Few institutions are blessed with a history and heritage like that of Gakushuin. Composed of the University, Women's College, Boys' Junior and Senior High School, Girls' Junior and Senior High School, Elementary School, and Kindergarten, Gakushuin has long been respected as the institution where members of the imperial family, including the present Emperor and Crown Prince, have pursued their studies. The history of Gakushuin dates back to March 1847, when Emperor Komei established an institution named Gakushuin in Kyoto, in order to educate the children of the nobility. Gakushuin remained in Kyoto through the Meiji Restoration when the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, formerly Edo. Following the relocation of the national capital, in October 1877 a ceremony inaugurating a new Gakushuin was held in Tokyo, attended by the Emperor Meiji and his Empress. Gakushuin's dedication to the education of women may be traced back to September 1885, and the founding of the Peeresses' School, which would later become the Girls' Division of Gakushuin. This Girls' Division later became an independent institution, Joshi Gakushuin (Gakushuin Girls' School), in September 1918. After the end of World War II, in April 1947, Gakushuin and Joshi Gakushuin merged to become a private educational institution no longer under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Imperial Household, and Gakushuin University was founded. Several years later in April 1950, the predecessor of Gakushuin Women's College, Gakushuin Women's Junior College Division, was founded as a part of Gakushuin University. Gakushuin Women's Junior College Division became independent of the university as Gakushuin Women's Junior College in April 1953 and continued to play a prominent role in women's higher education until the founding of the present tertiary, four-year Gakushuin Women's College in April 1998. Located in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, one of the world's largest and safest cities, Gakushuin Women's College is surrounded by all that life in a big city has to offer. From museums to concert halls, shrines, temples, and a vast, efficient public transportation system, Tokyo is a mix of the old and new, traditional and modern. Whether strolling down the streets of Asakusa, filled with the sights and sounds of ''old Tokyo,'' or walking amongst the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, there is a sense of vibrant life and excitement. The city itself is a classroom, where much may be learned about the culture, tradition, and history of Japan and its capital. While situated in central Tokyo, in close proximity to the bustling Shinjuku and Ikebukuro areas, the Gakushuin Women's College campus is a peaceful oasis set back from the clamor of the big city. Adorned by an iron gate dating back to 1877, which is designated as an Important National Cultural Asset, the main entrance opens onto a path lined by cherry trees that form a spectacular archway of blossoms in early April. Gakushuin Women's College offers all of the advantages of an urban campus, providing an ideal setting for the pursuit of higher learning. Administrative Officers NAGAI Kazuko President ABE Makoto Dean of the Faculty of Intercultural Studies TONEYAMA Masumi Director of the Library MATSUO Mieko Dean of Academic Affairs INUI Naohiko Dean of Student Affairs MASUDA Yoshiko Chair,Department of Japanese Studies SAKUMA Ushio Chair,Department of Intercultural Communication FARRIER, Glenn R Chair,Department of English Communication MOORE, Jean F Director of International Student Center IWASAKI Mitsuhiro Director of Language Education Center SHINAGAWA Akira Director of Environmental Education Center