Shigeo KODAMA
President of Shiraume Gakuen University & College

Renewing childhood studies from the perspective of posthumanism and pioneering the cutting edge of the times

We, Shiraume Gakuen University & College, have a history of nearly 100 years, dating back to its predecessor, and to this day, we have upheld humanism as founding principle, and have produced many talented people and leaders in the fields of childcare, education, and welfare, securing a prominent position. Based on this history, our university & college, as a coeducational university & college, continue to have an influence on the childcare, education, and welfare industries, maintaining a high employment record to this day.

Today, both in Japan and around the world, our safety is threatened by the destruction of the natural environment, repeated wars, disasters, pandemics, etc. It is precisely at this time that the humanism our university and college uphold, which values both people and nature, is more important than ever.

Based on these achievements, the underlying theme of the reforms currently being undertaken by our university & college is an innovative approach to updating the humanism that has formed our founding principle from the perspective of posthumanism, which does not remain confined to human-centered values, but rather sees us as part of nature and acting together with nature to shape commons. From this point of view, we want to create rich inquiry and learning that question the "taken for granted" in the world.

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has shown an interest in our research and education, and we look forward to your continued support and encouragement.

Shiraume Gakuen University & College, President

School History

Shiraume Gakuen College continued education since 1942 when the predecessor and a part of the Social Education Society, Tokyo Katei Gakuen was founded in the present Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.

Activities in University & College

Target-focused curriculum

The goal of our curriculum is to learn childcare, pedagogy, psychology or welfare, to develop specialized knowledge and skills in each field, and to attain necessary education and foster rich humanity to be a member of society.

University-4-year’s learning

The compulsory “General Education Program” in all 3 divisions offers various classes including the study of humanism such as Modern Humanism and Labor and Human Rights. The aim of general education program is to acquire basic skills to continue further learning at the university and to accomplish with broad knowledge on human, society, nature, culture and different perspectives.

The “Baccalaureate Degree Program” added a new subject for all students in the department in 2014- Core Child Studies. Basic classes for specialized fields including modern child studies, early childhood care and education, pedagogy, psychology and welfare and specialized small group workshops are also available. Leaning subjects specialized in each division in depth along with these options allows for pursuing higher level of specialized knowledge and skills.

College-2-year’s substantial learning

Our college offers 2 courses for students to acquire skills for on-site child education and welfare specialists in the future. In the general education course, students will increase general knowledge through learning in the humanism class which teaches our principle, the spirit of humanism as well as learning various subjects including literature, history and natural science and enrich their own humanity and understanding of the world.

In the “specialized education course”, students are able to learn both theoretically and practically to become professional child education and welfare specialists. They will master child education and welfare theories related to needs of today’s society and acquire practical skills through many exercises and hands-on practice. They will participate in a small group tutorials at the end of their first year to conduct their own research for the topic they have chosen.