Hōsei University

formerly known as Tokyo University of Law (東京法学社, Tokyo Hogakusha) is a top research university in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. Hosei University and four other private universities in Tokyo are collectively known as "MARCH".

The university is also a member of the Tokyo Big6 (東京六大学, Tokyo Roku Daigaku), which refers to six universities in Tokyo known for their historic rivalry in baseball. The Tokyo Big6 Baseball League was established in 1925. The league is known for players who go on to have careers in Japan's professional baseball leagues. Members are:
1. University of Tokyo (東京大学)
2. Keio University (慶應義塾大学)
3. Waseda University (早稲田大学)
4. Meiji University (明治大学)
5. Rikkyo University (立教大学)
6. Hosei University (法政大学)

Hosei University is a member of the Top Global University Project (Top Type), funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2014. This program supports universities aiming to enhance their global competitiveness and internationalization.

Overview

The university originated as a school of law, Tōkyō Hōgakusha (, i.e. Tokyo association of law), established in 1880, and the following year renamed Tōkyō Hōgakkō (, i.e. Tokyo school of law). This was from 1883 headed by Dr. Gustave Boissonade, and was heavily influenced by the French legal tradition. It merged in 1889 with a school of French studies, Tōkyō Futsugakkō (, i.e. Tokyo French school), that had been founded three years earlier. It adopted the name Hosei University (, ''Hōsei daigaku'', i.e. university of law and politics) in 1903 and gained university status in 1920.

History

Hosei University traces its roots to 1880 (Meiji 13), when Tokyo Hogakusha was founded in Surugadai, Tokyo, by Tetsu Kanamaru, Osamu Ito, and Masakuni Sattva. The institution emerged during Japan’s liberal civil rights movement and the establishment of a modern legal system, focusing on training legal professionals. Its guiding principle of “liberty and progress” was inspired by the influence of French law, introduced by Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar invited to Japan to draft key legal codes and train lawyers.

In 1881 (Meiji 14), after the government banned private law schools, Tokyo Hogakusha briefly closed, but the Koho Bureau split off and renamed itself the Tokyo Law School in 1883 (Meiji 16), with Boissonade serving as vice principal. In 1889 (Meiji 22), the school merged with the Tokyo French School, established in 1886 (Meiji 19) by the French Society, becoming the Franco-Japanese Law School. Its first principal, Rinsho Minosaku, translated the French Civil Code and introduced key legal terms such as “rights,” “duties,” and “civil rights.”

In 1899 (Meiji 32), under principal Kenjiro Ume, the school implemented significant reforms, launching advanced courses for continuing education, language programs in English, German, and French, and systems for independent study, auditing, and preferential enrollment. These reforms laid the foundation for the institution’s growth.

In 1903 (Meiji 36), the school was renamed Hosei University under the Senmon Gakko Ordinance, offering preparatory courses for daytime students, university and specialized courses for evening students, and a graduate school of advanced studies. The university expanded further under Ume’s leadership, embodying his philosophy of “open education.”

In 1920 (Taisho 9), Hosei University gained official status as a private university under the University Ordinance. It initially included the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Economics, along with preparatory and professional studies. The university relocated to its current campus in Fujimi-cho, Tokyo, in 1921 (Taisho 10). By 1922 (Taisho 11), the Faculty of Letters was added, including departments such as Philosophy and Literature, and the university transitioned from night classes to full-time day programs with a dedicated faculty structure.

Throughout the 20th century, Hosei University continued to grow, embracing the ideals of practical education and global engagement. Today, it is a comprehensive institution with 15 faculties, 13 graduate schools, a School of Correspondence Education, and professional graduate schools, preserving its founding principles of “liberty and progress.”

Faculty of Law and Faculty of Economics

Hosei University’s Faculty of Law and Faculty of Economics stand as pillars of the institution’s history and academic excellence, reflecting its founding principles of “liberty and progress.” The Faculty of Law traces its origins back to 1880, with the establishment of Tokyo Hogakusha, a school dedicated to training legal professionals during the transformative Meiji era. This period marked the modernization of Japan, including the adoption of Western legal systems, and the Faculty of Law played a key role in that movement. Influential in its early development was Dr. Gustave Emile Boissonade, a distinguished French legal scholar who served as a legal advisor to the Japanese government. Boissonade introduced the concepts of natural law and modern legal principles, profoundly shaping the university’s curriculum and inspiring generations of legal minds. Over the decades, the Faculty of Law has produced numerous influential judges, legal scholars, policymakers, and public officials, cementing its reputation as one of Japan’s leading legal education centers.

The Faculty of Economics, established in 1920, holds an equally prestigious position in Hosei University’s history. Created at a time when Japan’s economy was rapidly industrializing and modernizing, the faculty aimed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate and contribute to the nation’s economic transformation. It introduced progressive and interdisciplinary approaches to economics, combining rigorous academic study with practical applications. The faculty also became known for fostering critical thinking and a global perspective, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in business, finance, and government. Also, Hosei University still offers an economics program in English, which is called IGESS (Institute for Global Economics and Social Sciences). This English-based undergraduate program provides a global perspective with flexible enrollment options in April and September. It also offers opportunities for international exchange, preparing students for careers in business, policy, and academia. Over the years, the Faculty of Economics has contributed significantly to Japan’s economic development by producing business leaders, economists, and policymakers who have played key roles in shaping the country’s economy.

Together, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics form the historical and intellectual backbone of Hosei University. Their shared commitment to advancing knowledge and serving society reflects the university’s founding ideals, and they continue to attract students and scholars who aspire to make meaningful contributions to Japan and the wider world. These faculties not only symbolize Hosei’s rich legacy but also represent its ongoing pursuit of academic excellence and societal impact.

Campus

Hosei has three main campuses, which it calls Ichigaya, Koganei, and Tama. The Ichigaya campus is an urban campus halfway between Ichigaya and Iidabashi stations in central Tokyo; its 26-story Boissonade Tower, completed in 2000, can be seen from either station. The campus is located close to the Yasukuni Shrine. Natural sciences are studied at the Koganei campus to the west of Tokyo, and other subjects are split between Tama (located in Machida, which is near Hachiōji), and Ichigaya.

Facilities

Ichigaya

Undergraduate

* Faculty of Law (, ''Hōgakubu'')
* Faculty of Letters (, ''Bungakubu'')
* Faculty of Business Administration (, ''Keieigakubu'')
* Faculty of Intercultural Communication (, ''Kokusai-bunka-gakubu'')
* Faculty of Sustainability Studies (, ''Ningen-kankyō-gakubu'')
* Faculty of Lifelong Learning and Career Studies (, ''Kyaria-dezain-gakubu'')
* Faculty of Engineering and Design (, ''Dezain-kōgakubu'')
* Faculty of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS, , ''Gurōbaru-kyōyō-gakubu'') (from 2008)
* Sports Science Institute (SSI, , ''Supōtsu-saiensu-insutityūto'')

Graduate schools

* Graduate School of Humanities (, ''Jinbun-kagaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Economics (, ''Keizaigaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Law (, ''Hōgaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Politics (, ''Seijigaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Sociology (, ''Shakaigaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Business Administration (, ''Keieigaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Policy Sciences (, ''Seisaku-kagaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Environmental Management (, ''Kankyō-manejimento-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Intercultural Communication (, ''Kokusai-bunka-kenkyūka'')
* International Japan-Studies Institute (, ''Kokusai-nihongaku-insutityūto'')
* Law School (, ''Hōka-daigakuin'')
* Business School of Innovation Management (, ''Inobēshon-manejimento-kenkyūka'')

Tama

* Faculty of Economics (, ''Keizaigakubu'')
* Faculty of Social Sciences (, ''Shakaigakubu'')
* Faculty of Social Policy and Administration (, ''Gendai-fukushi-gakubu'')
* Graduate School of Social Well-Being Studies (, ''Ningen-shakai-kenkyūka'')

Koganei

* Faculty of Engineering (, ''Kōgakubu'') (being phased out)
* Faculty of Science and Engineering (, ''Rikōgakubu'') (from 2008)
* Faculty of Bioscience and Applied Chemistry (, ''Seimeikagakubu'') (from 2008)
* Faculty of Computer and Information Science (, ''Jōhōkagakubu'')
* Graduate School of Engineering (, ''Kōgaku-kenkyūka'')
* Graduate School of Computer and Information Science (, ''Jōhōkagaku-kenkyūka'')

Sports

Hosei University supports a vibrant sports culture with over 40 official sports clubs and teams, ranging from traditional sports like baseball, soccer, and kendo to modern activities like tennis, rugby, and basketball. The university actively promotes physical education and student participation in athletics, with many teams achieving national recognition and setting a high standard of excellence.

Baseball (Hosei University Baseball Team):
Hosei University’s baseball team is one of the most storied programs in Japanese collegiate sports. As a member of the prestigious Tokyo Big6 Baseball League, the team has claimed an impressive 47 league championships, a testament to its excellence and consistency. The team is renowned for its formidable pitching rotation, tactical prowess, and outstanding batting lineup. Many alumni have achieved stardom in professional baseball, with notable success in Nippon Professional Baseball ( NPB) and even Major League Baseball (MLB). The team’s achievements not only reflect their skill but also their enduring commitment to maintaining the highest standards of collegiate baseball.

American Football (Hosei Tomahawks):

Hosei University’s American football team, the Tomahawks, is a dominant force in Japanese collegiate football, competing in the Kanto Collegiate American Football Association (KCAFA). With a legacy of multiple league championships, the Tomahawks are celebrated for their strategic gameplay, disciplined training, and relentless determination on the field. Their reputation extends beyond the collegiate level, as several players have gone on to represent Japan in international competitions, solidifying the Tomahawks’ position as one of the top teams in the nation.

Olympic Medalist

Hosei University has a rich history of producing numerous Olympic athletes and medalists across various sports. Over the years, its athletes have competed in events such as baseball, athletics, and weightlifting, earning medals and representing Japan on the world stage.

One of the most notable achievements of Hosei’s sports program is the success of Kazuyasu Minobe, a graduate who won a gold medal in fencing (men’s epee team) at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His victory is a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering excellence in sports.

Notable Alumni

Academia

* Sadayoshi Fukuda, philosopher and critic''Hyōronka jinmei-jiten'' () / ''Japanese critics and commentators: A biographical dictionary'' (Tokyo: Nichigai Associates, 1990; ).

Politics

* Yoshihide Suga, the 99th Prime Minister of Japan
* Kazunori Tanaka, Diet representative, Minister of Reconstruction (2019-2020)
* Kosuke Ito, Diet representative
* Hideo Jinpu, Diet representative
* Yukio Jitsukawa, Diet representative
* Emi Kaneko, Diet representative
* Taku Yamamoto, Diet representative
* Yoshio Yatsu, Diet representative
* Shinpei Matsushita, Member of the House of Councillors
* Hiroko Uehara, former mayor of Kunitachi City

Athletes

* Yukihiro Doi, racing cyclist
* Takuya Honda, football player
* Kairi Hojo, professional wrestler
*Takayuki Mikami, karateka
* Kyohei Morita, rugby player
*Yuka Sato, figure skater
* Tadashi Wakabayashi, baseball player
* Nishida Hiroki, Volleyball Player

Arts and Entertainment

* Mizuhito Akiyama, author
* Chiho Aoshima, artist
* Mew Azama, model and actress
* Satoshi Dezaki, anime director
* Shu Fujisawa, author
*Tomoko Hoshino, actress
* Norihiro Inoue, actor
* Mitsuaki Iwagō, photographer
*Hiroh Kikai, photographer
*Shin Kishida, actor*
* Hiroto Kōmoto, singer*
*Aki Maeda, actress
* Masao Maruyama, film producer
* Michiko Matsumoto, photographer
* Katsuhito Nakazato, photographer
*Kinoko Nasu, author
*Kouhei Kadono, author
* Midori Sawato, film narrator
*Haruka Takachiho, author
*Yōsuke Yamahata, photographer*
* Shuichi Yoshida, novelist
*Yasumi Matsuno, video game creator*
*Shōgo Yano, voice actor

Other

* Kenji Goto, journalist and writer
* Masahiro Hara, engineer
* Hu Han Min, Chinese Kuomintang politician
*Yoshiko Miya, journalist

* dropped out before graduation

Notable Faculty

* Sadateru Arikawa
*Faubion Bowers
* Shu FujisawaProfile
at Hosei. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
*Sadayoshi Fukuda
* Kojin Karatani
* Shunji Karube
* Kiyozō Kazama
*Ume Kenjirō
* Ōmi Komaki
*Taro Kono
* Samezō Kuruma
*Ryokichi Minobe
* Shūmei Ōkawa
* Mitsukuri Rinsho
*Ishimoda Shō
* Fujisawa Shu
* Morita Sōhei
* Hiroshi Takahashi
*Jūji Tanabe
* Hyakken Uchida
* Tetsuro Watsuji
* Masahiro Hara

Partner universities

*
**Boston University
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**University of California, Davis
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**California State University, East Bay
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**Medaille College
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*
**Peking University
**School of Government, Peking University
**School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tsinghua University
**School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University
**University of Science and Technology of China
**Shanghai Jiao Tong University
**Wuhan University
**Xiamen University
**University of Science and Technology Beijing
**Beijing Normal University
**Capital Normal University
**Shanghai International Studies University
**Northeastern University (China)
**State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs
**Chongqing Normal University
**China Foreign Affairs University
**Xi'an Jiaotong University
**Beijing Jiaotong University
**Beijing Foreign Studies University
**Minzu University of China
** Beijing Center for Japanese Studies
** Shandong University of Finance and Economics
** Dalian Nationalities University
** Sichuan International Studies University
**Liaoning University, College of International Relations
**Fuzhou University
**Dalian University of Foreign Languages
**Software College of Jilin University
**Xidian University
** Huazhong University of Science & Technology
**School of Software, Central South University
*
**Indian Institute of Science
*
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** Institute of Technology Sepuluh Nopember
*
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*
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**Hoseo University
*
**Thammasat University
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**Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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*
**University of Algiers

*
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*
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**UCSI University
**Universiti Teknologi MARA
*
**Polytechnic University of Milan
**University Carlo Cattaneo
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**Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
**University of St. Gallen
**University of Zurich
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**University of Barcelona
**Institut Ramon Llull
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**Czech Technical University in Prague
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**Humboldt University of Berlin
**University of Oldenburg
**Leuphana University of Lüneburg
**Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University
**University of Bremen
**Stuttgart Technology University of Applied Sciences
*
**Corvinus University of Budapest
*
** Pantheon-Sorbonne University
**Jean Moulin University Lyon 3
**Catholic University of the West
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** Sciences Po Saint-Germain-en-Laye
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** University of Toulouse II – Le Mirail
*
**Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts
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**National University of La Plata
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**Universidad Anáhuac México Norte
**University of Guadalajara

References

External links

*
Official site

Official site

{{Authority control

Private universities and colleges in Japan
American football in Japan
Kantoh Collegiate American Football Association Top 8 university
Shinjuku
Chiyoda, Tokyo
Koganei, Tokyo
Machida, Tokyo
1880 establishments in Japan
Universities and colleges established in 1880
Universities and colleges in Tokyo