SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT
2023

Introduction

Sali Augustine
Chancellor of Sophia School Corporation
I would first like to express my heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the Noto Peninsula
earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024. Unfortunately, given the extent of the damage, the road torecovery will be a very long one. Sophia School Corporation is dedicated to aiding the recovery effort bymaintaining its support through fundraising activities, dispatching student volunteers, and advancing
recovery through research initiatives.
The year 2023 marks the 110th anniversary of Sophia University and the 50th anniversary of Sophia
University Junior College Division. Students of Sophia University, along with the faculty and staff,
celebrated the 110th anniversary by holding various events throughout the year, including a contest for the110th anniversary logo and a special commemorative menu in the student cafeteria. In December, theJunior College Division celebrated its 50th anniversary with a ceremony attended by the mayor of HadanoCity, Sophia University Supporters Association, Sophia University Junior College Division Alumnae
Association, Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady Province of Asia, and partner companies.
Regrettably, the Junior College Division will stop accepting applications after the entrance examination forfiscal 2025, but we will continue to support students' learning until we send off the last graduates.
A remarkable highlight in 2023 was the completion of the restoration of the Angkor Wat Western
Causeway in Cambodia. This project, led by Dr. Yoshiaki Ishizawa of Sophia University, spanned 33 years.
A celebratory ceremony marked its conclusion, elevating it to a national event. After the ceremony to markthe first crossing by all related parties took place, the Western Causeway has been opened to the public.
We will continue to support the regular restoration work of the Western Causeway and the fostering of
Cambodian archaeological conservators.
Additionally, the Yotsuya Campus exterior construction work, designed with a focus on barrier-freeaccess and sustainability, was completed in fiscal 2023. Besides the renovation of the Main Street and theNorth Gate, the Building No. 9 courtyard was transformed into a fresh student space with the joint effortsof the Sustainability Promotion Office student staff. The environmentally-friendly and disaster-resistantarea is used by many students.
Starting in fiscal 2023, Sophia School Corporation launched its new mid- to long-term plan, “Grand
Layout 3.0 - toward 2030” (hereafter, “GL3.0”). Within GL3.0, there are "10 Commitments" that consolidate
and outline crucial matters such as DX and sustainability advocacy, derived from the plans devised byindividual divisions. Concrete action plans are currently in progress. Over the span of eight years leading

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 1

up to 2030, each established school and the corporate division will undertake a range of initiatives in
education, research, and social contribution, with the goal of achieving GL3.0.
The global situation remains unstable, with no signs of an end in sight to the Gaza conflict and Russia's
military invasion of Ukraine, in particular. In light of these circumstances, we will continue to strive to fulfill
our role as a Jesuit educational institution.
I humbly request and deeply appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation in the years to come.
Thank you very much.

The educational spirit shared by Sophia University’s schools“For Others, With Others”
With this educational spirit, we are developing education, research, contributions to
our society, and contributions to international society based on Christian humanism.
The name “Sophia” comes from the phrase “Sophia’s Seat” in the traditional Catholic
prayer “Our Lady of Good Counsel,” and it means “Supreme Wisdom.”

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 2

Organigram
Sophia University

Graduate Schools

Theology
Philosophy
Humanities
Applied Religious Studies
Human Sciences
Law
Economics
Languages and Linguistics
Global Studies
Science and Technology
Global Environmental Studies
Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data Sciences

Faculties

Theology
Humanities
Human Sciences
Law
Economics
Foreign Studies
Global Studies
Liberal Arts
Science and Technology
Center for Liberal Education and Learning
Center for Language Education and ResearchCenter for Global Education and Discovery
Center for Teaching and Curator Credentials

Course of Midwifery
Sophia Research Organizations

Sophia School Corporation

Research Institutes Division
Project Research Division

Research Institutes/Centers

Sophia University Junior College Division

Department of English Language

EIKO GAKUEN Junior and Senior High School
Rokko Junior/Senior High School
Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School
Sophia-Fukuoka Junior-Senior High School
Kirishitan Bunko Library
Asia Center for Research and Human Development
Bureau of General Affairs

Office of Management Planning
Office of General Affairs
Office of Public Relations
Office of Environment and Facility Management
Office for Community & Alumni Relations
Top Global University Project Office
Office of Secondary Education

Bureau of Personnel Affairs

Office of Personnel Affairs

Bureau of Financial Affairs

Office of Financial Affairs

Bureau of Academic AffairsCenter for Academic Affairs
Admissions Office
Office of Liberal Education and Learning
Office of Language Education
Office of Global Education and Collaboration
Office of Sophia Future Design Platform

Bureau of Student AffairsCenter for Student Affairs
Health and Wellbeing Center
Career Center

Bureau of Academic Research andInformation

Library
ICT Office
Center for Research Promotion and Support
Office of Institutional Research
Office for the Promotion of Diversity
Catholic-Jesuit Center
Sophia Archives
Office of Sophia University Junior College Division
Office of Mejiro Seibo Campus
Audit OfficeAlumni Association Office
Main business companies operated by Sophia School Corporation●Sophia Campus Support Co., Ltd.
●Sophia Global Education and Discovery Co.,Ltd.（Based in Thailand）

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 3

Status of Schools and Facilities■Status of Schools and Facilities

As of March 31, 2024

Schools

Campuses・Faculty of Theology, Humanities, Human Sciences, Law, Economics, Foreign Studies,
Global Studies, Liberal Arts, Science and Technology
・Graduate School of Theology Philosophy, Humanities, Applied Religious Studies, Human
Sciences, Law, Economics, Languages and Linguistics, Global Studies, Science andTechnology, Global Environmental Studies, Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data
Sciences

Sophia University

・Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Sciences②Mejiro Seibo

・Course of Midwifery

Sophia University Junior College Division①Yotsuya・Graduate School of Theology③Shakujii(Sports grounds)④Hadano(Institute of Grief Care: offers Human Resource Developing Course, etc.）⑤Osaka・Department of English Language④HadanoEIKO GAKUEN Junior and Senior High School⑥

Rokko Junior/Senior High School⑦

Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School⑧

Sophia-Fukuoka Junior-Senior High School⑨■Location①Yotsuya Campus
7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8554⑥EIKO GAKUEN Junior and Senior High School
4-1-1 Tamanawa, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa 247-0071②Mejiro Seibo Campus
4-16-11 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 161-8550⑦Rokko Junior / Senior High School
2-4-1 Shinohara, Obanoyama-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 657-0015③Shakujii Campus
4-32-11 Kamishakujii, Nerima-ku, Tokyo, 177-0044⑧Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School
1-630 Furueue, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima 733-0875④Hadano Campus
999 Sannoudai, Kamiozuki, Hadano-shi, Kanagawa, 257-0005⑨Sophia-Fukuoka Junior-Senior High School
1-10-10 Terukuni, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0032⑤Osaka Satellite Campus
3-12-8 Toyosaki, Kita-ku, Osaka 531-0072⑨Sophia-Fukuoka JuniorSenior High School⑧Hiroshima Gakuin Junior andSenior High School⑦Rokko Junior /Senior High School①Yotsuya Campus②Mejiro Seibo Campus③Shakujii Campus⑥EIKO GAKUEN Junior and④Hadano Campus⑤Osaka Satellite Campus

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 4

Senior High School

Progress report on the mid- to long-term future vision “Grand Layout 3.0”
and the “Fiscal 2023 Operating Plan”
Following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched our new mid- to long-term plan, "Grand
Layout 3.0 (GL3.0)" (fiscal 2023 - 2030), in 2023, a year ahead of our original schedule. We have restructured theprevious framework for promoting the mid- to long-term plan, which consisted of 11 special review committees,
into four divisions per school. Under common divisional principles and three guiding policies, each division isdesigning and implementing its own plans.
This report outlines the progress of each department's Action Plan for GL3.0, which completed its first year infiscal 2023, as well as the status of the fiscal 2023 Operating Plan.
See the following websites for the GL3.0 text and the Fiscal 2023Operating Plan:【GL3.0】https://www.sophia-sc.jp/info/grand_layout/layout3.html【Operating Plan】https://www.sophia-sc.jp/info/gakuin.html
division

Progress of the Action Plan and Operating Plan in GL3.0 (Fiscal 2023)

Sophia１．Foster Sophians who can walk with Others with a glocal perspective and create the future

University

Curriculum restructuring, such as securing academic hours and depth of learning in regularcourses, has been a longstanding issue and was examined by the subcommittees and working
groups in fiscal 2023. Moving forward, in light of social conditions, the entire Sophia School
Corporation, along with the University, should explore strategies to further leverage on-demand
education and online classes.
Professional Studies, targeting working people, is making steady progress. With theestablishment of the SFDP Promotion Office, which is in charge of the program, the management
structure was further strengthened, leading to the launch of new initiatives in fiscal 2024, such as
the introduction of open courses "Global Citizenship Program" and the Entrepreneurship Training
Course.
Progress has also been made in creating a guide for students to establish their "design oflearning" and the use of self-study academic portfolios has been expanded. We are in the processof developing Social Engagement Programs and study abroad opportunities, gathering information,and establishing agreements with overseas universities as we plan for their future growth.
For SSIC activities and extra-curricular educational programs in collaboration with dormitories
and the local community, students have expressed a high level of satisfaction. Sophia University
has already partially met its target indicators set for 2030, with SSIC and extra-curricular
educational programs achieving a satisfaction rate of 90% or higher. One notable feature is thegrowing number of extracurricular activities that are in line with the University's educational spirit,
such as volunteerism and SDGs.
２．Promote world-class research that contributes to global society and establish a research
hub that serves such purposes
During fiscal 2023, we established a new team within the Center for Research Promotion &Support to enhance the research support system. We also improved the application process foruniversity-initiated research assistance projects, resulting in the submission of three proposals (JPEAKS, SPRING, and BOOST) and the acceptance of one (SPRING). In addition, in preparation
for the launch of the URA (University Research Administrator) team, we conducted a review of the
University's internal system for hiring new URAs and began recruitment efforts. Starting in fiscal
year 2024, the placement of three new URAs has been secured, advancing preparations for the
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 5

full-scale URA operation.
We remain committed to promoting measures to ensure research compliance, including theprevention of research misconduct, security trade control, and conflict of interest. However, newefforts to uphold research integrity, such as formulating a research data management policy andreviewing the University's on-campus research system to adapt to increasing internationalizationand openness, have been identified as issues to be addressed in the next fiscal year and beyond.
To enhance our reputation, we have built a system for timely dissemination of press releases inboth Japanese and English regarding papers published in international journals. Although thissystem became fully operational in fiscal 2023, it has not yet produced direct effects. Measures toimprove our research capabilities and our reputation, such as establishing research centers andincreasing citations of internationally co-authored papers, need to be evaluated on a universitywide basis in the future.
３．Establish a “Global One Campus” that achieves high sustainability
After the COVID-19 pandemic, we resumed various face-to-face student support andextracurricular education programs, resulting in high degree of student contentment. The
satisfaction rate for career choice and job placement guidance has exceeded 80%, alreadyachieving the target indicator set for 2030. The Wellness Center is now in full operation, along with
the new Student Information Service, which strengthens support for students who have become
increasingly diverse in recent years. Furthermore, the Sustainability Promotion Office is actively
spearheading various initiatives both inside and outside the University. For instance, student staff
members took part in designing Building No.9 Active Commons rooftop garden (No.9 Garden),which aims to improve environmental coexistence and disaster awareness. The outcomes of these
efforts were showcased at the comprehensive environmental exhibition "Eco-Pro 2023." To create
an environment where all members can learn and work comfortably, the Harassment Prevention
Committee Office, Wellness Center, and other departments are expanding seminars and training
sessions for faculty, staff, and students to enhance awareness across the entire community.
Scholarship support continues to be provided, prioritizing graduate students, international
students, and merit-based allocations. In the fiscal year 2023, three new scholarships were
established. Additionally, aid for international students from Ukraine remains ongoing.
The refurbishment of the old CALL classrooms and the relocation of the data center, previously
designated as priority tasks within the systems domain, have been completed ahead of schedule
as part of the plans for the upcoming year. On the other hand, some projects (e.g., renewal of thewired DHCP servers) have been delayed due to increased workload and the lack of concrete
feasibility. These projects will gradually be carried out from the next fiscal year onward as future
initiatives. In addition, by implementing and expanding the use of tools such as the student
counseling reservation system and the learning portfolio, we aim to improve student convenienceand satisfaction, as well as reduce the workload.
４．Strengthen partnerships with global society and diverse stakeholders
In fiscal 2023, we implemented career guidance in collaboration with Sophia University Alumni
Association and participated in diverse projects in cooperation with neighboring institutions
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 6

(Disaster Prevention Week with Kojimachi Fire Station, joint cleanup activity with Aozora Bank, Ltd.
and Chiyoda Ward Office, and various seminars). We have also increased the number of student
surveys to better understand their needs and intentions in order to strengthen our reputation.
As a part of learning connectivity, we promoted strategic high school visits and initiatives by thevice president and the director of the Admissions Office. Meanwhile, although we have alreadyinitiated comprehensive discussions regarding the reassessment of our admissions system, weseek to continue exploring this matter, including the evaluation of the implementation framework, in
an ongoing manner.
Additionally, we have begun a new student exchange program in collaboration with Catholic
Jesuit Universities, and are forging partnerships with a variety of stakeholders. We are enrichingexisting programs and fostering collaboration with student volunteer activities, while also organizing
events and exchange meetings focused on refugee support, among other initiatives, to elevate theuniqueness of Sophia University.
５．Establish an organizational and financial foundation that strongly supports sustainable
development
We are strategically utilizing special financial resources related to personnel costs to expand staff
organization, which mainly contributes to the promotion of globalization and improvement ofresearch capabilities. Anticipating the amendment of the Standards for the Establishment of
Universities, several working groups and task forces were established on campus to begin
discussions aimed at realizing the vision outlined in Grand Layout 3.0. The optimization of theacademic organization, review of the number of courses offered, and the achievement of faculty
diversity, which have been ongoing issues for evaluation since Grand Layout 2.1, will continue tobe examined in fiscal 2024 and beyond.
Sophia University president has intensified his proactive visits to alumni and business leaders,enhancing opportunities to gain their support for the University's initiatives. This effort will continue
in fiscal 2024 to seek understanding and cooperation for the University's endeavors and toencourage contributions through endowment funds. Additionally, we will continue to review faculty
recruitment and allocation as well as funding distribution methods and processes, considering
university-wide strategy, faculty and graduate school strategies, staffing of the University as awhole, and corporate personnel expense management.
SophiaService Learning activities aimed at solving local community issues, which are part of a

University

collaborative project with Hadano City, have taken a new step forward. In the past, students used

Juniorto go to elementary schools in Hadano to conduct foreign language (English) education, but from

Collegefiscal 2023, elementary school pupils have been visiting the Hadano Campus on a chartered bus
arranged by Hadano City for a school excursion activity. Students, using the entire campus,
creatively implement activities with lesson plans that reflect multicultural understanding cultivatedin their classes. This approach has garnered high praise from schools across the city and theirpupils.
As for students who graduated in March 2024, 73.4% improved their TOEIC scores by 100 points
or more in the two years since enrollment. The results of a survey conducted at the time ofgraduation also showed that 80% to 90% of the students gave a positive evaluation to each of the
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 7

questions regarding the English language skills they acquired through their studies at the JuniorCollege.
While the attendance rate for Career Development Program hovers around 50%, students who
participated in these courses exhibit a high rate of making decisive choices regarding their future
paths. Specifically, 97% of job seekers and 88.4% of transfer applicants have achieved their desired
career paths. The overall career decision rate for graduates is 75.5%, but going forward, we willcontinue to encourage students to actively participate in Career Development Program and to makeuse of individual interviews so that each student can pursue their own goals. One challenge weface every year is that a certain number of students do not pursue career paths such as employment
or transfer. For these students, the University will take a proactive approach by reaching out directly
and providing comprehensive guidance.
Students’ reading, writing, and presentation skills, which were highlighted as lacking in externalsurveys, are being improved by expanding their studies, especially in Compulsory courses.
Secondary[Eiko Gakuen Junior and Senior High School] Overall, projects were conducted in accordance

Schoolswith the Action Plan. In particular, each department was able to properly carry out its respective
tasks within Eiko Gakuen. Although there are still issues to be addressed in collaborating with otherdivisions, including Sophia University, at present the school is occupied with its internal operations
that dedicating time to work with other divisions is a challenge. Nevertheless, the search foravenues to utilize the diverse resources of Sophia University should be continued. Among theschool's internal issues, steady efforts are being made to address the working styles of faculty andstaff, although this process could take a significant amount of time.
[Rokko Junior/Senior High School] Rokko Junior/Senior High School's traditional events, suchas break-time exercises, toilet cleaning, and the General March at the Sports Festival, werechanged to respect diversity and individual perspectives in light of the current social situation. In
June, the school expanded its study tours to include Singapore and Malaysia for all second-year
high school students, Cambodia in August for third-year junior high to second-year high school
students who opted to participate, and Tohoku in January for students to visit areas affected bydisasters and engage in learning about disaster prevention. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need totake measures to sustain students' academic preformance within the school.
Graduates who received a “Men For Others, With Others” education during their years of study
and are active in Japan and various parts of the world are dedicated to helping Rokko students ineach of the projects. Students have the chance to encounter alumni who embody the Jesuit valuesof "For Others, With Others" through workplace visits in Singapore, Cambodia, Washington DC and
New York, as well as in Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and other places, and three alumni lecture events
addressing themes like discernment, medical aid in Africa, LGBTQ issues, and more. This aspect
is considered a distinctive feature of Rokko Junior/Senior High School's education, one it iscommitted to preserving in the years ahead.
[Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School]

To establish Hiroshima Gakuin as an

appealing Jesuit institution within the community, it has endeavored to enhance its daily activities.
Many staff members are engaged in various aspects of school life, including teaching, classroom
management, club activities, ILP (Ignatian Leadership Program, which emphasizes serving others
and leading society), and events, so as to ensure continuity in curriculum and initiatives even when
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 8there are changes in personnel. The items on the Action Plan are generally being implemented on
par with previous years. However, some items are still pending or under review, such as theestablishment of the Hiroshima Gakuin Future Fund and the evaluation and potential adoption ofclub activities that break away from previously established formats. One of the long-term issues isthe nurturing of personnel who have conducted in-depth educational research on Jesuit educationor who are capable of putting it into practice.
[Sophia Fukuoka Junior-Senior High School] In relation to the Action Plan jointly implemented
across the four secondary schools, the task of "assessing the working methods of faculty and staff"
has involved all members for the whole year. This concerted effort seeks to redefine the nature ofwork and the essence of school life within the parameters of national regulations governing overtimeand holiday work. The objective is to safeguard the health and welfare of faculty and staff, improvetheir work-life balance, and ensure the continued quality of education. This has resulted in the
conclusion of the Article 36 Agreement and the establishment of regulations for nursing care,parental leave, and others, which was enforced starting in fiscal 2024. It also reviewed events andschool hours, streamlined the number of clubs while increasing the number of advisors, andintroduced a teaching support system and grading software to reduce the workload of faculty andstaff. These measures were initiated in fiscal 2024.
This year marked the commencement of GL3.0, and there was a lack of effective communication
regarding the underlying vision and the associated action plans. In the upcoming fiscal year, efforts
will be made to reinforce shared understanding by providing thorough explanations of the vision,
conduct comprehensive reviews of the action plans with all faculty and staff, and confirm the plans
for the following year. In accordance with the fundamental principles outlined in the mid- to longterm plan, Sophia Fukuoka strives to ensure that the Jesuit schools remain appealing institutions
within both the Jesuit community and the local society. It also seeks to enhance the educational
environment and organizational structure of its personnel.
Sophia１．Contribute to a sustainable society and strengthen the framework for fulfilling social

Schoolresponsibilities

Corporation

In terms of the succession and the permeation of Catholic Jesuit education, Sophia School
Corporation as a whole reviewed the management structure of the Catholic Jesuit Center. In
addition, silent meditation meetings were held in August 2023 as part of faculty and staff training
sessions, and a domestic version of the ISLF (*) took place in March 2024 for university students
and students from the four junior high and high schools. Moreover, in terms of understanding,permeating, and passing on the history of Sophia School Corporation and our affiliated schools,
events and exhibits utilizing historical materials were expanded, and the University conductedtraining programs for faculty, staff, and students.
Concerning the development of the framework and process to advance the mid- to long-termplans, conversations have started within Sophia School Corporation and each of the associatedschools regarding specific ideas. However, additional strategies and innovations are needed tofurther promote a culture of faculty and staff engagement. Meanwhile, in terms of IR analysis,
training, and information sharing, many of the target indicators set for the year 2030 have alreadybeen achieved, and the University, in particular, was able to provide positive reports at dean's
meetings, planning committees, and at on-campus briefings. In addition, a Jesuit- Sophia School
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 9

Corporation study working group was established at the end of fiscal 2023 to explore a new
educational system that responds to social changes.
In an effort to strengthen the overall governance of Sophia School Corporation, discussions were
held among the board of directors based on the establishment and examination of a study working
group aimed at considering amendments to the Private School Act. Three new training sessions forfaculty and staff were conducted to ensure compliance. While discussions regarding thedevelopment of an internal control system have just begun, the University plans to hold training
sessions for directors and trustees in fiscal 2024 and beyond. The University is currently
collaborating on projects that are already sponsored by local governments and neighboring
companies. However, in the future we would like to consider sponsoring some of these projects inorder to strengthen partnership with stakeholders.
(*) Abbreviation for Ignatian Student Leadership Forum, an educational program to nurture Ignatianleadership.

※Reference: https://sophia-catholicjesuit.jp/en/mission/student_association/islf/

２．Organize a reassuring, safe, and comfortable campus environment that supports richlearning
As for facility improvement, there is a comprehensive reassessment of campus-wide guidanceand signage for each building located at the Yotsuya Campus, primarily aimed at achieving
information accessibility. Concurrently, efforts to consider inclusive facilities are ongoing. In
collaboration with the Sustainability Promotion Office student staff, we published articles on waste
separation and recycling, and actively engaged in efforts to minimize environmental footprint
through the use of LEDs and renewable energy. To foster a shift in awareness among students,
faculty, and staff, we organized a total of 8 events at the University with 300 students participating
during fiscal 2023. We aspire to expand these initiatives to involve the four junior high and highschools in the upcoming years. The DEI&B guidelines for Sophia School Corporation was notestablished in fiscal 2023, presenting a task for the future.
As an organization as a whole, sufficient consideration could not be given to the promotion of DX
at each school. However, in fiscal 2024, we would like to explore strategies for promoting
educational DX, research DX, and operational DX at respective schools, with a focus on their future
prospects. We have renewed the websites of the university's facilities and research institutes asplanned, and set up a system that enables stable operation by employing cloud computing for theservers. Since fiscal 2022, we had been planning to introduce multifunction printers. The final
phase, which includes integrating student printers, has been completed. This allows for unified
operation across all campuses (Yotsuya, Hadano, and Mejiro-Seibo), resulting in a reduction inworkload.
３．Further enhance the financial foundation, which enables the sustainable developmentof education and research
Although it is hard to budget for a surplus during the formulation stage, this will be considered forthe next fiscal year. The donation to the SOPHIA Fund for the Future (University and Junior College
Division) for fiscal 2023 amounted to approximately 460 million yen, falling short of the 600 million
yen target. Nonetheless, this represents a rise of about 82 million yen compared to the preceding
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 10

fiscal year. For fiscal 2024 and beyond, we will enhance our efforts to engage with alumni, major
donors, the Parents’ Association, and relevant stakeholders, in order to move closer to our target.
To secure income other than student tuition fees, we will continue to pursue investment strategies
to achieve target investment returns and maintain appropriate risk levels over the mid to long term
through asset management. Furthermore, we will persist in exploring alternative approaches.
４．Implement a personnel policy that enhances organizational power
We established a special fund for personnel costs to bolster the staffing structure, primarily aimed
at advancing globalization efforts and strengthening research capabilities. By leveraging thisfinancial resource, we successfully secured a variety of talents within the staff organization, thereby
aiding in the implementation of the Grand Layout 3.0 initiative. Going forward, we will collaborate
with academic departments to explore the acquisition of diverse human resources within the facultyorganization. To enhance operational efficiency among our staff, we have implemented specificmeasures. These include strengthening full-time staff recruitment, enhancing their deployment tobetter support teaching and learning, conducting organizational assessments of full-time staff, andanalyzing routine tasks within the staff structure. Based on these measures, we aim to increaseorganizational performance.
As long-term issues, the Higher Education Division will develop a policy for managing personnel
costs and a system for implementing mid- to long-term plans for academic departments, while theSecondary Education Division will strengthen cooperation between the Corporation and the
University and consider how to control personnel costs. We aim to promptly plan, develop, andimplement concrete measures.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 11

Sophia School Corporation■Change of Sophia School Corporation Chancellor
At the board meeting held on April 26, 2023, Sali

[Biography of Chancellor Sali Augustine]

Agustine, Trustee for General Affairs, was appointed

Born in 1968 in Kerala, India. A Jesuit member.

as the new chancellor of Sophia School Corporation.

He completed a PhD in Area Studies at the Graduate

He succeeds Tsutomu Sakuma, who stepped down

School of Foreign Studies at Sophia University infrom his position on April 30, following his

2007, and served in multiple roles including Lecturer

appointment as Provincial of the Society of Jesus

in the Faculty of Literature (2007), Associate

Japan Province, the founding body of Sophia

Professor in the Faculty of Theology (2009),

University. Sali’s term of office will be from May 1,

Professor in the in the Faculty of Theology (2015),

2023 to March 31, 2026 (the remainder of the former

and Professor in the Faculty of Global Studies (2016).

chancellor’s term).

He also held positions as the Director of the Student
Center, Vice President for Student Affairs, andDirector of General Affairs.

■Opening of the Western Causeway of Angkor Wat, Cambodia: 33 Years of Sophia University’sContribution
The restoration of the 200-meter-long Western

including restoration workers, celebrants, and tourists,

Causeway of Angkor Wat has been completed after

enjoyed taking photos with Angkor Wat in the

33 years of work by a team led by Sophia University

background. The University, together with theProfessor Yoshiaki Ishizawa. On November 4, the

APSARA National Authority, will continue to support

opening ceremony and the first-walk ceremony were

the regular maintenance of the Western Causeway

held

and the fostering of Cambodian archaeologicalasnational

events

in

Siem

Reap,

in

northwestern Cambodia. The events were attended

conservators.

by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia,
Prime Minister Hun Manet, former Prime Minister
Hun Sen, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng
Sackona, other government ministers and officials,
and APSARA National Authority Director General
Hang Peo. From Sophia University, Chancellor Sali
Augustine and Professor Yoshiaki Ishizawa were
present. After the ceremony, the Western Causeway
was opened to the public. Numerous individuals,■Sophia University and the Royal University of Phnom Penh: A New First Step toward Academic
and Intercultural Exchange
Sophia University and the Royal University of

Yoshiaki Ishizawa (Director of Sophia Asia Center for

Phnom Penh (RUPP) signed an agreement for

Research and Human Development) was awarded

academic exchange and study abroad program inan honorary doctorate degree (in History and

May 2021, and in November 2022, Professor

Humanities) by RUPP. On December 4, 2023, a

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 12

Sophia School Corporation – Annual Topics

symposium took place on the RUPP campus,

Reap City. At the end of the symposium, Professor

attended by approximately 300 university students.

Ishizawa encouraged the participating students byDuring the event, Sophia University President

sharing his dedication to Angkor Wat research andYoshiaki

University’s

motivating them as future leaders of Cambodia.

educational and research activities, and he spoke

Through these activities, Sophia University hopes toabout contemporary issues concerning cross-culturalenhance academic collaborations and foster mutual

exchange. Next, Researcher Satoru Miwa of Sophia

understanding with RUPP.

Terumichi

introducedtheAsia Center for Research and Human Development,
reported on the restoration of the Angkor Wat
Western Causeway, and Researcher Lao Kim Leangemphasized the importance of obtaining ISO14001
certification and environmental education at the
Angkor site. From RUPP, Deputy Dean Seak Sophat(FacultyofDevelopment

Studies)gaveapresentation on a Study Using Socio-Economic
Indicators Related to Disaster Vulnerability in Siem

■Initiatives for Responsible Investment (ESG Investment)
In line with Sophia University’s educational spirit

United Nations Global Compact and the Unitedand founding principles, such as "For Others With

Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI),

Others" and "Sophia – Bringing the World Together,"of which we are a member, we aim to balance bothweinvestment,social and investment returns. Through asset

considering (E) environmental, (S) social, and (G)management, we are dedicated to addressing global

governance issues. These principles underpin all ofenvironmental and social challenges, with the goal ofSophia University's activities, extending beyond

building a sustainable international society.

areengagedinresponsible

education and academic research. Based on the
PRI Annual Assessment (2023) - Rated “5 stars” in all categories In

2023

PRI

Assessment,

SophiaSchoolSophiaSchoolCorporation

believes

that

Corporation for the first time received the highest “5-incorporating ESG issues into investment decisions

star" rating across all categories evaluated. PRI

improves long-term returns and contributes to thesignatories are required to submit annual reports on

healthy development of capital markets and atheir activities, based on which PRI evaluates theirsustainable society. We view this latest assessment

performance. Ratings are assigned on a 5-tier point

as the outcome of our ongoing efforts to further

scale according to scores in each category, with “5promote responsible investment activities based onstars” representing the highest evaluation.

the results of previous PRI assessments.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 13

Participation in PRI’s Collaborative Engagement: “Spring”
We participated in “Spring,” a new collaborative

dedication to this initiative, we strive to make ongoingstewardship initiative on biodiversity launched by PRI.

contributions to additional sustainable development

Sophia School Corporation considers climate change

goals, particularly those related to climate change

to be a critically important social issue andadaptation.

acknowledges that the conservation of natural capitaland biodiversity are equally significant concerns
closely linked to climate crisis. Through ourInformation Disclosure Based on TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure)
Recommendations
We have disclosed information in accordance withthematic areas of "governance, strategy, risk

TCFD recommendations. Sophia School Corporation

management, metrics, and targets." For morebelieves

information,thatachievingasustainableglobalenvironment and balancing business activities willpleasevisit

thehttps://www.sophia-sc.jp/info/pdf/esg_03.pdf?20231018_01

lead to the creation of new opportunities. Therefore,
we will thus enhance our climate change-related
disclosures in line with the TCFD's recommended
Investment Case Studies (New Investments Made in Fiscal 2023)
World Bank (IBRD) Sustainable Bond

webpage.

Asian Development Bank Water Bond

Investment in Global Farmland Strategy Fund*For more information, please visit the official Sophia School Corporation website.
https://www.sophia-sc.jp/info/esg.html

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 14

■Sophia University’s 110th Anniversary〈Adoption of Sophia University's 110th Anniversary Logo Mark, Designed by a Student〉
To celebrate Sophia University's
110th

Yotsuya. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array ofanniversary, we invited

historical edifices including Sanada Moat, Building 7,

students, faculty, and staff toand Building 6, the design encapsulates Sophia

submit designs for a commemorative logo, which will

University's place within Yotsuya's historical narrative.

be used at various events throughout fiscal 2023. In

It carries a message of continuity, affirming thatearly April, following review by the selection

Sophia's legacy will persist into the future. Whilecommittee, the work of Azuki Nomura, a third-year

honoring tradition, the design embodies Sophia

student in the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of

University's unique approach of embracing modernity

Humanities, was chosen.

and forward-thinking, encompassing these elements

The two rectangles representing "1" symbolize thetall windows of Building 6 and the tile-like windows of
Building

7, while

the circle

representing"0"

symbolizes the Sanada Moat, a historical site inin a multifaceted manner.
The 110th anniversary logo mark was used onstreet flags, commemorative goods, and event flyers
to widely publicize the celebration.

〈Sophia University 110th Anniversary "Balloon Release Ceremony"〉
On October 6, 2023, the Bureau of Student Affairs
organizedaBalloonRelease

Ceremony

when the voice "Zero! Congratulations on the 110th

toanniversary!" rang out, colorful balloons werecommemorate the University’s 110th anniversary, inreleased, eliciting cheers from the crowd. The

which about 200 environmentally friendly balloons

ceremony was filmed by awere released into the sky. More than 1,000 students,

drone and was edited into afaculty, staff, and spectators gathered under sunnycommemorative video withskies around a bust of Father Hermann Hoffman, thetopics looking back on the 110

first president of the University, at Yotsuya Campus

years of history.

S-Terrace. Participants counted down together, and〈UNICEF Seminar at the Osaka Satellite Campus〉
On October 9, 2023, Sophia University and theschool meals to children in India whose parents are

UNICEF Association of Hyogo Prefecture jointly

affected by leprosy. Finally, Rei Sudo, an educational

hosted a seminar titled "International Cooperation

researcher from Timor-Leste and a graduate ofandSophiaSupport

Paths

from

the

Perspective

of

University’s

Department

ofSociology,'Education' - International Education with Youth."presented her research on education and linguistic

Atsuko Nagai, Vice President for Student anddiversity, particularly

General Affairs of Sophia University, introduced thelanguages. The seminar provided an opportunity for

University's efforts on international cooperation andparticipants, including junior high and high school

education, and Chiaki Hayakawa, who runs a school

students,

andonissueseducators,

to

with

teaching

deepentheirfor needy children and orphans in Kibera slum in

understanding of the

Kenya, shared her activities and experiences. Then,nature of international

the Rokko Junior/Senior High School’s Social Service

cooperation

Committee reported on its community activities andsupportthe India Fund, which provides school fees andeducational activities.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 15

andthrough〈Lecture by Kurara Chibana (a Graduate of Sophia University)〉
On December 4, 2023, Kurara Chibana, a model

date, including her time as a student at Sophia

and a graduate of Sophia University’s Department of

University, her experiences in the Miss Universe

Education, gave a lecture at the campus. The event,World competition, her role as a former Unitedattended by around 170 students, guarantors, andNations World Food Programme (WFP) Goodwill

graduates, was a resounding success. In her lecture

Ambassador for Japan, as well as her current

entitled “What I have seen while traveling the world,”

challenges.

Ms. Chibana spoke about her life and career path to〈"Sophia 110th Anniversary Western-Style Plate" Served at 5th Floor Dining Hall, Building No. 2〉
From December 18 to 22, 2023, a special "110th

serving teppanyaki and pasta, we decided on the

Anniversary Western-style Plate," was offered atcurrent menu, which features a variety of western

Building 2 Dining Hall, reflecting on the University's

dishes.

history. The Plate, priced at 400 yen, featured aThe

specialmenu

attracted

varietyofwestern-style

dishes,andwasaccompanied by a lavish "Sophia 110th Anniversary

long lines at the

Candy" with the word "SOPHIA" alongside theticketmascot Sophian-kun. In designing the menu, wemachineconducted research of previously offered dishes inthe very first day,the student cafeteria. We also incorporated insights

with the 100 daily limited servings selling out quickly.

and feedback garnered from tasting sessions

For each meal sold, 110 yen was donated to Caritas

involving both cafeteria vendors and students.

Japan, which conducts relief activities both within

Inspired by the fact that there used to be a restaurant

Japan and internationally.

vendingfrom〈“Melodies of Japanese and Korean Traditional Instruments: A Night of Connecting Sounds”〉
On February 22, 2024, a music concert entitled(Haegeum: a bowed stringed instrument) and Yang

“Melodies of Japanese and Korean Traditional

Heung Jung (Gayageum: a 25-stringed plucked

Instruments: A Night of Connecting Sounds” was held

zither), both of whom have many fans in Japan. Theirat Aoi-no-ma, Kioi-tei. The event, which wasmodernorganized by volunteer staff to celebrate Sophia

performance,

University’s 110th anniversary, brought together

whichJapanese and Korean traditional musical instruments

classical sounds

to perform their beautiful melodies for an audience ofofabout 70 people. In the first part, students from

instruments with

Sophiapleasant jazz-like

University’s

Koto

Club

performed,

blendedtraditional

showcasing their impressive skills while explaining

backgroundthe characteristics and history of Koto and Shamisen.

music, captivated

The second part featured professional performers of

the audience.

traditional Korean instruments; Ahn Jin Sung

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 16

■50th Anniversary of Sophia University Junior College Division
SophiaUniversity

JuniorCollege

Division

University gave a keynote speech on the theme ofcelebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding in“Sophia

1973, and held a commemorative ceremony on

Endeavors Towards Achieving the SDGs,” followed

December 2, 2023. Chancellor Sali Augustine

by a panel discussion involving faculty members,

introduced the history of the opening of Sophia Junioralumni, and current students. Professor Sugimura

College (now Sophia University Junior College

spoke about the importance of Education for

Division) and the efforts of its past presidents, while

Sustainable Development (ESD), and the role thatPresident Hiroshi Yamamoto reported on the reforms

the University's Service Learning activities play in thispromoted in the past 10 years, including theregard. This was followed by a panel discussion

enhanced alliance with Sophia University, ensuring

among graduates and current students, who sharedqualitymulticultural

their experiences on Service Learning activities andcompetence. In the second part, Faculty of Human

the influence they had on their lives. The ceremony

Sciences Professor Miki Sugimura of Sophia

ended on a high note with a lively discussion.

education,andacquiring

University

JuniorCollege

Division's■IFCU CentenaryA

conference

commemorating

the

100th

showcased on IFCU's official Facebook page.

anniversary of the International Federation of

Moreover, Chancellor Augustine and President

Catholic Universities (IFCU) was held at the Vatican

Terumichi had an audience with Pope Francis on

from January 18 to 20, 2024. The celebration was

January 19.

attended by representatives of some 170 IFCU
member schools, including Chancellor Sali AugustineandPresident

Yoshiaki

Terumichi.

Chancellor

Augustine delivered a speech at the conferenceemphasizing the need to respond to changing
demographics, technological innovation, and the
evolving needs of students in shaping the future of
Catholic

universities.

The

presentationwas■Symposium to Commemorate the Inauguration of the UNESCO Chair
UNESCO Chair is a team led by education and

Chair was held at Sophia University. After the

research institutions that partner with UNESCO on a

opening remarks by Vice President for Academic

project to address the interdependent challenges of

Research Affairs Takashi Okada, guest speeches

today’s increasingly complex world. Our application

were made by Hiroaki Motomura, Director forfor the "UNESCO Chair on Education for Human

International

Dignity, Peace, and Sustainability" was approved,

Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

leading to the establishment of a UNESCO Chair atof Japan, H.R.H. Princess Abze Djigma, Chair of theSophia University.

H.R.H. Abze Djigma Foundation, Burkina Faso, andOn

February

28,

2024,

a

Strategic

Planning,

Ministryofsymposium

Professor Charles Hopkins, Faculty of Education atcommemorating the inauguration of the UNESCO

York University, Canada. They all expressed their

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 17

Sophia School Corporation – Annual Topics

high expectations for Sophia University's activities as“Transformative

UNESCO Chair. This was followed by Faryal Khan,

UNESCO Chair” with nine representatives from theProgram Specialist at UNESCO Bangkok Office,partner institutions. After a lively discussion, thetaking the podium to deliver a keynote address

symposium ended with concluding remarks fromentitled “Shaping Futures: Transformative Education

Professor Hopkins and Ms. Kahn.

for Human Dignity, Peace and Sustainability.”

Education

and

Roles

of

the

Through the UNESCO Chair activities, Sophia

Next, the Chair holder, Professor Miki Sugimura ofUniversity aims to create and share knowledge

the Department of Education, Faculty of Human

through international education and research, andSciences, assumed the podium. She introduced thecontribute to the realization of human dignity, peace,background of the launch of the UNESCO Chair at

and a sustainable society.

the University, its objectives, and plans for building
partnerships.
This

was

followed by apanel
discussion on
the theme of■Collaboration with Local Governments (Island Regions and others) to Promote SDGs
●Collaboration agreement with Ama Town, Shimane Prefecture
In April 2023, Sophia University concluded aserious population decline, the town has beencollaboration agreement with Ama Town, Oki County

engaged in creative region-building initiatives sincein Shimane Prefecture, with the aim of contributing to

the 2000’s. It has since become recognized as a

the achievement of the SDGs. Ama Town is on thefrontrunner

Oki Islands, blessed with abundant seas and springs,

Leveraging our past cooperative endeavors, we aim

and has long been considered an island of semi-

to enhance our partnership by fostering various

farming and semi-fishing, known for its rich marine

academic collaborations and comprehensive student

products. In order to overcome challenges such as

exchange programs in the future.

inregional

revitalization

efforts.

●Collaboration with Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture
In August 2023, Sophia University concluded adevelopment of an appealing and sustainable

collaboration agreement with Shimoda City inenvironment, and to date we have actively pursued

Shizuoka Prefecture with the goal of developing

academic exchanges and partnerships. The city ishuman resources and promoting the SDGs. Shimoda

home to the Sophia University Island Sustainability

City is committed to nurturing individuals who can

Institute, which will promote efforts to both preserve

flourish in international society and engage in the

coastal ecosystems while fostering regional growth.

●Collaboration with Uken Village (Oshima-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture), Itochu, and Japan Airlines
In September 2023, Sophia University signed acollaboration agreement with Uken Village, Itochu

Corporation, and Japan Airlines, for the purpose ofenvironmental

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 18

conservation

andregional

Sophia School Corporation – Annual Topics

development in Uken Village. Since 2014, Uken

restoration of biodiversity in Uken Village. We aim to

Village has been conducting mangrove planting

foster a harmonious coexistence between nature andactivities to help children develop a sense of pride insociety, while also promoting the sustainable

nature, and Itochu has been supporting theserevitalization of the local region.

initiatives from 2021. Sophia University and Japan
Airlines started to build an Amami Model in 2022 thataims to preserve the environment while facilitating
tourism, and have been communicating this modelthroughsymposiums

and

other

events.

Bycollaborating on these efforts and utilizing theresources and knowledge of the four parties, ourmission is to champion the development of a city withzero carbon emissions and the conservation and■"A" Rating Awarded for MEXT’s Grant Project "Diversity Research Environment Realization
Initiative (Survey Analysis)," Jointly Implemented by Sophia University and Doshisha University
A project entitled “Diversity Promotion Model in

an in-depth study of Mahidol University, one of ourPrivate Universities through Advanced Overseas

partner institutions in Thailand, with the aim ofCases” was adopted in fiscal 2021 with Doshishatransforming the "Performance Agreement," which is

University as the lead institution and Sophia

a framework designed to enhance performance

University as the collaborating institution. The projectbased on achievements, into a communication toolconcluded in fiscal year 2022, achieving an A ratingthat fosters a secure and supportive researchduring the post-evaluation phase. It was commended

environment. This adapted mechanism was thenfor its innovative approach to promoting diversity,

piloted within the Faculty of Science and Technology.

taking cues from private universities. It was also

In addition, to systematically develop researchacknowledgedits

environments, we launched the "Visualizing Majority

outcomes, which included contributing valuable

Privilege" video, which captures discrimination fromresearch and analysis to "Daigaku Jiho," the official

its structure as well as unconscious bias. We havepublication of the Japan Association of Private

garnered responses from numerous universities,

Universities and Colleges. Drawing from an internal

research institutions, and various organizations. To

survey and comparisons with national universities

date, no thorough examination has been conductedthat already have established infrastructure, wesolely on private universities to assess their current

reassessed the current state of private universities.

status. The survey findings were highly noteworthy,

We suggested categorizing Doshisha University as aas they effectively validated the significance of"startup type" and Sophia University as an "advanced

pursuing diversity strategies that align with thetype," thereby illustrating the current dichotomy with

distinctive founding ethos and principles of privatethe "Doshisha model" and the "Sophia model."universities.

Sophia University has been expanding support for

Project website：

female researchers over the past 10 years, starting

https://doshisha-diversity.jp/doshisha-sophia/foreffectively

showcasing

with “Supporting Activities for Women Researchers”
adopted in fiscal 2009. In this initiative, we conducted
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 19

■30% Club Japan University Group Announces Commitment
The 30% Club is a global campaign launched in the

future. We also presented data as of May 2023,

U.K. in 2010 to increase the percentage of women in

indicating that the proportion of female faculty

keycompanies,

members is around 40%, while the proportion ofincluding the board of directors. It is active in more

female professors and associate professors isthan 20 countries, and the 30% Club Japan was

equally significant, reaching 30%, as a result of

established in 2019.

various support measures implemented so far. We

decision-making

positionsinSophia University joined the 30% Club Japanemphasized

on

the

importanceof

involving

University Group in June 2021, and has been

individuals from diverse backgrounds participate inpromotingawareness-raisingdecision-making and university administration, as

activities in order to advance gender diversity in thewell as in the development of the next generation ofareas of education, research, and social contribution.

leaders.

educationaland

In February 2024, the top leaders of the University

The Grand Layout 3.0, which began in fiscal 2023,

Group announced their Commitment to articulate

clearly states the promotion of DEI&B and support for

specific goals for Gender Diversity in University

young researchers and female researchers who will

Management along with a roadmap for its realization.

contribute to the global

In this Commitment, we acknowledged Sophia

society. We aspire to

University’s long-standing tradition of embracing

broaden the education

diversity. This tradition originated with Jesuit priests

and work environments

hailing from different countries such as Germany,in accordance with theFrance, and the UK, and we recognize this as a

Annual Operating Plan.

challenge that we must continue to address in the

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 20

■Status of Sophia School Corporation’s Environmental Impact (Higher Education Division)
1. Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Higher Education Division of Sophia School Corporation has three main campuses: Yotsuya Campus,
Mejiro Seibo Campus, and Hadano Campus. The Yotsuya Campus is where all Sophia University
undergraduate and graduate students receive their education and conduct research activities. The Mejiro Seibo
Campus is used by some students of the Department of Nursing of Sophia University's Faculty of Human
Sciences, and the Hadano Campus is where Sophia University's Junior College is located.
Of the energy consumed by Sophia School Corporation※1, Yotsuya Campus accounts for 94.2%. (Figure 1)
By energy type, electricity accounts for about 77.1%, and city gas (LNG)※2 for about 22.8%. Fuel, such as
kerosene is mainly used to heat the Hadano Campus, but their share is extremely small. (Figure 2)

Fuel
0.1%

5.8%
Gas
22.8%

EnergyConsumption

Breakdown by
Energy Type

281,104

281,104【Calorie Conversion
Value：GJ】（FY2022）
Yotsuya Campus 205,988㎡
Hadano・Mejiro Seibo, etc
27,171㎡

94.2%【Calorie Conversion
Value：GJ】（FY2022）
Electricity
77.1%
Figure 2

Figure 1

Greenhouse gases emitted by facilities on main campuses include not only those from energy use, but also
emissions associated with water use, sewage, and waste treatment. Greenhouse gas emissions were
estimated based on such use and waste volumes in fiscal 2022※3. Greenhouse emissions (CO2 equivalent) in
fiscal 2022 amounted to 13,846 tons, with electric power consumption accounting for around 73.1% and citygas (LNG), for around 23.1% (Figure 3).
Waste
3.07%
Water
0.27%
Sewage
0.38%

Fuel
0.10%

From fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2021, Sophia School
Corporation has procured 100% renewable power for our main
campuses. In fiscal 2021, Sophia School Corporation procured

Breakdown of
Gas Greenhouse Gas Emission
23.11% Decarbonization Rate
Electricity
13,846（Emissions） 73.05%
13,138（Reductions）【Unit：t-CO2】（FY 2022）
Decarbonization
94.9%

carbon neutral LNG ※ 4 for the Yotsuya and Mejiro

Seibo

campuses. This has led to substantially net zero greenhouse gas
emissions from electric power and city gas use, with the
exception of some facilities ※ 5, thus significantly reducing
emissions by around 94.9%.
Sophia School Corporation has significantly reduced its CO2
emissions associated with energy use. On the other hand, energy

Figure 3

consumption in fiscal 2022 exceeded that of the previous year. In addition, since
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 21

Sophia School Corporation – Annual Topics

energy sources that do not emit significant greenhouse gases might see future price increases due to risingenergy and environmental values, behavior changes (promoting energy conservation) are considerednecessary from a cost perspective as well.
Because the total annual energy consumption of Sophia School Corporation exceeds the standard specified
in the "Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy" (Energy Conservation Act), it is a specified business
operator under the Act, which means that it has a responsibility to advance energy conservation in particular.
Every year, Sophia School Corporation reports to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and theMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on the quantity consumed and its plansfor cutting back on energy consumption.
Furthermore, based on the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures, Sophia School
Corporation is obliged to report greenhouse gas emissions annually to the Ministry of the Environment and to
reduce total greenhouse gas emissions based on the Metropolitan Government's Ordinance on Environmentfor Protection of Resident Health and Safety (Tokyo Metropolitan Nature Conservation Ordinance).
※1

Energy consumption in FY2022※2

liquefied natural gas※3

Estimations for emissions from water use and sewage are based on the emission coefficient under the Tokyo Cap & Tradescheme.
Waste volume estimations were conducted for the Yotsuya and Mejiro Seibo campuses based on LCI Database IDEA Version
2.3 (copyrighted work by the Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced
Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Sustainable Management Promotion Organization)※4

Virtually zero-emission LNG that has offset greenhouse gas emissions generated from well to combustion with credits※5

Rented areas and dormitories, etc

2. Regulatory and Disposal Responsibilities Related to Waste
Waste processing is classified according to its properties, type, and discharging entity, and is regulated byvarious laws and ordinances for the prevention of environmental pollution and effective use of resources.
Sophia School Corporation is responsible for the collection, transportation, and disposal of all industrial waste
it generates. For this reason, Sophia School Corporation outsources the collection, transportation, and disposalof waste materials to a business operator licensed under the relevant laws and regulations.
In addition, by using digitalized industrial waste management sheet (manifest), data is shared among thethree parties of "waste generators," "collection and transportation companies," and "disposal companies" toimprove communication efficiency, while keeping track of the type and amount of waste, and the flow fromdischarge to collection and transportation, and to final disposal.
3. Volume of Discharged Waste and Reuse Rate
The Yotsuya Campus generated about 600 tons of waste per year before the COVID-19 pandemic, but infiscal 2022, the amount was roughly 386 tons. Figure 5 shows the trend in the amount of waste generated fromfiscal years 2018 to 2022.
The reuse rate suffered a notable decline because of a significant rise in paper contaminated with foodresidue, making it unsuitable for reuse. On the other hand, the reuse rate for noncombustible materials hasremained high. (Figure6 Trends in waste reutilization rates)

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 22

Sophia School Corporation – Annual Topics
Table 1Main laws and regulations that apply
Classification

Waste in solid form

Main laws and regulations that apply
The Waste Disposal and Cleaning Act (Waste Disposal Act)
Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources
Individual Items Recycling Law
Home Appliance Recycling Law
Small Home Appliance Recycling Law, etc.
Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Wastes

Waste in liquid form

The Waste Disposal and Cleaning Act (Waste Disposal Act)(including wastewater)

Water Pollution Control Act
Sewerage Act

Waste in gaseous form

Air Pollution Control Act
Law Concerning the Promotion of the Measures to Cope with Global Warming
Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons

OthersSoil Contamination Countermeasures Act<Responsibility of the business entity = Sophia School Corporation>

Industrial waste
Twenty items specified by law, such as waste plastic, scrap metal, sludge, waste oil,waste acid, alkali, animal carcasses, etc.

Specially Controlled Industrial Waste
PCB, mercury, asbestos, explosives, etc.

Waste

<Responsibility of the municipality>

Household waste

General waste
Waste other than industrial waste

Business waste (=Sophia
School Corporation）
Paper, food waste, etc.

*Plastic waste generated by households is processed as combustible materials by many local
governments, but Plastic waste generated by Sophia School Corporation is classified as industrial
waste and must be separated from combustibles.

Figure 4 Responsibility for Disposal of Waste Materials
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 23

Sophia School Corporation – Annual Topics

4. 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Initiatives
Sophia School Corporation is currently actively engaged in the following initiatives, some of which have been
implemented based on suggestions from the students.
①A recycling system where confidential documents are dissolved and converted into toilet paper, which theuniversity then purchases②The reduction of plastic bottle waste through the installation of water servers③The installation of clearly labeled trash bins for waste separation④The reuse and recycling of computer equipment

Faculty, staff, and students will continue to work together to achieve SDG 12, “Responsibility to Create,

Responsibility to Produce.”（ｔ）

Trends in the amount of waste generated

Trends in waste reutilization rates

100%

400

80%

300

60%
200

40%

100

20%

0
FY2018FY2019FY2020Combustibles

FY2021

FY20220%
FY2018

Noncombustible waste

FY2019Combustibles

Figure 5

FY2020

FY2021

FY2022

Noncombustible waste
Figure 6■Progress of Campus Improvement
With the aim of improving the campus environment, exterior construction work on the Yotsuya Campus isprogressing in stages.
〈Renovation Work on Main Street〉
This fiscal year, we have been redeveloping thewith lawns and trees was created around the area ofarea from the center of the Main Street to the Norththe iconic tree inside the North Gate, providing a

Gate and Kojimachi-dori.

place to feel nature at the heart of the urban campus.

Since the start of construction in fiscal 2021, weA three-dimensional sculpture with the lettershave continued to collaborate with student staff from"SOPIHA U" symbolizing Sophia University was also

the Sustainability Promotion Office, exchanging ideas

installed.

in

terms

of

the

SDGs,

environmental

care,This construction project has completed thesustainability, and universal design, and proceeded

exterior work for the primary sections along the east-

with the redevelopment. An open space (greenbelt)

west and north-south axes of the Yotsuya Campus.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 24

Sophia School Corporation – Annual Topics〈Building No.15〉
In constructing Building No.15, the newest
structure on the Yotsuya Campus completed in May
2022, wood was chosen as the key material for its
minimalenvironmental

impact,contribution“diversity,” “interaction with others,” “truth,” and“tradition.”
This design was honored with the Wood Design

toAward 2023 (Architecture & Space Segment),

lowering CO2 emissions, and encouragement ofsponsored by the Japan Wood Design Association.

recycling and the sustainable use of forest resources.

The Wood Design Award is a program that

The exterior of the building is designed with arecognizes and commends outstanding architecture,

lattice of intersecting timbers of different thicknesses

spaces, products, activities, systems, and research

made from Japanese cedar grown in Tama,

with the aim of restoring the qualities and value of

expressing Sophia University’s founding principles ofwood through the power of design.

〈Building No.12, Basement Lounge〉
The lounge space adjacent to the convenience

Promotion Office engaged in active discussions tostore in the basement of Building No.12 has

identify and analyze current issues in order to define

undergone renovations. From the early stages ofthe envisioned post-renovation look of the space.

planning, student staff from the Sustainability

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 25

Sophia University■Sophia University Accredited: Institutional Certified Evaluation and Accreditation
Under the School Education Law, universities are2027.

required to be evaluated every seven years by an

On the other hand, in terms of strengths, Sophia

organization accredited by the Minister of Education,

University received high marks for its efforts to

Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Sophia

implement educational research that meets the

University underwent an institutional accreditationneeds of next-generation society and to expand theevaluation conducted by the Japan University

teaching and learning environment through IR and

Accreditation Association (JUAA), and following aother means of identifying and evaluating learning

documentary review and a two-day on-site inspection,

outcomes. The Wellness Center and the Student

the University was confirmed to meet the JUAA's

Information Service received commendations forstandards.

their efforts to expand the student life support system

In this evaluation, five strengths were identified,

to meet the increasingly diverse counseling needs of

two areas highlighted for improvement, and one

students. The Sustainability Promotion Office, inrecommendation was made for corrective action.

which student staff also participate, was praised forAreas needing improvement or correction included

its collaborative efforts between faculty and staff tolack of clarification in curricula formulation andadvance the SDGs and foster social responsibility. A

implementation policies in some faculties andrange of diverse on-campus collaborative initiatives,

graduate schools, the need for more stringent

such as the “Collaborative Staff and Faculty

management of graduate school enrollments, as wellInnovation Research,” were also recognized.

as inadequate clarity in research guidance plans

Based on the results of this evaluation, Sophia

concerning certain majors. The University will take

University will continue its efforts to improve thecorrective action to address these issues and plans

quality of education and research.

to submit to JUAA a "Report on Improvement" by July

■Launch of “Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data Sciences”
The Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data

industry-experienced

facultyindatascience,

Sciences (Master's Program) was launched in April

especially in the business field, to provide education

2023 to provide students with the ability to study data

and research.

science in a practical way, interpret data, solve

In terms of entrance examinations and admissions,problems, and apply and develop new businesses.

students from a wide variety of backgrounds areThis program was launched as a new trans-

accepted, with no set requirements on the field ofdisciplinary

implementing

study, courses taken during undergraduate studies,interconnected courses in graduate schools," and isor work experience. Classes are offered mainly on

uniquely characterized by the collaboration of full-weekday evenings to provide an environment

time faculty members from the three research

conducive to learning for working people.

institutes (Graduate School of Economics, Graduate

Through this program, we aim to nurture practitioners

School of Science and Technology, and Graduate

who can respond to rapid changes in society and lead

School of Global Environmental Studies) andthe coming data-driven society.

“basicstructurefor

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 26

■ Launch of the Office of Sophia Future Design Platform/Sophia Global Citizen Program
Commemorative Opening Lecture
In July 2023, the Office of Sophia Future Design

Faculty of Human Sciences, on the theme “How to

Platform was launched as a new section in theLive Life in the Age of AI.” The second lecture was

Bureau of Academic Affairs. Here, we manage thedelivered on January 26, 2024 by Professor Kazuhiro

operation of "Professional Studies," a collaborative

Maeshima of the Faculty of Global Studies,industry-academia

business

Department of Global Studies, on the topic “Theprofessionals learn practical wisdom to demonstrate

United States, the World, and Japan.” In November

international adaptability and creativity as part of their2023,

cultural education. Additionally, we will commence a“Entrepreneurship Development Course” targetingnew "Sophia Global Citizen Course" starting in April

undergraduate students, and sponsored a "Thailand

2024. The course will be a public lecture open to all

Study Tour" for high school students in March 2024 inglobal citizens seeking to design a positive andcooperation with Sophia GED (see p. 52). In theinnovative life where they play a role in facing andsame month, a lecture on “Corporate Transformation

solving today’s social issues. The first of theseandcommemorative opening lectures was given on

Innovation,” by Professor Saikat Chaudhuri of the

December 13, 2023, by Masayuki Fujimura, Special

Haas School of Business at the University ofContract Professor in the Department of Sociology,

California, Berkeley, was held.

program

where

the

the

department

organizedanImportance of Entrepreneurship and■A High School-University Collaboration Agreement with Catholic High Schools
In order to further deepen the Catholic educational

enhance the appeal of both institutions.

principles, Sophia University has entered into

Collaboration“Sophia

university and admissions, lectures, mock lectures,

University-CatholicHigh

SchoolCollaboration Agreement” with 50 schools.

initiatives

includebriefings

oncampus tours, summer programs, domestic andBased on these agreements, we are committed tointernational study tours, and training workshops foradvancing the educational principles of universities

teachers. Activities will be designed and executed on

and high schools through collaborative learninga case-by-case basis.

opportunities for students and pupils, and aim to■Joint Workshop with Keio University and Tohoku University to Discuss Ukraine's Recovery andReconstruction
Immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine intowardpost-warreconstruction.

Seekingto2022, Sophia University co-hosted the “Ukraine

contribute from an academic standpoint, Sophia

Peace Symposium” with Keio University for students,

University, Tohoku University, and Keio University

pupils, faculty, and staff from both schools and thejointly planned and conducted a series of workshops

affiliated schools, providing an opportunity to think

to deliberate on reconstruction efforts and assistance

together and hear from the experts about what canto Ukraine.

be done to realize a society where people can live inpeace.

The first workshop, entitled “Ukraine’s Recovery
and Future,” was held at Sophia University on June

Despite no end to the conflict in sight as of 2023,

30, 2023, and was attended by about 130 people.

the international community has begun moving

Professor Yasuhiro Ueki of the Graduate School of

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 27

Global Studies and Director of the Sophia University

presented on peacebuilding through education andHuman

the potential contributions Japan can make.

Resources

CenterforInternational

Cooperation (SHRIC), delivered a keynote speech on

The third workshop was hosted at Keio University

the latest status of reconstruction activities bothin December, on the theme of "The Lublin Triangle

domestically and internationally, as well as Japan’sand Japan.” Professor Takeshi Yuasa of therole in these efforts. Government and administrative

Department of Russian Studies in the Faculty ofagencies, NGOs, and industry experts, together with

Foreign Studies gave a lecture on regionalism in

speakers from Keio University and Tohoku University,

Eurasia after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition,

shared insights on the trends and issues in

representatives from the embassies of Ukraine,reconstruction assistance. They then deliberated on

Poland, and Lithuania, along with speakers from theconcrete approaches to offering reconstruction aid,

threeleveraging the expertise acquired in their respective

reconstruction through collaboration between thedomains.

regional alliance of the three countries and Japan.

universities,

discussed

strategies

forThe second workshop was held at Tohoku

The workshop provided an opportunity to consider

University in September focusing on the importancethe role of higher education institutions in theof reconstruction support from the stakeholders’international issue of Ukraine's reconstruction, with aperspective and Japan’s area of contribution. Case

multifaceted set of themes that took advantage ofstudies of post-disaster support from the perspective

each university’s unique characteristics, specialistof disaster victims were introduced, along withknowledge, and network.

reports by students
from Ukraine. From
SophiaUniversity,

Professor

Taro

KomatsuofDepartment

theof

Education, Faculty of
Human

Sciences,■ Symposium to Summarize the Project of Top Global Universities: "Reflecting on the
Achievements of Top Global University Project Initiatives and Exploring the Future of Global
Learning with Alumni"
Sophia University was selected by the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
in fiscal 2014 as a Type B (Globalization Driven)

Initiatives and Exploring the Future of Global
Learning with Alumni.”
First,

thetwouniversities

introduced

good

university under the Top Global University (SGU)

practices of their initiatives for the internationalization

Project, and has been working for 10 years toof education. A panel discussion followed, featuringpromote university reform and the internationalization

graduates who studied in the overseas trainingof education. As a summary of these efforts, a joint

sessions newly established or added as part of the

HyFlex symposium with Kwansei Gakuin University

SGU program, and Tohoku University Vice President

was held on January 17, 2024, titled “Reflecting on

Kuniaki Sato, a member of the Sophia University's

the Achievements of Top Global University Project

external evaluation committee and an expert on the

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 28

internationalizationofhighereducation,andAcademic Affairs of Sophia University, expressed

Professor Jane Knight of the University of Toronto,

their outlook on the direction of global learning that

who were invited as commentators. Presentations

the two universities share, such as further elevatingwere given on the insights gained from study abroad

global education standards and fostering the

programs and global experiences, the effectivenessdevelopment of global citizens as their mission. Theof pre- and post-program training, advice for students

symposium was then brought to a close.

aspiring to study abroad in the future as well assuggestions

foruniversities

working

towardglobalization. The graduates also responded toquestions from the commentators, leading to a lively
exchange of ideas.
At the end of the SGU program, Yasutoshi Mori,
President of Kwansei Gakuin University, andProfessor Tetsuo Morishita, Vice President for Global■U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel Visit to Sophia University
On April 27, 2023, Sophia University welcomed

together to resolve this challenging issue.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel for a

The second half of the lecture was a Q&A session

special lecture. The invitation for Ambassador’s visit

moderated by Tetsuro Morishita, Vice President forstemmedTerumichi’s

Global Academic Affairs. The students raised a series

request when they met at a reception for Ukrainianof questions about how to deal with economic

study abroad students at the U.S. Embassy incoercion and what role universities should play inDecember 2022. Approximately 150 students, facultysuch circumstances. The Ambassador responded

members, and staff attended. With about 80 partner

meticulously to each question.

fromPresident

Yoshiaki

universities in the U.S., Sophia University has long

Ambassador Emanuel's visit presented a rare

been active in promoting student exchanges. The

opportunity for participants to directly engage withoccasion to share time and space directly withhim on critical matters facing the global community.

Ambassador Emanuel held immense significance.
Ambassador Emanuel's speech centered on thetheme of “economic coercion.” He elaborated on thesituation of China’s use of economic pressure, which
was a topic of discussion at the G7 Summit held in
Hiroshima in May 2023. He emphasized thenecessity for countries to unite, cooperate, and work

■Visit by Malu Dreyer, Minister President of the German State of Rhineland-Palatinate
On October 23, 2023, a delegation of 26 members

University. In order to promote Sophia University to afrom the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate,

wider audience in the state and to provide an

including Minister President Malu Dreyer andopportunity to build a more multifaceted relationshiprepresentatives from various sectors of politics,

than ever before, the visiting group and facultybusiness, academia, and the media, visited Sophia

members of the Department of German Studies

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 29

discussed topics such as immigration and energy

differences in views on employment between Japan

policy, nursing care issues, and disaster prevention

and Germany. They also exchanged views with themeasures in Japan and Germany. The session was

Minister. President Yoshiaki Terumichi concluded thefacilitated by Professor Goro Christoph Kimura, Dean

meeting on a friendly note, touching on the closeof Faculty of Foreign Studies at Sophia University.

relationship between Sophia University and Germany

Next, following a discussion with exchange students

and expressing his desire to develop all aspects offrom the Rhineland-Palatinate State, students fromthe relationship with the university, the state, as well

the Department of German Studies gave a speech on

as the country. This visit was an important step in

topics such as the reality of female students’ life infurther deepening the ties between Sophia University

Japan, their experiences in job hunting, and theand the State of Rhineland-Palatinate.

■Visit by Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
On January 22, 2024, Ilan Goldfajn, President ofinternational development finance organizations.

the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), visited

During the Q&A session, students posed a variety

Sophia University. He met with President Yoshiaki

of questions. The President thoughtfully responded toTerumichi and Professor Masafumi Hikima, Trustee

each one, recalling his own experience teaching atforthe university, turning the session into an exciting

Management

Planning,

SophiaSchoolCorporation. The IDB is a multilateral development

discussion.

bank established in 1959 to contribute to the

At the lunch session that followed, a total of seveneconomic and social development of Latin America

students, including those who had interned at theand the Caribbean region, and Japan joined in 1976

Asia Office and those considering careers inamong the first non-regional members. Sophia

international

University has deepened its relationship with the IDB

President Goldfajn for light refreshments and asince signing a Memorandum of Understanding forfriendly conversation.

cooperation in 2016. During this meeting, the two

It is anticipated that this visit and exchange will

presidents confirmed their intention to further

inspire more students to take an interest in the IDB

strengthen their relationship, including internshipand its initiatives, thereby increasing the number oftraining at the Washington headquarters.

students

President Goldfajn also gave a talk on “The IDB
andJapan:

whoaclose partnership,” to an
audience of over 150
faculty,andstaff interested in global
cooperation
institutions

and
such

considerinternational organizations.

geographically distant but

students,

organizations,as

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 30

gathered

pursuingaroundcareersin■AJCU-AP INO Meeting (Meeting of the International Networking Officers)
On December 1, 2023, the Association of Jesuit(both programs are offered as “Social Engagement

Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP),

Programs” at Sophia University), which are student

a consortium of Jesuit institutions of higher education

programs jointly offered by AJCU and Sophia

in Asia, including Sophia University, held its annual

University, and identified areas for improvement formeeting of the International Networking Officers

the coming year. In addition, reports were made and(INOs) at Sophia University. The purpose of thisopinions were exchanged on common issues sharedmeeting is to develop projects, exchange information,by the consortium and the status of each school. The

andmeeting

strengthen

cooperation

among

AJCU-AP

providedanopportunity

for in-depth

member institutions, and make detailed adjustments

reflection and discussion on how to incorporate theto items discussed at the consortium’s CEO Meeting

educational spirit of the Jesuit University into

held every summer. This was the first time Sophia

educational research activities and international

University hosted such an event and it was attended

exchanges. At the reception that followed the meeting,by approximately 30 participants, including 17

the participants networked with each other andparticipants from 13 overseas member universities

concluded the event in a friendly atmosphere, looking

along with Sophia University faculty members andforward to their reunion the following year.

staff. At the meeting, participants reviewed this year’s
GlobalLeadership

Program

with

five

Jesuit universities in
East Asia

and

the

AJCU-AP

Service

Learning

Program■Sophia University Ranked 41st Globally for SDG 14 “Life Below Water” in THE Impact Rankings
2023
THE Impact Ranking, launched in 2019 by Times

development” and its successor projects, as well as

Higher Education, a British magazine specializing in

its Island Sustainability initiative, which was selected

higher education, assesses universities around theas a research branding project by the Ministry ofworld on their efforts to address social issues using

Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

in 2016.

(SDGs) as a framework. In this fifth edition, 1,707

Students and staff from the Sustainability Promotion

schools from 115 countries participated, marking a

Office contributed greatly to the application process,significant increase from 1,523 schools in thecompiling evidence for each SDG and examining

previous year. Amidst increasing competition, Sophia

trends at universities in Japan and abroad.

University was ranked 401st to 600th overall and 41st
globally for “SDG 14: Life below water.”For SDG 14, Sophia University was recognized forits “Interdisciplinary international joint research using‘river basin’ as a model for sustainable community

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 31

■Sophia University Researchers Ranked in the Top 2% Most Influential Researchers in theWorld
Nine Sophia University researchers from theinterdisciplinary, collaborative, and multidisciplinary

Faculty of Science and Technology have been ranked

research activities, from the development of basicin the Updated Science-wide Author Databases ofacademic research to the implementation of applied

Standardized Citation Indicators, a comprehensive

research outcomes into real-world solutions, inlist identifying the world’s top 2% of scientists,

response to various issues facing modern society.

updated and published on October 4, 2023, by

The research conducted by the selected researchers

Stanford University and Elsevier.

encompasses

endeavors

directed

towards

The ranking is based on the Scopus citation

developing heat stress-resistant plants and exploring

database and includes the top 2% of scientists

new energy sources for the future, exemplifying

worldwide who have published at least five papers in

Sophia22 scientific fields and 174 subfields. This ranking

sustainability, earning high praise and recognition.

shows that Sophia University's Faculty of Science

Throughand Technology conducts a high level of uniquemethodologies, Sophia University will continue toresearch that is recognized around the world.

demonstrate its distinctive identity through its

Sophia University embraces the motto “For Others,
With Others” as its educational principle, striving toUniversity'savarietystrongofcommitment

researchthemestoandresearch endeavors and advancing studies that
address global societal challenges.

contribute to the creation of a better world throughSingle Recent Year Category
Suzuki Nobuhiro Associate Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Materials and Life Sciences
Horikoshi Satoshi Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Materials and Life Sciences
Takai Kenichi Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Shen Tielong Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Hirano Tetsufumi Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Miyatake Masafumi Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Career-long Category
Hirano Tetsufumi Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Suzuki Nobuhiro Associate Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Materials and Life Sciences
Kikuchi Akihiko Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 32

Takahashi Kazuo Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Materials and Life Sciences
Takai Kenichi Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Shen Tielong Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Miyatake Masafumi Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Arai Takayuki Professor-Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communication Sciences■Sophia Swimming Club Men’s and Women’s Teams Promoted to Division 1 for First Time Since
its Founding in 1958
At

the

96th

Kanto

Student

Swimming

could grow together as a team.

Championships held at the Tokyo Aquatics Center“Our goal for the next season is to stay in Kanto

from August 1 to 4, 2023, Men's and Women's teams

Division 1,” said Keiichiro Ejima, former captain of thefrom the Athletic Association's Swimming Club

Swimming Club (third-year student in the Department

achieved a remarkable feat by securing second placeof Education, Faculty of Human Sciences). Kanto

in the second division. This was the first time since

Division 1 brings together top-ranked schools andthe Club’s founding in 1958 that it was promoted totough competitors from all over Japan, so we

Division 1.

anticipate intense rivalry. However, I believe that

Behind this second-place finish were two strategies

each athlete can do their best and collaborate as aof the Swimming Club. The first was to make it clear

team to achieve our goal. We will continue to workthat the team’s goal was to be promoted to Division 1

together to practice hard and achieve good results."

in the Kanto Championships at the earliest possible
time. Swimming is an individual sport, and eachathlete has different levels and goals, but by setting acommon goal, individual efforts lead to the team’s
success. Next, workouts were tailored to eachathlete's

specialty

eventsanddistances.

By

implementing a common menu once or twice a week,
the Club created an environment where the athletes■ A Study Tour to Learn About the SDGs and Become “Connected Minds” in Tanabe City,
Wakayama Prefecture – SSICAt Sophia Student Integration Commons (SSIC),

Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture is located invarious events, seminars, and workshops are being

the central region of Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage

held to promote communication among students from

Site, and the city was also selected as one of thedifferent backgrounds in order to deepen their

SDGs Future City and a Municipal SDGs Model

understanding of Japanese culture and interaction

Project in 2022. With the cooperation of the Tanabewith fellow students.

Marketing Office, Tanabe City, and the Tanabe CitySOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 33

Kumano Tourism Bureau, and funding from Nakajima

make syrup. The participants lodged at a green

Foundation grant as part of the Japan Student

tourism facility on the site of a former elementary

Services Organization's regional exchange program

school and also experienced a trek along thefor international students, the Tanabe City Kumano

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route and a visit to the

Study Tour was held from June 10 to 11, 2023.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. By actually

Eighteen students participated, representing aentering the area and talking to local people, they

diverse group speaking Japanese and English, with

were able to experience local industries, walk thenationalities ranging from Japan, China, Korea, theKumano Kodo route, and deepen their understanding

Philippines, Vietnam, Italy, Switzerland, the U.S., andof Tanabe City's SDGs. In the future, it is hoped that

Denmark. As a pre-tour study, participants learned

they will become one of the “Connected Minds” ofabout Tanabe City's plums and the Kumano Kodo

Tanabe City and support the city’s SDG initiatives.

route directly from local residents
online, and on the day of the tour,
they entered a plum orchard to gethands-on experience of an actualplum

harvest.

experienced

plum

They

then

processing,using freshly harvested plums to■“Christmas Concert - Bösendorfer making a comeback after 90 years” by Student Volunteers
On December 24, 2023, a Christmas concert was

experience to himself.

held at the initiative of student volunteers and in

The six student volunteers who supported the concert

cooperation with the Sophia Archives and theby helping with the piano performance and managing

Catholic Jesuit Center. The piano used for thethe event, came together through acquaintances andperformance was a Bösendorfer, one of the top threesocial media, despite differences in age, faculty, andpianos in the world, which is said to havedepartment. After about three months of preparationaccompanied the singing of the school song at theand practice, the day of the concert finally arrived.

inauguration ceremony of Building No. 1 in 1932.

The students performed J.S. Bach’s “Jesu, Joy ofThis piano is usually displayed at the entrance on the

Man's Desiring” and four other pieces inspired bynorth gate side of the first floor of Building No. 6. A

Christmas and winter. An audience of about 100

student reporter from FIND SOPHIA, the university's

people gathered at the entrance and were enchanted

official website, took an interest in this piano andby the sound of the piano, making warm comments

researched its history in the university's archives forsuch as, “The tone was excellent,” “The concert wasan article. At that time, the student had an opportunity

perfect for Christmas,” “I hope it will be held again,”to try out the piano and was impressed by its warmand “I'd like to see the concert held several times aand beautiful sound despite its worn condition.

year, not just once.” This was a valuable opportunity

Motivated by this experience, he decided to organize

for people to realize the importance of preserving anda concert to share the piano's unique sound with apassing on items of historical significance associatedwider audience, rather than keeping the emotionalwith Sophia School Corporation.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 34

■A Special Lecture and Panel Discussion by Taro Kono (Minister for Digital Transformation)
On July 5, 2023, Taro Kono, Minister for Digital

perspective. In the latter half of the lecture, a panel

Transformation, visited Sophia University and gave a

discussion was held with students on how we should

special lecture on digitalization and innovation.

deal with generative AI and what we should learn

Sophia University is emphasizing learning in the fieldfrom it now that it is advancing. During the Q&A

of data science, including making data science

session, Minister Kono carefully answered questionsclasses a compulsory course for all first-year

about the differences between the global andundergraduate students. Minister Kono spoke about

Japanese IT markets, along with strategies for thethe significance of digital transformation, the role ofpromotion of digital technology in the face of aging

the Digital Agency, and the vision of what Japan’s IT

demographics. This lecture proved to be a valuableindustry should strive for. He then addressed theopportunity

issue of fake news created by generative AI, while

understanding of the current status and challenges ofemphasizing that this is an era in which digital

digital innovation in Japan, as well as the significancetechnology is the foundation. He also underscoredof studying data science.

theimportanceof

studentshavingaforstudents

todeepentheirglobal■Sophia AI Literacy Seminar (6 sessions)
The“SophiaAI

Literacy

Seminar

Series”

of Tokyo)(sponsored by CLEL: the Center for Liberal2） AI Language and Human Language (Ai Kawazoe:

Education and Learning) was held from October to

Linguist and Author)

December 2023. Experts from within the university

3） Digitalization of Schools and AI (Masahiro Nasu:

and from external sources were invited as speakers

Professor, Department of Education, Faculty of

to discuss technological innovations and societal

Human Sciences, Sophia University)changes surrounding AI, followed by discussions and4） Lights and Shadows of Generative AI (Gakuse

Q&A sessions with faculty members from the CLEL.

Hoshina: Managing Director, Strategy & Consulting,

The series attracted a high level of interest from both

Applied Intelligence Japan Lead, Accenture Japan

inside and outside the university, with a total of 1,200Ltd.)attendees.

5） Trends in AI Technology for the Deceased and

The themes of each session and speakers are as

Ethical Considerations (Keisuke Sato: Professor,

follows (titles omitted; affiliations and positions are as

Program in Death and Life Studies, Graduate School

they were at the time):of Applied Religious Studies, Sophia University)

1） The Frontlines of AI: Where Are We Heading

6） AI and Copyright (Kensaku Fukui: Representative(Hitoshi Matsubara, Professor, Next Generation

Attorney, Kotto Dori Law Office)Artificial Intelligence Research Center, The University■Special Lecture by Makoto Uchida, CEO, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
“Nissan’s Vision for the Future of Mobility- Walking with the World Toward a Sustainable Society”
On December 19, 2023, Makoto Uchida, President

lecture entitled “Nissan's Vision for the Future ofand CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (“Nissan”) and

Mobility-

Vice

Automobile

Sustainable Society," in the 17th floor conference

Manufacturers Association, delivered a special

room of Building No. 2, attracting approximately 110

Chairman

of

the

Japan

Walking

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 35

with

the

World

Towardastudents, faculty, and staff. In his talk, he discussed

master’s graduate in Applied Chemistry, Science andNissan's response to the current climate change,

Technology) and Tetsuko Yamamoto (2019 graduate

societal issues such as depopulation and aging, andin Business Administration, Faculty of Economics)

changes in consumer values, as well as what Nissanjoined in the event and responded to inquiries fromis doing to address these issues. He also mentioned

attendees, including topics about the renewable

Nissan’s approach to and implementation of DEI

energy market.

(Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). He told theparticipating students, “In today's corporate world,companies are looking for people who can solve
problems even in unfamiliar environments.” Heencouraged the students to take a bold step into aworld they have never entered before and to continue
to expand their vision. In the second half of the event,Sophia University alumni Miyu Miyoshi (2019■International Symposium : "The Reality of Creating an Inclusive Society: From Efforts of Different Art
Centre for Support and Independence of Differently Abled"
An international symposium entitled, “The Reality

were raised, such as, “As people become moreof Creating an Inclusive Society: From efforts offamiliar with people with disabilities, society’s

Different Art Centre for support and independence ofunderstanding and support should progress further,”differently abled” (organized by the Institute of Asian,and “Different Art Centre’s activities can make a

AfricandifferenceandMiddleEastern

Studies,

SophiaUniversity), was held on November 7, 2023. The
event featured lectures by Gopinath Muthukad,
Director of Different Art Centre, which supports theindependence of people with disabilities in India, anda magic performance by Vishnu, a magician withdisabilities. During the talk session with Chancellor
Sali Augustine, and experts on people with disabilities
and social welfare in Japan, comments and opinions

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 36inIndia.”

Sophia University Junior College Division■Following the Decision to Suspend Student Recruitment from AY2025 Onward
At the Sophia School Corporation Board of

On April 19, 2023, we announced the suspension

Directors meeting held on March 22, 2023, it wasof student recruitment on the Junior College Division

decidedwebsitethatstudent

recruitment

forSophiaandsent

lettersofexplanation

to

University Junior College Division will be suspended

stakeholders. On the same day, we conducted afrom the academic year 2025 onward, with the last

briefing session for current students, followed by anrecruitment in AY2024 (for the entrance examination

online session for parents and guarantors on May 3.

conducted in AY2023). In recent years, the social

We

situation has changed drastically due to declining

comprehensive support in education and career

numbers of 18-year-olds and increasing preference

guidance to all current students as we have in theamong women for attending four-year universities. As

past, including those enrolling in AY2024. Additionally,a result, for the past three years, there has been a

we will strengthen our existing initiatives, such as

significant shortfall in meeting enrollment capacity.

appointing assistant advisors to our faculty advisor

Numerous discussions were held within Sophia

system, increasing the frequency of attendance

School Corporation about the future of the Juniorchecks, expanding the availability of retake courses,

College Division, and despite its efforts to fill

and more, to offer enhanced support.

shallvacancies, this conclusion was inevitable.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 37

continue

toprovidethesame

EIKO Gakuen Junior and Senior High School■AY2022 Annual Report (Summary)This year, we had several unavoidable classall of the planned overnight events smoothly,

closures due to influenza outbreaks, but school

including the February school trip to Okinawa and theevents and extracurricular activities were generally

third-year junior high school trip to Kyoto, as well as

conducted without major problems. We were finallythe voluntary mountain camp and others. At the 72nd

able to hold the Eiko Festival (School Festival) on

high school graduation ceremony, we successfully

May 13 and 14 and the Sports Festival on September

organized a standing buffet party after the ceremony

30 in its pre-COVID-19 format, open to the generalfor the first time in five years.

public.

As part of our on-campus PR activities, we held

During the summer vacation, we had 10 students

three school orientation sessions in October and

go to Sacred Heart School, a Jesuit school in Cebu,

November, followed by an open campus after each

Philippines, for the first time in four years, and in thesession. A total of 1,612 families, or 3,119 individuals,

U.S., 40 students took part in the Boston College

visited the school on this occasion and enjoyed thestudy trip. Each was an enriching experience for theopportunity to explore its facilities and environment.

students who participated. We managed to conduct

Camping at Eiko Hutte

Third-year junior high school trip to Kyoto

72nd class graduation ceremony

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 38

■Topics①Agape Latte
Agape Latte is a faith-storytelling event at Boston

Tunnel to the Other Shore: A Priest’s Diary of Peace

College. With a cup of coffee in hand, attendees listen

Activities.” They listened to how God has led him toto guest speakers and reflect on God's love and faith.

various encounters and has given him opportunities

This style has attracted many university students andto work. During the Q&A session, he answered

has now spread to Catholic universities and highvarious questions in detail. It was a valuable time forschools throughout the United States. At Eikoeveryone to reflect on their faith.

Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, the first
Agape Latte in Japan took place on January 19, 2024,with the cooperation of The Church in the 21stCentury Center at Boston College.
About 50 students attended this after-school event.
Following a musical performance and a quiz, Father
Jun Nakai of Locus Hiyoriyama (Shimonoseki Labor
Education Center) gave a talk entitled “Let’s Dig a

Agape Latte(management staff with Father Nakai after the event)②Awards for Student Activities
The winning team at the 12th Science Koshien

gymnastics club formed a Double Dutch team thatcompetition in March 2023 represented Japan at the

took part in the Double Dutch Contest Japan 2024 on

Science Olympiad held in Kansas, U.S.A., in May

March 19. They competed against teams of university

2023. Then, the following year, in March 2024, thestudents and adults, and won the contest, securing

Eiko

Kanagawa

the title of Japan champions. The champion team is

Prefecture at the 13th Science Koshien competition

set to compete in the World Championship thiswhich took place in Ibaraki Prefecture. For the firstsummer as Japan's representatives.

Gakuenteam

represented

time in the history of the competition, the same school

Manyo Hirota, a third-year high school student inwon the championship twice in a row. The school also

the Igo and Shogi Club, represented the Kanagawa

has excelled in multiple disciplines in the Science

Prefecture team for the Igo team competition at the

Olympiad for individual participants.

National High School Culture Festival, achieving

The second-year high school students of thevictory in the national championship.

Science Koshien

Double Dutch

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 39

Rokko Junior/Senior High School■AY2022 Annual Report (Summary)
Restrictions

stemming

from

the

COVID-19rate, with students expressing high levels of

pandemic have been lifted, allowing various events tosatisfaction. Other new projects included training inproceed in a normal manner. These included second-

Cambodia, second-year junior high school students'

year high school students' overseas training program,fieldwork, and third-year junior high school students’

the Sports Festival, School Festival, Long Distancegraduation theses.

Walking Competition, and the second-year junior

In daily school life, second-year high school

high school study trip to Tohoku. It was the first time

students enthusiastically ran for break-time exercises

the school had organized a study tour for second-withyear junior high and second-year high school

throughout the school. They also played a central role

students, and it received favorable responses fromin the training and educational activities, putting a lot

both students and faculty members alike. Thisof effort into cleaning up the school. Thanks to theirinitiative is intended to continue into the future, while

dedication, despite the challenges imposed by thetaking into consideration the burden on faculty

COVID-19 pandemic, they have revitalized themembers. In terms of risk management, we

school environment from a state of disarray to one

introduced an advance reservation system at thewhere cleanliness is embraced as a natural habit.

Sports Festival and School Festival to prevent

Students who had their social interactions limited bysuspicious persons from attending. Given past

COVID-19 restrictions and were unable to live a

instances of overcrowding posing safety concerns at

normal daily life are now positively and pleasantly

the Sports Festival, the events are now held withparticipating in events and activities, as if they are

more security measures in place. Meanwhile, themaking up for the lost time.

livelycheers,spreadingpositiveenergySchool Festival saw a return to its usual attendance■Topics①New General March
Rokko

Gakuin's

features a

the event was modified in fiscal 2023 to allow

remarkable event known as the General March,

students to wear clothes during the march. Initially,

where all students march in harmony, collectively

there was strong opposition from the third-year highforming a single kanji character on the school field

school students, prompting the principal to engage inthat symbolizes the theme of the year. This event is

discussions with them during their home room

notablepreparedsessions. In the end, the three students leading theindependently by the students themselves. In the

Sports Festival persuaded their peers in thispast, the General March had been held shirtless, butchallenging situation, and a General March thattaking into consideration the fact that some students

allowed participation with or without a shirt washave become uncomfortable with exposing their skinsuccessfully organized. Despite time constraints, theto the public, and in keeping with the changing times,

students tasked with designing the General March

for

being

SportsFestivalorganized

and

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 40formation worked hard to ensure visual harmony,On the day of the event, everything proceeded

even with a mix of clothed and shirtless participants.

smoothly, thoroughly entertaining the spectators. In
the second term, students had theopportunity to learn about diversity
through a series of LGBTQ-related
lectures by experts and alumni. Rokko
Gakuinstudents

areexpectedtocontinue embracing diverse people andcreating new traditions.
The New General March (patterned after Shohei Otani)②Second-Year High School Overseas Training Program
From this year, a study tour to Singapore andprogram, the students spent a highly stimulating and

Malaysia were introduced as part of the high school

intense time with peers from the National University

study trips. The purpose of the trip is to encourageof Singapore, interacted with students with Islamic

students to think about how they will connect with

culture from Malaysia, and visited the workplace of apeople around the world in the future. During juniorlocal alumnus. Through cross-cultural exchanges,

high school, students learn communication skills by

the students were reminded once again of theconnecting with their classmates, upper classmates,

significance of English as a communication tool andand lower classmates through events such as thethe importance of consideration and manners forseaside and mountain camps, Sports Festival,

people from different cultures. It is anticipated that

School Festival, and other occasions. In addition,

this year's experiences have prompted each student

overseas

to reflect deeply on their future endeavors, and that it

training

opportunities

have

been

implemented for high school students to help themhas had a positive impact on their career choices.

think about their future career paths. During the

Presentation at the National University of Singapore

Welcome party in Malaysia

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 41

Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School■AY2022 Annual Report (Summary)①COVID-19 and School Life

graduation ceremony were held in the auditorium with

The school has been able to respond effectively toall students present. The revival of the singing of the

COVID-19 with the knowledge it has accumulated inschool song was particularly moving. On the otherdaily life and school events. Now that COVID-19 ishand, there were instances where classes andclassified as a Class 5 disease, restrictions haveactivities were disrupted due to influenza. Despite

eased and the burden has significantly lessened.

this, all scheduled events below were successfully

Starting from the second term, events such as thecarried out.

opening

ceremony,closing

ceremony,

andJune 17 Open Day
July 22-25

First-year junior high school camp in Etajima

July 22-24

Second-year junior high school camp in Ushimado

September 30

Sports Festival

November 2-3

School Festival

December 16-17 Third-year junior high school streetside fundraising
December 24

Christmas Party

March 21-24

Second-year high school trip in Okinawa

March 22-25

Third-year junior high school trip in Nagasaki

August 15-28

Study program in the Philippines

December 23-30 Study program in Cambodia
March 26-April 3 Study program in the U.S.

②New Academic Affairs System
Previously, absences and tardies were reported toabsences into

iPads

in

each

class. Events,

the office by phone or email, but a new academic

announcements, requests, and report cards from theaffairs system now allows parents to directly enterschool are also distributed through the system,

this information, which is then verified by faculty andcreating a paperless environment. This change has

staff. The attendance record has been eliminated,

reduced the administrative office’s workload andwith class instructors now inputting attendance andaccelerated information sharing.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 42

■Topics①Study Program in Cambodia
The Cambodia study program, planned in 2019poverty and inequality. It was a great opportunity forand set to begin in 2020, was postponed due to thethem to reflect back on their own lives. Students who

COVID-19 pandemic, but it was finally conducted in

took part expressed their thoughts on the trip, saying,

December 2022, followed by another in December“I learned things that I couldn’t have learned in class2023. Two faculty members and two coordinators led

or on the Internet. I was exposed to the mindset and12 first- and second-year high school students on a

attitude of people living in Cambodia. I think this trip

seven-night,

Reap,

made us realize

Battambang, and Phnom Penh, starting fromthings that we

December 23.

couldn’teight-day

visit

to

Siem

have

Through close interactions with locals and byrealized

witnessing people who provide support on-site,otherwise.”participants gained a profound understanding of thehorrors of regional conflicts and the realities of②Baseball Club Wins the Fall Prefectural Tournament and Finishes Runner-Up in the Chugoku Region
Tournament
In 2022, the Baseball Club took part in the nationalsome victories were achieved with high-scoring

championship for the first time, but faced setbacks ingames, they also faced tough losses with impressive

the fall of 2022 and throughout the spring andcomebacks, highlighting areas for improvement.

summer of 2023, falling short in the prefectural

Going forward, the team remains committed totournament, to everyone’s frustration. After a summer

refining their skills through continued focus on basic

of intense heat and hard practice however, they won

training.

the 11th championship in four years at the Fall
Prefectural Tournament.
Although they unfortunately finished runner-up in
the Chugoku Region Tournament, they were able todemonstrate the results of their hard work. While③ Mountaineering Club Participation in the National High School Athletic Meet Mountaineering
Competition
Four

students(3much larger in scale than anticipated. Despite being

second-year and 1 first-

awed by the beauty and challenges of the mountains,

year high school students)

they remained confident in their training andwere selected to represent

comrades, giving their best effort with the skills they

Hiroshima Prefecture after

had acquired. The result was 98.4 out of 100 points,

winning

prefecturalwhich put them in the 8th place. They will strive tocompetition held in June.

compete here again next year, taking full advantage

Hokkaido proved to beof what they learned from this experience.

the

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 43

Sophia Fukuoka Junior-Senior High School■AY2022 Annual Report (Summary)
COVID-19 had largely disappeared in fiscal 2023,

had visited Brisbane, Australia, but the destination

enabling all planned events to be carried out smoothly.

was switched to Cebu Island in the Philippines.

The entrance ceremony took place as scheduled

Unlike last year’s study tour in Japan, this year'swith a limited number of parents and guardians inprogram abroad provided participants with a valuableattendance. Continuing on from last year, an

opportunity to enhance their English proficiency andorientation camp for incoming first-year junior highimmerse themselves in the local culture throughschool students was held. The Sports Festival in June

diverse programs in a unique setting. As a result, thewas split into separate events for junior high and highstudy tour proved to be a highly fulfilling experience.

school, except for the cheering competition, which

The second-year high school students visited

was held at different times to accommodate as many

universities and companies on a school trip to Tokyo,

spectators as possible. The School Festival inwhich helped them make informed decisions about

October was organized without any attendance

their future career paths.

restrictions, resulting in a higher turnout compared toAdditionally, almost all other programs, such as

the pre-COVID-19 times. Throughout these events,

the Cambodia study tour for interested participants

students showcased their daily achievements to aand volunteer activities for camp attendees havelarge audience, contributing to their substantial

resumed, making this year an opportunity topersonal development. For the first time in four years,

embrace the spirit of “For Others, With Others” likea language study tour for third-year junior high school

never before.

students was conducted overseas. In the past, they

■Topics①Overseas Language Study Tours

On the city tour, students visited three sites:

Third-year junior high school students visited Cebu

Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, Basilica del Santo Niño,

Island in the Philippines. While the island isand Fort San Pedro. While discovering the history ofcommonly thought of as a so-called “resort area,” theCebu Island and its connection to Christianity, they

students

encountered local children selling souvenirs and

had

many

challenged this image.

intenseexperiencesthatwater. The students were taken aback and could not
help but feel puzzled by the unfamiliar sight, as such
scenes are rarely witnessed in Japan.
They also walked with local children through theslums around Pasil Fish Market. For those of us living
in Japan, the conditions in a slum would be deemed
intolerable. However, it is a vibrant city, and theresidents welcomed us with warm and genuine
smiles. It was a valuable experience for the students

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 44

toexploreandexperience

thingsfirsthand,

Despite initial nerves, the students enjoyed theserecognizing the importance of forming their own

moments and gained confidence in their ability toperceptions rather than relying solely on television orcommunicate in English. It was also an opportunity

photographs, which can often be biased.

for the students to turn their attention to social issues

The students were paired up for exchanges atand think about what “true happiness” is.

Ateneo de Cebu, a Jesuit school. The time spent
there was filled with Filipino hospitality, giving theman opportunity to make new personal connections in
Cebu Island. Some of the students are still in touchwith each other, and they are grateful for the
wonderful encounters they had.
On this language study tour, there were many
situations where English was the only language used.
②Kamagasaki Volunteer ProgramThis year, the Kamagasaki volunteer activities

they work and sleep. However, many reported thatwere resumed after a long break due to the COVID-

theirapprehensions

19 pandemic. The Kamagasaki Volunteer Program isdiminished as they became more aware of theira three-day event where both male and female

circumstances. During the program, there was an

students visit Kamagasaki during the year-end andunexpected opportunity to collaborate with students

New Year holidays to engage in service activities.

from Eiko Gakuen Junior and Senior High School in

The on-site activities were organized by a local

various activities, where they shared their thoughts

volunteer group that works in the area daily. Throughand feelings. Over the course of three days, thenightly patrols and soup kitchens, the students had

students experienced firsthand how much prejudice

the opportunity to observe the lives of those living instems from ‘not knowing,’ and conversely, thatdifficult conditions. Some students were shaken to‘knowing’ about others’ lives allows for more direct

learn about the lives of day laborers, including whereinteractions.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 45

towards

theseworkers

Summary of 2023 financial results(1) Statement of Revenue and Expenditure
Item
Tuition and other student fees
Donations
GrantsIncome from business activities
Miscellaneous
Total
Expenditure

Educational activities

Revenue

Entrance examination fees and other fees

Personnel expenses
Expenses for education and research
Expenses for institutional administration

Total
Balance of educational activities
Revenue
Expenditure

Non-educational activities

Interest and dividend
OthersTotal
Interest on loans
Others

Total
Balance of non-educational activities

Ordinary balance
Revenue
Expenditure

Extraordinary revenue
and expenditure

Gain on sales of assets
Others
Total
Loss on disposal of assets
Others
Total

Extraordinary balance

Conversion rate : USD 1 = JPY 151.40 (TTM rate on March 31, 2024)

FY2023 Yen(million Yen)FY2023 US$(thousand dollars)

19,087
1,051
575
4,280
836
1,113
26,941
15,442
9,970
1,907
27,319
△ 378
1,745
471
2,216
82
0
82
2,133
1,755
118
311
429
132
51
182
247

126,070
6,942
3,798
28,2695,522
7,351
177,946
101,995
65,852
12,596
180,443△ 2,497
11,526
3,111
14,637542
0
542
14,08911,592
779
2,054
2,834
872
337
1,202
1,631

2,002
△ 1,853149△ 11,328
204△ 10,974

13,223△ 12,239
984△ 74,822
1,347△ 72,483

Reserve fund
Balance of current year before transfer to capital fundTransfer to capital fund
Balance of current year
Balance carried over from previous year
Reversal of capital fund
Balance carried forward to next year
（Reference）
Total revenue
Total expenditure

29,586
27,584

Interest anddividend
1,745 million Yen
5.9%

Others2,848 million Yen
9.6%

Donations
575 million
Yen
1.9%

Entrance
examination feesand other fees
1,051 million Yen
3.6%
Total
revenue
29,586 million Yen
Grants4,280 million Yen
14.5%

Tuition and otherstudent fees
19,087 million Yen
64.5%

Others
265 million Yen
0.8％

Transfer to capital fund
1,853 million Yen
6.3%

Personnel expenses
15,442 million Yen
52.5%

Expenses for institutional
administration
1,907 million Yen
6.5%

Expenses for education
and research
9,970 million Yen
33.9%

Total expenditure+Transfer to capitalfund
29,437 million Yen

195,416
182,193※Totals may not be exact due to rounding.

■Summary
In fiscal 2023, the balance of the current year before the transfer to Capital fund increased by 1,817 million yen from the planned budget, whiletransfer to Capital fund decreased by 107 million yen from the planned budget, resulting in an increase of 1,924 million yen in the balance of
current year compared to the planned budget.
In addition, in terms of the balance of educational activities, while entrance examination fees and other fees increased, expenses for education
and research decreased on the expenditure side, resulting in a -378 million yen balance of educational activities, an increase of 337 million yen
compared to the planned budget. For non-educational activities, the balance was 2,133 million yen, an increase of 1,047 million yen comparedto the planned budget due to an increase in interest and dividends. For extraordinary revenue and expenditure, extraordinary income increasedby 298 million yen due to the difference from the sales of assets, while extraordinary expenditures decreased by 135 million yen, resulting in an
extraordinary balance of 247 million yen, an increase of 433 million yen compared to the planned budget.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 46

(2) Cash Flow Statement

IncomeItem
Tuition and other student fees
Entrance examination fees and other fees
Donations
GrantsIncome from the sales of assets
Income from business activities
Interest and dividend
Miscellaneous
Loans
Prepaid tuition and other deferred credits
Other
Income-flow adjustment
Cash and cash equivalents carried over from previous year
Total

FY2023 Yen(million Yen)
19,087
1,051
681
4,336
4,448
1,286
1,745
1,138
0
4,499
6,858
△ 5,113
9,778
49,794FY2023 US$(thousand dollars)
126,070
6,942
4,498
28,63929,3798,494
11,5267,517
029,71645,297△ 33,771
64,584
328,890

FY2023 Yen(million Yen)
15,486
7,459
1,655
82
993
330
950
13,547860

FY2023 US$(thousand dollars)
102,285
49,267
10,931
542
6,559
2,180
6,275
89,4785,680△ 1,372
9,803
49,794△ 9,062
64,749328,890

Expenses
Item
Personnel expenses
Expenses for education and research
Expenses for institutional administration
Interest on loans
Repayment of loans
Payment for land, buildings, and other construction in progress
Payment for equipment, libraries, and other
Payment for asset management
Other expenses
Reserve fundExpenses-flow adjustment
Cash and cash equivalents carried over to next year
Total
※Totals may not be exact due to rounding.

■Summary
The size of the cash flow for fiscal 2023 was 49,794 million yen, an increase of 2,589 million yen from theplanned budget. In cash flow, asset sales income and interest and dividend income increased by a total of 2,474
million yen from the budget, while in expenses flow, payment for asset management increased by 3,893 million
yen from to the budget. As a result, cash and cash equivalents carried over to the next year increased by 25
million yen compared to the previous fiscal year, to 135 million yen compared to the planned budget amount.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 47

(3) Balance Sheet
Assets
FY2023 Yen
Changes Yen
million Yen
155,300
1,449
87,976△ 1,449
67,323
2,898
10,915299
166,215
1,748

Item
Fixed assets(Tangible fixed assets)(Other assets)
Current assets
Total

Liabilities, Capital Fund, Balance of Income and Expenditures

FY2023 Yen
Changes Yen
million Yen
14,942
△ 964
7,463
710
22,406△ 254
154,783
1,649△ 10,974
353
166,215
1,748

ItemLong-term Liabilities
Current liabilities(Total liabilities)
Capital fund
Balance carried forward to next year
Total

FY2023 US$
Changes US$
thousand dollars
1,025,760
9,571
581,083△ 9,571444,670
19,141
72,094
1,975
1,097,853
11,546FY2023 US$
Changes US$
thousand dollars
98,692△ 6,367
49,293
4,690
147,992△ 1,678
1,022,345
10,892△ 72,483
2,332
1,097,853
11,546※Totals may not be exact due to rounding.

■Summary
Compared to the previous fiscal year, tangible fixed assets increased by 68 million yen due to donation of plots,
while buildings and fixed installations decreased by 1,747 million yen due to depreciation. For specific assets,
reserves for specific assets increased by 319 million yen for Capital Fund No.3 and reserves for depreciation andamortization of specific assets increased by 2,275 million yen. The total accumulated depreciation was 55,051
million yen, amounting to reserves of 59.5%. Other fixed assets include 4,345 million yen in Capital contribution
in ancillary operation. Total assets increased by 1,748 million yen from the end of the previous fiscal year to166,215 million yen.
On the other hand, in the Liabilities, Capital Fund, Balance of Income and Expenditures section, since there wasno new borrowing for facilities and equipment, long-term debt decreased by 888 million yen due to the transfer
to short-term debt repaid in fiscal 2023. In Net assets, the Capital fund increased by 1,649 million yen to 154,783
million yen, and the balance carried forward to next year increased by 353 million yen to -10,974 million yen.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 48

Other■Debt Schedule（from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024）
BorrowerYear-end balance
Promotion and Mutual Aid
Corporation for Private Schools ofJapan

Public financial institutions
Long-term liabilities%

date(YY/MM/DD)

Purpose of use

23 Extraordinary facilities

1,317,890,000

1.70

26 General facilities

1,333,300,000

0.90

27 General facilities

1,588,840,000

0.80

30 Extraordinary facilities

1,166,620,000

0.80

23 General facilities

50,540,000

1.60

23 General facilities

78,890,000

0.50

24 General facilities

26,040,000

1.50

27 General facilities

605,000,000

0.50

2035.9.15 Construction of new buildings for Eiko Gakuen Juniorand Senior High School

2030.9.15 Sophia University Mejiro Seibo Campus
New construction of Building No. 1, succession from
Seibo Gakuen
2031.9.15
Acquisition of Sophia Soshigaya International House
2034.9.15 Construction of the new building (Building No. 6) ofSophia University
2035.9.15 Construction of the new building (Building No. 6) ofSophia University
2038.9.15 Construction of Shinanomachi International Student
Dormitory
2031.9.15 Refurbishment and new building construction at
Sophia Fukuoka Junior and Senior High Schoolbuildings
2031.9.15 Refurbishment and new building construction at
Sophia Fukuoka Junior and Senior High Schoolbuildings
2032.3.15 Refurbishment and new building construction at
Sophia Fukuoka Junior and Senior High Schoolbuildings

6,427,100,000

subtotal
Commercial financial
institutions

Remarks

1.60

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

275,000,000

0.407

2030.7.10 Student Emergency Support Fund

The Hiroshima Bank Ltd.

25,000,000

0.31

2026.3.2

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Corporation

0

0.73

2024.10.31 Facility restoration and capital investment of Rokko
Junior/Senior High School

Hiroshima Gakuin falling rocks and other hazardous
area construction costs

300,000,000

subtotal
Catholic Jesuit Center, a religious
corporation

1,400,000,000

0.015

2039.3.31 Purchase of land and building for Sophia University's
Building No. 14 (Maryknoll)

Catholic Jesuit Center, a religious
corporation

90,000,000

0.00

2032.3.25 Renovation of Rokko Junior/Senior High Schoolbuildings

1,490,000,000

subtotal
Total

Short-term liabilities

Due date

259,980,000

22 General facilities

Publicfinancial
institutions subtotal
Commercia
l financial
institutions subtotal
Other

Interest rate

8,217,100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0

subtotalLong-term debt due within one year
Total
Sum Total

888,278,000
888,278,000

9,105,378,000※ is the amount of increase or decrease due to transfer within one year of repayment deadline

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 49

■Matters relating to the company funded by Sophia School Corporation
The status of companies in which the share of investment of Sophia School Corporation is one-half or more of the total amount of investment is as follows:
Name

Sophia Campus Support Co., Ltd.
・Cleaning, security, maintenance, and management of buildings and ancillary facilities

Business Description

・Sales and sales management of foods, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
・Non-life insurance agency and life insurance sales

・Sales, brokerage and mediation of education and office equipment, measuring instruments, stationery, etc.
Amount of statedcapital
20,000,000 yen (400 shares)
The amount of Sophia 20,000,000 yen (400 shares), 100%, February 2, 2015
School Corporation's
capital, the share of thecompany's shares, andthe date of acquisitionof such shares.
(Unit: Yen)
Dividends
Amount received from thecompany
The amount ofdividends anddonations received by
Sophia School
Corporation during the
fiscal year, as well as
the status of funds andtransactions with theSophia School
Corporation.

Guarantee liabilities
Name

Business Description

Amount payable to thecompany0Charitable contributions
in kind
Interest earned

Extraordinary charitable

63,000,000

contributions

0 Rental income

00 Miscellaneous

26,811,793

Cost of consumables

22,019,461 Cost of repairs

180,193

Consignment costs

748,622,870 Meeting costs

3,626,475(Unit: Yen)

Balance at beginning ofyear
Capital investment in thecompany

Capital expenditures,
etc.

Income from funds, etc.

Year-end balance

20,000,000

0020,000,000

Loans to the company

0

0

0

0

Accounts payable to thecompany

0

0

0

0

Loans from the company

0

0

0

0

Accounts receivable fromthe company

0

0

0

0

None
SMI Corp.
・Development of multi-language medical information applications for medical institutions and dissemination to medical institutions
・Promoting the dissemination of multilingual medical information application to foreign visitors through travel agencies and travel
insurance providers
・Education and consulting related to the multilingual information systems

・Planning, development and sales of multilingual information applications, etc.
Amount of statedcapital38,000,000 yen (760 shares)
The amount of Sophia 26,000,000 yen (520 shares), 68%, October 1, 2018
School Corporation's
capital, the share of thecompany's shares, andthe date of acquisitionof such shares.
(Unit: Yen)
Dividends
Amount received from thecompany
The amount ofdividends anddonations received by
Sophia School
Corporation during the
fiscal year, as well as
the status of funds andtransactions with theSophia School
Corporation.

Guarantee liabilities

0

Charitable contributions
in kind
Interest earned

Extraordinary charitable
contributions

00 Rental income

00Amount payable to thecompany0Consumables expense(Unit: Yen)
Balance at beginning ofyear
Capital investment in thecompany

Capital expenditures,etc.

Year-end balance

Income from funds, etc.

26,000,000

0026,000,000

Loans to the company

0

0

0

0

Accounts payable to thecompany

0

0

0

0

Loans from the company

0

0

0

0

Accounts receivable fromthe company

0

0

0

0

None

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 50

Analysis of Business Conditions■Business conditions (financial ratios are five-year average for fiscal 2019-2023)
For Cash flow from operating activities, the ratio of tuition and other student fees to ordinary revenue was 66.5%,
which is about 11 percentage points lower than the average of other corporations of 77.2%(*). From the viewpoint ofincome diversification, a lower value is desirable. In the case of Sophia School Corporation, income from asset
management was significant (5.1% of ordinary revenue, compared to an average of 2.0% for other institutions), andthis is reflected in the results. On the other hand, the ratio of education and research expenses in terms of
expenditures (33.7%) was lower than the average of other corporations (35.2%), due to the inclusion of asset
management income in ordinary revenue, the denominator.
On the income side, the ratio of donations to ordinary revenue was 2.7% (average of other corporations: 2.0%)
and the ratio of grants to ordinary revenue was 13.4% (average of other corporations: 11.0%), each of which exceeds
the values of other university corporations, indicating that we have achieved income diversification.
Conversely, on the Balance Sheet, the Net asset ratio, which indicates the ratio of classification of assets to total
assets, was 85.4%. This suggests that the management foundation is stable. However, the ratio of ordinary balance
to ordinary revenue is only 6.7% (average of other corporations: 6.8%), due to the low balance of educational activities,
which indicates the balance of our core business.
*Average of other corporations: Compiled by The Japan Association of Private Universities and Colleges
Average figures for FY2018-2022 financial results, for 16 corporations including Sophia School Corporation, with a student capacityof 10,000-19,999■Business accomplishments and issues
In fiscal 2023, due to our securing investment gains in asset management that significantly exceeded thoseof the previous fiscal year, the settlement was in excess of revenues overall, which allowed the Corporation totransfer 2.3 billion yen to reserves for depreciation and amortization of specific assets to maintain and expand
the educational research environment.
In fiscal 2024, since the situation is expected to be challenging due to soaring prices and other factors, weplan to curb expenses more than in previous years and achieve the target value of 1 billion yen for Ordinarybalance, continuing on from fiscal 2023.

■Future policies and measures
To achieve the ongoing target for the Ordinary balance, various financial measures, such as reviewing theexisting budget, will be promoted. Based on the "Grand Layout 3.0,” in order to secure the financial resources
necessary to expand various funds to revitalize education and research activities and enhance student support,renovate aging facilities, and improve the ICT environment, it is our policy to increase Capital Fund No.3 andreserves for specific assets for depreciation, thereby strengthening our financial base.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 51

Main Business Companies Operated by Sophia School Corporation■Sophia Campus Support
https://sophia-cs.co.jp/

Sophia Campus Support was established on February 2, 2015, as an operating company wholly owned by Sophia School
Corporation. The business was founded with the intention of enhancing services for students, pupils, faculty, and staff, andoffers more than 30 different services.
The Operations Department has been providing services to assist student life such as non-life insurance, the university
store, beverage vending machines, student dormitories and apartments, and costumes for graduation ceremonies.
The Business Promotion Department offers project management services for equipment maintenance, repairs, cleaning,and others. Profits are donated to Sophia School Corporation and utilized for student and pupil grants.

■Sophia Global Education and Discovery Co., Ltd.
https://jp.sophia-ged.com/

Sophia GED (Sophia School Corporation investment stake 49%: the largest investor) was established on May 1, 2019, in
the Thailand capital of Bangkok. In line with the educational spirit of Sophia University, distinctive and unique educational andtraining programs are being offered, and high-quality, practical study tours are available through its networks across SouthEast Asia. Currently, the company focuses on developing educational programs targeting university students, high school
students, and corporate personnel in Japan. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts have been made to enhance theonline services. Programs that combine on-site and online learning have been launched, refreshing the content. Not only
students from our affiliated schools, but many otehers are participating in these courses.
SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 52

The History of Sophia
1549

St. Francis Xavier comes to Japan.

1906

The Society of Jesus accepts the Pope Pius X's request to establish higher educational institution in Japan.

1908

Three Jesuit priests arrive in Japan again to prepare for the establishment of a university.

1911

Sophia School Corporation (Jochi Gakuin) is founded.

1912

Sophia School Corporation purchases land in Kioi-cho in central Tokyo.

1913

Ministry of Education approves establishment of Sophia University (three departments: Philosophy, German Literature, Commerce) under Special School Law.

1928

Sophia is reorganized as a full-fledged university under University Law, with two faculties: Humanities and Commerce.

1932

Night-school program of Sophia University is established. / Building No.1 is completed. / Fukuoka Catholic Seminary School is opened, which will berenamed to Taisei Junior High School (middle school under the pre-war school system) in 1936.

1937

Sophia University Alumni Association is established. / Rokko Junior High School is incorporated as an incorporated foundation, which will be
reorganized and incorporated as Rokko Gakuin School Corporation in 1950.

1938

Rokko Junior High School (middle school under the pre-war school system) is opened.

1946

Public lecture series are launched.

1947

Rokko Junior High School is reorganized into Rokko Junior and Senior High School. / Eiko Junior High School is opened, which will be renamed to
Eiko Gakuen Junior High School in 1949.

1948

Sophia University begins operation under provisions of post war School Education Law, with two faculties: Humanities and Economics. / Taisei
Senior High School is opened.

1949

International Division, predecessor of the present Faculty of Liberal Arts, is founded.

1950

Sanada Moat Athletic Ground is opened. / Eiko Gakuen Senior High School is opened.

1951

Sophia School Corporation as an academic legal entity is founded according to provisions of Private School Law. / Taisei Gakuen Corporation isfounded. / Graduate programs at the Master’s level are started in Theology, Philosophy, Western Culture, and Economics.

1956

Hiroshima Gakuin School Corporation is founded. / Hiroshima Gakuin Junior High School is opened.

1957

Faculty of Law is established. / First female students are admitted. / Eiko Gakuen School Corporation is founded.

1958

Faculty of Theology and Faculty of Foreign Studies are established.

1959

Hiroshima Gakuin Senior High School is opened.

1962

Faculty of Science and Technology is established.

1964

Specialized training college courses in social welfare are started at Sophia.

1966

Graduate Schools of Law, and Science and Technology are established. / Graduate School of Western Culture is reorganized as Graduate School of
Humanities. / The social welfare courses are reorganized into a separate Specialized Training College named Sophia School of Social Welfare. /Sophia Junior College Alumni Association is established.

1970

Graduate School of Foreign Studies is established.

1973

Sophia Junior College is founded.

1975

Department of Japanese Language and culture, reorganized as Department of Comparative Culture in 1977, is added to Faculty of Foreign Studies.

1976

Sophia School of Social Welfare is reorganized into a Professional Training College. / Sophia Community College is launched.

1980

Construction of Hoffmann Hall is completed. / International Division is closed.

1984

Central Library is opened.

1987

Faculty of Comparative Culture is established.

2004

Juris Doctor Program (Law School) is established.

2005

Faculty of Human Sciences is established. / Graduate Schools are established in Human Sciences and Global Environmental Studies. / Building No.2
is completed.

2006

Faculty of Comparative Culture is reorganized as Faculty of Liberal Arts. / Graduate School of Global Studies is established.

2007

Graduate School of Economics is reorganized.

2008

Faculty and Graduate School of Science and Technology are reorganized.

2011

School corporation Seibo Gakuen is merged with Sophia School Corporation, with Seibo Nursing School and Seibo College merged into Sophia
University. / Department of Nursing is added to Faculty of Human Sciences and Master’s Program in Nursing is added to Graduate School of Human
Sciences. / Taisei Junior and Senior High School renamed to Sophia Fukuoka Junior-Senior High School.

2012

Sophia Junior College is renamed to Sophia University Junior College Division. / Sophia Soshigaya International House is opened.

2013

Celebration of 100th anniversary of Sophia University's founding, 40th anniversary of Sophia Junior College's founding, and 50th anniversary ofSophia School of Social Welfare's founding.

2014

Faculty of Global Studies is established. / Seibo College of Nursing is closed.

2015

Course of Midwifery is established.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 53

The History of Sophia
2016

A new Sophia School Corporation is structured based upon the merger of Sophia School Corporation, Eiko Gakuen School Corporation, Rokko
Gakuin School Corporation, Hiroshima Gakuin School Corporation and Taisei Gakuen School Corporation. / Graduate School of Applied Religious
Studies is established. / Graduate School of Foreign Studies is renamed as Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics. / Seibo Nursing School isclosed.

2017

Building No.6（Sophia Tower）is completed.

2019

Sophia-Arrupe International Residence is opened.

2020

Sophia Community College is closed.

2022

Sophia School of Social Welfare is closed. / Building No.15 is completed.

2023

Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data Sciences is established.

SOPHIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ● 54

Office of Management Planning
Sophia School Corporation
7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8554
https://www.sophia.ac.jp