International Christian University

In 1953, ICU was established as the first liberal arts college in Japan. Providing scholarship to nurture educated citizens in Japan was the slogan that led many to support donations in Japan and the U.S. This was the inception of an unprecedented four-year liberal arts college in Japan. Emphasis on liberal arts, with its interdisciplinary approach and instruction in small classes, has not changed since the founding days. The genesis of liberal arts colleges can be traced back to the 17th century in the U.S., where many first-tier institutions still uphold the tradition. Students gather from all over the world to expand their knowledge following the practice of later specialization, a standard feature at global institutions in the U.S.