” under the direction of Goichi Hozumi. He encouraged students to reflect upon and acknowledge the role that Japan had played as an instigator of conflict in Asia in the past. The Association is a self-governing organization in accordance with its original principles of independence, reciprocity and equality, which have been maintained to the present day. The life of the Association is based on its role as a place of training and education. It offers a space for character formation, with the aim of fostering true friendship on a global basis, especially amongst Asian countries, and conducting various projects to develop human resources to support this.
With economic and technological development continuing apace, modern society has become more and more internationalized as cross-border connections have grown and human mobility has increased. On the other hand, new and more complex problems have also arisen, such as environmental issues and social and regional disparities. Unfortunately, this means that international conflict and strife has become more commonplace. The Association’s “Charter of Establishment,” written more than 60 years ago, outlines a goal of human harmony through “mutually beneficial cooperation” transcending borders, boundaries, ethnicity and religion. These principles remain as pertinent and important today as they were when the document was originally published.
The core objective of the Association to assist international students with their studies and admission to Japanese educational institutions. It supports exchange activities and the day-to-day living requirements of Japanese and foreign students and promotes international education opportunities for them, such as Japanese universities. Our aspiration is for the Association to successfully rise to the increased challenges of society and to contribute to true mutual understanding on an international basis and to the development of world peace. These activities can be accomplished only through the broad-based understanding and cooperation of people in Japan and overseas. We ask for your continued dedicated support and cooperation in helping us to achieve these objectives.
Katsumi Shiraishi
Director-General , Asian Students Cultural Association
