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Tohok u U n i ve rsi t y 201 9-2020

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Collaborate, Innovate, Activate

History of Tohoku University
Located in Japan’s picturesque Northeast region, Tohoku University is one of
the country’s top institutions, developing future leaders through academic
excellence and inspiring, innovative research.

Located in the cosmopolitan city of Sendai in Japan’s

the inventions that were born at Tohoku University areNortheast region, Tohoku University is renowned forthe split-anode magnetron used in microwave ovens,

its innovative research and dynamic global network.

the steel-wire recorder and the Yagi-Uda antenna.

It was among the first to be conferred the status of aMore recently, in the aftermath of the 2011 Great

Designated National University by the government inEast Japan Earthquake, Tohoku University pioneered

2017, and currently ranks number one on Times Higher

research in next-generation medicine and disaster

Education’s 2020 list of Japanese universities.

science, giving local and global communities the

A trailblazer since its founding in 1907, Tohoku
University was the first university in Japan to admit
female students. Chika Kuroda, Raku Makita and Ume

necessary tools and knowledge to fight illnesses andbe better prepared for natural disasters.
There are some 18,000 students - about 10 percent

Tange joined the university in 1913 before going onof whom are international – across 10 faculties, 16

to be the first female baccalaureates and enjoying

graduate schools and six research institutes. Away

prominent academic careers.

from the classrooms, there are about 80 student clubs

Tohoku University has continued to attract talented
researchers who have put their findings towards

and circles, as well as numerous opportunities forcommunity outreach.

improving the quality of life around the world. Among03

Collaborate
By working with academic and industry partners, Tohoku University’s
researchers contribute to global solutions, and take innovation to higher levels
through shared resources and expertise.

Frontier Researchin Duo (FRiD)

Tohoku University x JX Nippon

Tohoku University established the Frontier Research in Duo

Aobayama campus as part of an agreement with JX Nippon(FRiD) program in September 2019, aimed at promoting

Mining & Metals Corporation to do joint research andearly stage research on emerging ideas that can lead to new

development, particularly

research areas not bound by existing concepts.

in the field of non-ferrous

A new materials science research facility is being built on

metals. JX Nippon is funding

The research period is five years, and successful applicants
get up to 10 million yen per year per project. Nine projects

the center's construction,

were chosen for the first round.

which officially began witha ceremonial blessing in

As a reflection of the university’s academic diversity andAugust 2019.

global network, the program requires that each project groupcontains an element of international collaboration with apartner institution, and that core researchers within each

Next-Generation Synchrotron
Radiation Facility

group belong to different departments.
“Japanese research activity has been slowing down in

Tohoku University x Rakuten, Inc.

recent years. Many researchers tend to stay in their field, work

Tohoku University has signed a collaboration agreement withresearch, and its large campus which is conducive to various

Rakuten, Inc. to give the university an avenue for the practical

types of tests and experiments.

on things they know and are comfortable with,” said Executive

With construction of Japan’s first-ever next-generation

Vice President of Research Tadahiro Hayasaka.

synchrotron radiation facility underway at Aobayama campus,“What we’re trying to do with this program is give our

Tohoku University hosted a forum in spring 2019 that brought

implementation of its research, and more direct feedback

Early collaboration will focus on health and medical care,researchers a chance to work with people from different fields,

on consumer needs. Speaking at the signing ceremony,as well as robotics. There are also plans to establish a human

together stakeholders from government, business andwith different backgrounds and different ways of thinking. Our

Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani described Tohoku University as

resources development program, where Tohoku University

academia.

hope is that this mix of different strengths and ideas will bean "optimal partner" due to its interdisciplinary approach to

students will have the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship.

In open discussions, researchers from the world's top

the impetus to creating exciting new research fields and evenuniversities and institutes, as well as representatives fromhigher quality research in the future.”leading international synchrotron research facilities, shared
their experiences and discussed ways to promote strategic
research collaborations.

Tohoku University x
Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., Ltd. x
NTT DATA Corporation

The new facility is scheduled to be operational in 2023, andwill feature a huge circular particle accelerator measuring 325425 metres in circumference and 100-135 metres in diameter.
The soft X-ray radiation generated by the accelerator will be
used to perform observations for visualizing the functions of

Tohoku University, Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., Ltd. andmaterials subjected to various methods.

NTT DATA Corporation signed a comprehensive partnership

The core strategy of the Sendai project will be in line withagreement which will leverage the partners' strengths in

the global trend of building "research complexes," consisting

research, AI-related technologies and big data analysis.

of companies and academic research institutes, around large

The high level industry-academia collaboration – which

synchrotron radiation facilities. Tohoku University, with its

aims to improve quality of life through creative innovationstrong research capabilities and reputation, is expected toand regional revitalization - includes the development of aplay a central role in the new complex.

large pool of data scientists and experts, and investment in
the commercialization of advanced technologies and venturecompanies.
"We are entering an era of change so we need new
solutions to address new problems," said University President
Hideo Ohno.

Want to learn more?
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Innovate

Sugar Delivered to Earth from Space
The first evidence of bio-essential sugars in meteorites has
been found. An international research group led by Yoshihiro
Furukawa of Tohoku University had investigated bio-essential
molecules in primitive meteorites and found ribose and otherTohoku University has a strong reputation for innovation, having invented thesugars.

technology behind some of the world’s most recognizable appliances.

The team found that the carbon in the sugar molecules
had distinct carbon-isotope compositions, making themdifferent from terrestrial biological sugars, and indicating their
extraterrestrial origin. The results suggest that the sugars had
formed in the early solar system and made their way to Earthvia meteorites.

Jellyfish’s Superpowers Gained
Through Cellular Mechanism
Jellyfish are animals that possess the unique ability toregenerate body parts. A team of Japanese scientists has
now revealed the cellular mechanisms that give jellyfish these
remarkable "superpowers."
Cnidarian jellyfish form part of a unique group of animals
that are not bilaterally symmetrical and also possess thecapacity to regenerate body parts – a trait most complex
animals, including humans, have lost. The researchers believethat these early-diverging primitive animals could help us
better understand the evolutionary biology of bilaterally
symmetrical animals, like human beings.

Want to learn more?
Scan the QR code to read further details.

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Activate
Research is not done in a vacuum, but with people and application in mind.
The impact of Tohoku University’s research can be felt not just within the local
communities but worldwide.

Researchers Map Malaria Parasites that Proliferate in Human Blood Cells
Malaria parasites transform healthy red blood cells into rigid

Now though, researchers have detailed a comprehensive

versions of themselves that clump together, hindering theinteraction network map of how malaria traffics between

transportation of oxygen. The infectious disease affects

human host cells, providing a reliable dataset of themore than 200 million people around the world and causesinteractions connecting dozens of proteins the parasite exports

nearly half a million deaths every year, according to the World

to continue infecting the host cells. The research paves

Health Organization. It’s a disease that’s been difficult to

the way for further study and discussion on the molecular

control because of the lack of information on how the parasitemechanism of infections that affect human red blood cells.

infiltrates a system's red blood cells.

New Cognitive Training Game to Improve Driving Skills Among the Elderly
Researchers at Tohoku University’s Institute of Development,
Aging and Cancer have developed a new cognitive training
game aimed at improving road safety among elderly drivers.
The game, "Cognitive Training for Car Driving" (CTCD), requires
only a set top box and a TV, and for users to play it regularly.
This new training game comes at a time when the numberof older car drivers worldwide is increasing, leading toaccidents caused by age-related cognitive decline among
drivers. The game was subsequently developed into an app,with MS & AD Insurance Group and Telematics Automobile
Insurance utilizing it to help their customers. Taxi companies
and driving schools across Miyagi Prefecture are also
expected to employ the app in the future.

AI and Data Science Courses for All Undergraduates
Big data analytics and AI have been a growing priority for

lectures, corporate internships and Project Based Learning

Tohoku University in recent years. A Center for Data-driven(PBL) opportunities.

Science and Artificial Intelligence was opened in October,

While AI and data science literacy courses are compulsory

offering practical education to undergraduates to boost theirfor first-and second-year students from 2020, it is hoped that

AI and data science literacy.

senior undergraduates and graduate students will go on to

The new center comprises four departments: practical data
science, advanced AI, transdisciplinary digital education and

New Graduate Program in Japanese Studies

acquire advanced skills that can further help them in their

In 2019, Tohoku University launched the Graduate Program

research.

in Japanese Studies (GPJS), one of nine International Joint
Graduate Programs which implement education collaboratively

data foundation/security. Students have access to specialized

through strong alliances with leading overseas universities.
The GPJS promotes a multidisciplinary approach toaddressing contemporary issues facing society. Students
enrolled in the GPJS can take a wide array of humanities
courses such as history, linguistics, philosophy, anthropology
and politics.
Students have the freedom to pursue research topics
relevant to their academic interests and backgrounds, but allundergo a relevant methodology course. Part of what makes
the GPJS unique is that all students get at least six monthsof overseas training at one of Tohoku University’s many
partner institutions to broaden their academic network and be
exposed to different cultural and academic environments.
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Want to learn more?
Scan the QR code to read further details.

The Crown Prince’s Visit

2019-2020

Crown Prince Akishino, the brother of Japan's newemperor, visited Tohoku University and toured theBotanical Gardens during an official visit to Miyagi inMay. The crown prince is known for his love of botanyNews Highlights

and the university’s Botanical Garden is home to a
famous willow collection.

Keeping the School Spirit Hot
Tohoku University collaborated with Thermo Mug toproduce a 300ml flask featuring the bush clover logo.

An Evening with the President

The flask is part of the university's Plastics Smart

Tohoku University President Hideo Ohno held a small,campaign to reduce the amount of one-use plastic

90-minute town hall style meeting with students,

products, such as PET bottles, on campus.

to answer questions and hear candid thoughts on
student life.

SORATO at the Smithsonian
SORATO, the lunar rover built by Japan's Team

Tsunami Inundation Damage
Forecast System Adopted by theJapanese Government
The Real-time Tsunami Inundation and Damage
Forecast system, developed by a team led by Shunichi
Koshimura at the International Research Institute ofDisaster Science (IRIDeS), won the 2019 Japan Open
Innovation Prize.

TEDx Tohoku University
Under the theme of Palette, 11 speakers at
TEDxTohokuUniversity explored a range of social
issues, including gender roles, the need to listen andthe importance of chasing dreams.

Suzume Odori at Aoba Festival
The university’s Sparrow Dance Team, comprisingmostly foreign students, once again brought its
international flair to Aoba Matsuri. The annual street
festival, which attracts about a million people fromaround the region, is a celebration of Sendai's richhistory and culture.
10

HAKUTO for the Google Lunar XPRIZE challenge, hasbeen donated to the Smithsonian's National Air andSpace Museum in Washington DC.

International Festival

Community Outreach

The Tohoku University International Festival (TUIF) celebrated
its 34th year with the theme "Harmony through Diversity." Thefestival's main stage featured all-day entertainment and some
20 food stalls offered delicacies from around the world – all
prepared, cooked and served by students and alumni.

Tohoku University considers itself part of the community, and holds public workshops
and events for local residents throughout the year. Students and staff engage involunteer work and are active in various community outreach programs.

Kawatabi Blueberries and Jam
As part of Tohoku University’s extensive community outreach,the Kawatabi Field Center hosts several activities each year,
giving local residents a chance to learn more about natureand some of the work being done by the Graduate School of
Agricultural Science.
Among the most popular activities are the jam and buttermaking workshops, which include fruit picking at the center’s
blueberry orchard and rhubarb patch. The center grows about
500kg of blueberries each year, two-thirds of which goes into
jam that is sold at selected branches of Co-op supermarket.
The center is also well known for hosting nature walks inthe spring and autumn, guided by trained staff and professors
who can explain the local fauna and flora.

Science Café and Liberal Arts Salon
For more than a decade, Tohoku University has tried to makescience more accessible by taking interesting ideas out of thelabs into the local communities through a lecture series called
Science Café. Held several times a semester, the 2-hourinteractive event is an avenue for anyone who is interested,
to hear about the latest in science research and take part indiscussions with academics and like-minded people overVolunteer Work

drinks.

One of the best ways to learn is through giving back, andTohoku University offers many opportunities for students
to volunteer, to make a difference to the lives of people

Science Angels

less fortunate, and to gain a better understanding of thecommunities in the region.
An active, student-run volunteer group is SCRUM, which

The Science Angels program is a cornerstone of Tohoku

organizes activities year round, especially in towns andUniversity's on-going efforts to promote the role of women incities affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake andscience and technology. Members serve as a support network

Tsunami.

for each other and as role models for children, especially12

Following the devastation of Typhoon Hagibis at the end ofyoung, school-age girls. Since 2017, the Science Angels and2019, dozens more students joined SCRUM and Japanese

students from MIT have co-hosted a popular science-based

non-profit organization Gakuvo in Marumori-machi, to help

summer camp for elementary school children.

the town clear debris.
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In-coming:

Education and Exchange Programs

For degree seeking students, the Future Global Leadership(FGL) Program includes three undergraduate and 21 graduate
degree courses taught in English.
For shorter exchange opportunities, the Junior Year
Program in English (JYPE) and the Cooperative Laboratory

Tohoku University’s popular exchange programs attract hundreds of new students
each year from around the world. They also provide local Tohoku University
students with the chance to study abroad.

Study Program (COLABS) have research-oriented curriculathat allow students to explore topics in science. While theInternational Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA) offers subjects
like economics, literature and intercultural communication,
aimed at promoting the understanding of Japanese culture.
Participants in the Direct Enrollment Education Program
for the humanities and social sciences (DEEp-Bridge) takeJapanese language and co-learning classes alongside local
students.

Summer:Intellectual exchanges between professors and students, aswell as hands-on participation in local festivals and community

For a quick taste of student life in Sendai, summer is a great

events, are integral parts of the exchange experience.

time to visit.
The Tohoku University Engineering Summer Programs

Out-going:

feature two weeks of graduate-level classes taught byrenowned professors in the fields of robotics (TESP), electricaland electronic engineering (EEE), structural materials

There are myriad short-term and double degree options forengineering (SMEC) and bio-materials engineering (BMEC).

Japanese or domestic students keen to go abroad.

At the undergraduate level, there is the Tohoku University

These options include the popular Faculty-led Programs

Japanese Program (TUJP), where participants attend lectures(FL) which provide thematically-focused alternatives to the

on Japanese language, history, economy and the arts; and the

traditional language-driven Study Abroad Program (SAP). “TheTohoku University STEM Summer Program (TSSP) for a more

faculty members who lead these programs have a personalscience-based experience.

connection. They are either from that country or graduatesof the partner institutions and have contacts there withwhom they can co-design dynamic curricula,” says Kazuko
Suematsu, deputy director of the Global Learning Center(GLC). There are currently six countries in the FL series –Canada, China, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the U.S.

Tohoku University’s Alumni
Association – Home and Away

Mongolia
Japan
South
Korea

The Alumni Association provides members with theChinaopportunity to stay connected with Tohoku University.
In Japan, the Alumni Association hosts four main
events each year in the Kansai, Kanto and Kyushu
areas. There are also regional events run by local alumni

Vietnamgroups, as well as regular campus activities – such as
Thailand

Homecoming Day - that all alumni are welcome to attend.
For alumni who don’t live in Japan, the association
Africaalso has several overseas chapters.

Oceania

To learn more about joining a chapter or how to takeIndonesia

part in alumni activities, please contact the Shuyukai

North America

Alumni Association: alumni@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

EuropeCountries with Tohoku University alumni branches

Asia

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The Four Main Campuses
Tohoku University has four main campuses, each accessible by public
transportation and surrounded by nature. They provide the perfect environment
for research, learning and a fulfilling student life.

Aobayama Campus

Katahira Campus
Conveniently located downtown and an easy 15-minute walkCommunication are also located here, alongside the TOKYO

from Sendai Station, Katahira campus is home to the main

ELECTRON House of Creativity. The park on campus is also

administration building and the University Archives. World-

popular with local residents, especially during the cherryleading research institutes like the Advanced Institute forblossom season in the spring when many come to admire theMaterials Research and the Research Institute of Electricalbeautiful trees dotted around campus.

Aobayama is Tohoku University’s largest campus and,2017, and now includes University House Aobayama, thelike the city of Sendai itself, is a unique balance of urban

largest student housing complex to be built at a Japanese

infrastructure and magnificent nature. Easily accessible via

national university. There is also the Aobayama Ground, aAobayama Station on the Tozai subway line, Aobyama campus

sports facility equipped with a running track and a football

has an impressive array of research institutes, such as thefield; and the newest of the university’s three nursery schools

Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory for Agricultural Scienceoffering childcare services to students and staff. A Scienceand the International Research Institute of Disaster Science.

Park and a next-generation synchrotron radiation facility are

The campus has undergone significant expansion since

all also scheduled to be completed in the coming years.

Kawauchi Campus
Kawauchi campus is situated to the east of Sendai Stationand is served by the Tozai subway line. Tohoku University’s

Seiryo Campus

Main Library, the Graduate School of Arts and Letters, theKawauchi Hagi Hall auditorium, and the Education andStudents of the School of Medicine and School of Dentistry

Student Support Center can all be found on this campus.

study at this campus. Located nearby is the Tohoku University

Tohoku University’s undergraduates begin their academic

Hospital, which seeks to serve both the local community

journey here and the campus is lively with club activities andand residents throughout the region with superior healthcare

student festivities. The annual school festival, the biggest

and leading-edge medical technologies. The campus also

university festival in the Tohoku region, takes place every

boasts the Advanced Medical Care Center, the Institute ofautumn, usually as the campus trees are at their peak autumn

Development, Aging and Cancer, the Center for Basic Aging

foliage. The Miyagi Museum of Art, Sendai City Museum andResearch and the Seiryo Auditorium.

Sendai International Center are all within walking distance.
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Welcome to Sendai
The City of Trees

Tohoku University’s four main campuses are spread acrossthe cosmopolitan city of Sendai, the cultural, political andeconomic center of Japan’s Northeast (Tohoku) region.
Located some 300 kilometers - and a short 90-minutebullet train ride – from Japan’s capital, Tokyo, Sendai is acity of fascinating contradictions.
It’s a big, sophisticated metropolis with museums andarenas, trendy shops and cafes, and a home team in every
major professional sport. But it also has a small-city charm,easy friendliness and magnificent nature. In fact, for its
Zelkova-lined streets and rivers that flow downtown, Sendai
has the well-deserved nickname of Mori no Miyako, or theCity of Trees. Through four distinct seasons, the city enjoys
a temperate climate, with especially beautiful autumn colors
and snow-covered landscapes in the winter.
A day trip away from Sendai are many of the region’s otherfamous attractions, such as Matsushima Bay, known as one
of Japan’s three most scenic locations. For the more athletic,
nearby Mt. Zao is a popular ski and hot springs resort.
Sendai is home to a million people – many of whom are
students and academics. Anchored by Tohoku University, thecity boasts some of the best research facilities and institutes
in the world. With a vibrant and energetic population, thecity celebrates colourful events throughout the year, while
retaining many old traditions. The Aoba Street Festival, theSendai Tanabata Festival, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival
and the winter Starlight Pageant are some examples ofannual events that draw millions of visitors and participantsfrom all across the country and globe.
It’s a great place to live and an inspiring place to study.
Come join us!

19Editorial Adviser: Noriko Osumi
Editors: Melissa Heng, Nicholas Chapman, Tomoko Yokota
Editorial Coordinator: Osamu Shimizu (ACADEMIC GROOVE MOVEMENT)
Designer: Masami Furuta (opportune design Inc.)
Tohoku University Public Relations Office: 2-1-1 Katahira Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577© Tohoku University
https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/

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