2023

KOBE UNI V ERSIT Y

From the Past to the Future,
From Kobe to the World
Located in a vibrant international por t city
Nestled between the mountains and the sea
Kobe University draws upon over 120 years of histor y
To cultivate globally-minded, talented individuals
Bringing diverse people together from around the world
To create innovative, multidisciplinar y solutions
That will shape the future of our planet

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KOBE UNIVERSITY

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MISSIONMESSAGEFROM THE PRESIDENT

Kobe University, working in a spirit of integrity,
freedom, and cooperation in keeping with its open
and cosmopolitan culture and environs, aims toContributing to global society bycultivating new knowledge and people

contribute to the global community through thecreation of knowledge founded on universal values
and the fostering of rich understanding and strong
leadership skills.

Located in an international port city, Kobe University celebrated its 120th
anniversary in 2022. Since our establishment, we have continued to

VISION

provide education and conduct research in the spirit of integrity, freedom

Towards a global hub for the multidisciplinary
co-creation of research and education thatcultivates profound knowledge and outstanding
innovators.

open research environment, which is based on mutual cooperation

Kobe University is developing into a global hub toaims are to strengthen collaborations between industry, government andmeet the needs of a post-pandemic, knowledge-based

academia for the mutual development of Kobe University and society;and cooperation, honoring our ideal of fostering ‘harmony between theory
and reality’. As a comprehensive research university with ten faculties
and fifteen graduate schools, Kobe University’s great strength lies in its
between the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and life sciences.
The collaborations produced from this synergy promote multidisciplinary
co-creative research. It is our main mission to contribute to society throughthe results of such world-leading, outstanding research. Therefore, ourbecoming a ‘global hub for the multidisciplinary co-creation of research

digital society. To achieve this aim, we are cultivatingand education that cultivates profound knowledge and outstanding

invaluable human resources who can resolve

innovators’.

current and future societal issues; bringing about
innovation through the creation of new knowledge

Kobe University is currently focusing on a management growth strategy

and values. We harness this intellectual andmodel in which knowledge, human resources, and funds are virtuously

creative strength to pursue the truth through ourfundamental research, as well as working together
with local communities on applied research.

Kobe University President

FUJISAWA Masato

circulated between the university and society. An important part of this isthe "Digital Bio & Life Science Research Park” initiative. Centered on theSocial System Innovation Research Base, which aims to solve social
problems and contribute to society, this initiative will strengthen mutual
collaboration between the following bases that embody the university’s
strengths: the Bioproduction Research Base, Advanced Membrane
Research Base, Medical Engineering Research Base, and the Health andLongevity Research Base. In addition, we are continuing to collaborate
and co-create with society in order to cultivate and implement new
knowledge.
Humankind is currently facing a variety of global issues including problems
related to the environment, poverty, human rights, peace, health and welfare.
Universities must strive to cultivate comprehensive knowledge andstrengthen their social implementation abilities in order to resolve theseissues.
To maintain our global standing, we will cultivate new outstandingknowledge and people to establish Kobe University as a global center for
multidisciplinary research and education, while making every effort toachieve sustainable growth and development. I hope that this brochure
will give people overseas an insight into Kobe University’s vision andactivities, bringing about new connections to realize a better world for all.

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KOBE UNIVERSITY

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OUR GROWTH STRATEGY

Digital Bio & Life Science Research Park Initiative
Kobe University’s growth strategy model, the ‘Digital Bio & Life Science Research Park Initiative’, is a vital concept
for achieving our ideal of mutual, synergistic growth between university and society. Consisting of 5 cutting-edge
research bases, the initiative aims to find multidisciplinary solutions to global issues that cannot be solved by aEnhancing mutual development between university and society

single research field, creating overall synergies through collaborations among Japan's top-class research centers, andadvancing the development of future flagships.

A virtuous cycle of knowledge, human resources and funds flowing between the university and society is vital forsustaining Kobe University’s growth as a global hub for multidisciplinary co-creation. Conducting research that has highsocial and economic value not only raises stakeholders’ trust in our institution but also increases research revenue. This
revenue in turn will bolster Kobe University’s outstanding education and research capabilities, contributing towards theeducation of talented future generations who will shape tomorrow’s world.

Bioproduction Research Base

Medical Engineering Research Base

A cutting-edge platform centered on a fusion of bio×digitaltechnologies. Building upon Kobe University’s extensive
achievements in advanced biotechnology and our strong
collaborative relationships with related organizations, thisnew platform will drive the bioeconomy. It will promoteindustry-academia-government R&D collaborations tobring about innovation, implementing various Kobe
University-developed technologies for bioproducing useful
substances.

This research base will seamlessly integrate theresults of interdisciplinary research in medical
engineering to develop globally competitive advanced
medical devices, covering all stages of developmentfrom needs identification, solution conceptualizationand validation, to commercialization strategies. Thebase will also foster human resources who cancontribute toward these developments.

Social System Innovation Research Base
To solve the myriad issues facing society, it is necessary tobring innovation to the social system itself so that scientificand technological solutions to these issues will be accepted.
We can view society as having 3 layers: 1. Social systems, 2.
Markets and organizations and 3. Technology, environmentand resources. We will utilize the following 2 pillars; businessplatforms and public policy/welfare to bridge the gaps
between these layers, to establish a world-class researchbase of social system innovation.

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KOBE UNIVERSITY

Japan’s first and only advanced research center specializing
in membrane engineering will promote multidisciplinary
R&D on innovative membrane technologies, contributing to
the establishment and application of fundamental membranescience. It aims to become an internationally-renowned
center for membrane engineering research; solving global
environmental and energy issues and speeding up the
adoption of carbon neutral technologies.

Based on the University’s wide-ranging outlook and accumulated
expertise on health and aging, this base seeks to enhance
the well-being of society as a whole through cooperative
efforts that harness the distinctive strengths of industry,
government, academia and citizens. With its "well-being
cross-disciplinary co-creation model", it aims to become aworld-class center for promoting well-being that will leadthe transition towards a more sustainable society.

Advanced Membrane Research Base

Health and Longevity Research Base06

HISTORY
A Comprehensive National University with Over 120 Years of Tradition

1902

Kobe Higher Commercial School
Established as the second government-run higher commercial school in Japan. This was the starting point
for the founding of Kobe University.
This is the origin of Kobe University's Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, and School of Business Administration.

1949

Kobe University
Kobe University was established encompassing seven former government-run institutions of higher

Kobe University has a long history spanning over 120 years. Its roots can be traced back to the Kobe Higher

education. Initially, the university started with the six faculties below.

Commercial School that was established in 1902. It became known as Kobe University in 1949 when seveninstitutions were combined into one university with 6 faculties. Nowadays, Kobe University has 10 faculties and1949 Faculty of Literature and Science

15 graduate schools covering a diverse range of academic fields.

Faculty of Education

1954 Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Science
1992 Faculty of Human Development

Faculty of Law
Faculty of Economics
School of Business Administration
Faculty of Engineering

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KOBE UNIVERSITY

1964

School of Medicine

1966

Faculty of Agriculture

1967

University Hospital

1992

Faculty of Intercultural Studies

1994

Faculty of Health Sciences in the School of Medicine

1995

Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies

2003

Faculty of Maritime Sciences

2010

Graduate School of System Informatics

2016

Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation

2022

120th Anniversary

Faculty

Faculty of Letters
Faculty of Global Human Sciences
Faculty of Law

Graduate
SchoolGraduate School of Humanities
Graduate School of Intercultural Studies
Graduate School of Human Development and Environment
Graduate School of Law
Graduate School of Economics
Graduate School of Business Administration
Graduate School of Science
Graduate School of Medicine

2017
Faculty of
Global Human Sciences

2021 Faculty of Oceanology

Faculty of Economics
School of Business Administration
Faculty of Science

School of Medicine
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Agriculture

Faculty of Oceanology

Graduate School of Health Sciences
Graduate School of Engineering
Graduate School of System Informatics
Graduate School of Agricultural Science
Graduate School of Maritime Sciences
Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies
Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation

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RESEARCH
Innovating for the future
As a growing hub of world-class knowledge and expertise, Kobe University provides an outstanding research environment

Stress due to adverse and demanding conditions, as well as aging, have devastating

We have been developing nanomaterials with novel optical functions andthat facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration across all fields, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences andimpacts on mental and physical functions. We aim to elucidate the biological basis

related nanodevices, and exploring their applications in electronics, photonics,

underlying stress-induced mental and physical alterations, the aging of brain

photochemistry and biophotonics. We conduct experimental studies on thefunctions, and resilience to stress and aging. This will enable us to develop innovative
therapeutic drugs for mental and physical illnesses such as depression.

developed nanomaterials using cutting-edge lab facilities including optical
micro-spectroscopy, electrical measurements and electron microscopy.

biomedical sciences.
We strive to address the challenges facing the world today, including natural disasters, climate change, water shortages,
environmental issues and diseases. Though our varied initiatives and focused research collaborations, we are creating andimplementing new technologies and values that will contribute towards a more sustainable and advanced future for humanity.

In 2022, together with my colleagues, I co-founded the Kobe Institute for AtmosphericStudies（KOIAS）, which aims to establish and to develop Atmospheric Studies as a
new interdisciplinary field. Our research projects span a broad cross-cultural
spectrum, exploring various atmospheric phenomena, which include twoconcepts that I am interested in: Geist（in German）and ki（in Japanese）.

Prof. FURUYASHIKI Tomoyuki

Epigenetic regulation refers to changes in gene expression that are not determined by
the DNA sequence. We are investigating the relationship between epigenetics andgene expression, particularly how epigenetics are related to agricultural traits
such as heterosis, vernalization, and stress response（including defensive and salt
stress responses in cruciferous vegetables）.

Graduate School of Engineering

Associate Prof.

SUGIMOTO Hiroshi

I conduct research on the meteorological aspects of offshore wind development. I
have been recently involved in national projects such as creating an offshore
wind resource map of the Japanese coast（NeoWins）and establishing offshore
wind observation methods that use remote sensing technologies （e.g.,
Scanning LiDAR, Floating LiDAR）.

Graduate School of Humanities

Graduate School of Business Administration

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Graduate School of Maritime Sciences

Associate Prof. HISAYAMA Yuho

Prof. ZENNYO Yusuke

Associate Prof. FUJIMOTO Ryo

Prof. OHSAWA Teruo

A variety of organisms live on Earth, interacting with each other. Their
ecology enables us to better understand the world around us. Focusing onplant-animal-microorganism interactions, we study the causes and consequencesof sexual differences within ecological communities consisting of many
species.

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My research interests include platform businesses employed by major
high-tech companies such as Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Uber,and Airbnb. I am engaged in platform research from a wide range of perspectives,
including marketing strategies for profit maximization and competition policies tocreate a better society.

Graduate School of Medicine

The Orthopaedic department focuses on basic research, especially on
regenerative medicine to repair bone and cartilage using vascular stem cells or
adipose-derived stem cells. We have also been conducting clinical researchtargeting sports medicine and joint regeneration, using new technology such as
robotic surgery and novel instruments.

I am making next-generation hazard maps using supercomputers and digital transformationengineering. By having supercomputers calculate numerous hazard scenarios, we
can obtain a better understanding of the probability of damage to urban structures.
However, it is challenging to build a digital twin of city because of their complexity. The
key technologies required to achieve this are data processing and integration.

Solar-driven photocatalysis for the production of renewable energy, especiallyhydrogen gas, or high-value-added chemicals is one of the most promising
ways to achieve sustainable development and a circular economy. I have been
applying this technology to tackle global energy and waste issues.

Graduate School of Science

Graduate School of Medicine

Research Center for Urban Safety and Security

Molecular Photoscience Research Center

Associate Prof. TSUJI Kaoru

Prof. KURODA Ryosuke

Prof. OISHI Satoru

Prof. TACHIKAWA Takashi

KOBE UNIVERSITY

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EDUCATIONDiverse programs to suit the varied needs of international students
Kobe University offers a wide variety of programs, including degree programs provided in English, short-term language
programs, and Japanese cultural studies programs.
In addition to Japanese language education, we also provide comprehensive support to enable international students to get themost out of their studies and research, including advice on student life and studying, job placement support, and community
exchange activities.

Learn more

English Courses
The graduate schools listed below offer programs conductedentirely in English, enabling students to acquire a full Masters
or PhD qualification in Japan without the need for advanced
Japanese language abilities.
Law（Master）
Business Administration（Master/PhD）● Economics（Master）● International Cooperation Studies（Master/ PhD）
● Science（Master）● Agricultural Science（Master/ PhD）
● Medicine（PhD）● Health Science（Master/PhD）●●

Learn more

Japanese Classes
Kobe University offers Japanese language and Japanesestudies courses for international students to suit various
levels of language ability and study aims. Students canchoose classes that meet their needs, from the three typesof classes listed below.
Integrated Japanese Language Classes（Elementary〜Superior）
Japanese Language and Japanese Studies Classes（Advanced）● Intensive Japanese Language Course（Elementary〜Intermediate）●●

A

Short-term
Japanese Language &Culture Programs

Learn more

Kobe University also offers short-term programs on Japanese
language and culture for students studying Japanese
overseas, including those studying in non-partner universities.
These programs consist of Japanese classes and Area Studies
classes designed to explore Kobe and neighboring areas.

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KOBE UNIVERSITY

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INTERNATIONAL
Global Partnerships
Kobe University has a long history and rich traditions borne

At present, Kobe University has active academic partnerships

to create new academic values and contribute towards thefrom its location in the scenic cosmopolitan port city of Kobe.

covering research and education with 370 institutions in 64

comprehensive and sustainable development of society. In addition

Kobe has served as a gateway to Japan since the opening of its

countries and regions across the globe. To further strengthen

to providing high quality education to our international students, weport to the world in 1868, providing fertile ground for global

these valuable cooperative relationships, we have establishedalso offer career support through our overseas alumni andnetworks to flourish. Consequently, Kobe University has

8 overseas offices centred on our 3 main strategic bases in

graduate networks; cultivating practical, global-minded individuals

produced many graduates who have respect for diverse values,

Brussels（the capital of the European Union, Belgium）, Beijinga deep understanding of different cultures and outstanding, and Seattle（USA）respectively.
（China）

communication skills.

Through international collaboration, Kobe University strives

who can contribute to the international community.
More about
global partnerships

KU-Alumni

Kobe University
Brussels European Centre（KUBEC）est.2010

In the build-up to Kobe University’s 120th anniversary

Kobe University
Liaison Office in Seattle
est.2020（KULOS）

EUROPE

organization connecting all the people who make up the

Kobe University
Beijing Office in China（KUBOC）est.2008

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Kobe University ‘Family’: including graduates, current
students, university faculty and staff（including former
employees）, as well as members of students’ families.

International Students 194

NORTH AMERICAMIDDLE EASTin 2022, we established ‘KU-Alumni’, an all-campus

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ASIA

From now on, all of Kobe University’s research, education,

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international exchanges and social contribution activities
will be supported under the inclusive ‘One Kobe Family’

International Students 14

168

umbrella. By maintaining and strengthening our support
for each alumni association, and promoting mutual
exchange and study between our members in Japan andInternational Students 1069

abroad, we aim to build a global community that transcends
generations and borders.

International Students 12

AFRICA

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International Students 37

OCEANIA10

SOUTH AMERICA

7

International Students 24

International Students 3

Overseas Offices ・
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Kobe University International Alumni Associations ・・・ 15＝ Overseas Offices＝ KU-Alumni Overseas Branches

International Students ・
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・ 1353＝ Kobe University International Alumni Associations（249 Undergraduates, 1104 Graduates）（As of November 1, 2022）

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KOBE UNIVERSITY

Partner Institutions ・
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AT A GLANCE

Ranked15th

Research
Ranked5th

National University
Admissions
Criteria

Students

15,869Research Centers

4,444International
Students

1,229

As of May 1, 2022

Papers stored on
Web of Science

Teaching staff 1,658

4,145

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11,425

Graduate
Students

International Co-authoredPapers on Web of Science

Faculty and Staff

Faculties

Undergraduate
Students

Administrative Staff（including technical staff and nurses） 2,487
International faculty and staff 92
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 9.6 : 1

Graduate Schools

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15

5,691
9,619

Joint Research &Commissioned Research

Papers in the Top 10%
on Web of Science（2016-2020）（2016-2020）（2016-2020）
3,159（33%）

941（2016-2020）

4 main campuses
1,190,334 ㎡

Academic Calendar

and other locations

2 Semesters, 4 Quarters
Spring（Apr.-Sep.）, Fall（Oct.-Mar.）

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KOBE UNIVERSITY

University
start-upcompanies

41

As of May 1, 2022

Libraries

9

Books

3,782,627

FinanceCampusHigh-Impact Papers
from Japaneseinstitutions

RankedRankings

Total Asset 208 billion JPY

QS World University Rankings 2023

Total Expenditure 81 billion JPY▶

Total Revenue 84 billion JPY
External Fund 18 billion JPY

International
Partner Institutions 370

7th

No. of Books
held by National
Universities

13th in Japan

363th in the WorldTHE Japan University Rankings 2022▶

14th

THE Impact Rankings 2022▶

3rd in Japan
101-200th in the World

Overseas Offices 8

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ABOUT KOBE

A cultured international port city combining convenience withstunning nature
Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, located in the western part ofJapan’s main island of Honshu. Sandwiched between the Rokko mountain
range to the north and the Inland Sea to the south, the city is blessed witha mild climate averaging 17.1°C（62.8F）with four seasonal changes. It has
a population of over 1.5 million including over 51,000 foreign residents fromall over the world.
Accessible by land, air and sea, Kobe is a hub for other domestic andinternational destinations: Kyoto, Himeji, Osaka and Nara are all withineasy reach, and Tokyo is a short bullet train or plane ride away.
Kobe University’s four campuses and accommodation are all easily
accessed from the city center of Sannomiya by bus and train.

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-Gai“Perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea,
Kobe is one of Japan’s most attractive
and cosmopolitan cities.”– Lonely Planet

Culture and Attractions

Chinatown
Rokko Mountain

Kobe beef

Night View

Ever since Japan was opened to the world, Kobe has been a cosmopolitan
port city where people, goods, and information from around the globe arein constant motion. The area is now home to a rich blend of Japanesetradition and international influences. In the city center you can find Ikuta
Shrine, founded in the third century AD, with historical foreign residences
and Japan’s oldest mosque just a short walk away. On the other side of themountain range lies Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Kobe’s history of cultural exchange has contributed to its diverse arts
scene: it is the birthplace of Japanese jazz, and in 2008 Kobe joined
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Design. The city’s cuisine also
shows culinary influence from around the world. As well as the renowned
Kobe beef and traditional Japanese sake breweries, Kobe is also
well-known for its bustling Chinatown near the Port of Kobe, numerous
bakeries and European-inspired sweets.
Located between the mountains and the sea, Kobe is an ideal location to
explore Japan’s natural surroundings. Hiking trails and cable cars from thecity provide transport to the peaks of the Rokko Mountains, the best place toexperience Kobe’s famous night views. A few kilometers west from the Portof Kobe the beaches of Suma and Maiko are popular for watersports.

Industry and innovation

Arima Onsen hot spring
How to access
Kobe University

Ikuta Shrine

56 min.

Location

Japanese sake
HIMEJI

37min.

※ Travel times when using
Japan Rail17

KOBE UNIVERSITY

KOBE

KYOTO

Shinkansen

25 min.

164 min.

OSAKA

TOKYO

Traditionally home to heavy industries such as shipbuilding, iron and steel,
Kobe and the surrounding area suffered heavy damage from the Great
Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. In the following years, Kobe’s citizens
rebuilt the city into a hub for business and industry with support frompeople throughout Japan and the world. Nowadays, Kobe provides anattractive environment for the development of key forward-thinking
innovations with strategic focus on the IT, airspace, medical and newenergy industries.
At the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster on Port Island, around 380
research institutes, corporations and universities are working together todevelop state-of-the-art medical technology and research into integrated
medical-related industries. The Cluster is home to the new supercomputer
Fugaku, which was named the fastest in the world in 2020. From 2021,
access to Fugaku has been granted to different industries and research
institutes across a range of fields. Kobe University researchers also enjoy
the privilege of access to this cutting-edge supercomputer.
Kobe has a high concentration of foreign-affiliated companies andinternational organizations: branches of the World Health Organization and
the Japan International Cooperation Agency are both based in the center.
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1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501,JAPANhttps://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en©Kobe University, All Rights Reserved.