KITA Toshiro
Chair of the Board of Governors
Felix Baumgartner is the first - and remains the only - human being in history to have broken the sound barrier in freefall. On October 12, 2012, he ascended to the stratosphere by helium balloon and leapt from an altitude of 36,300 meters. His safe return to Earth marked not only a scientific milestone but a profound testament to the courage it takes to challenge the unknown, and the strength of will require to transcend the limits we place upon ourselves.
Since its founding in 1947, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies has remained steadfast in its founding principle: to contribute to world peace through language. Grounded in this ideal, we have committed ourselves to fostering individuals who, through the study of language and culture, build bridges across borders and play an active role in shaping a more inclusive and interconnected global society.
We believe that language is far more than a tool of communication. It is a vital lens through which we come to understand the values, histories, and lived experiences of others. Such understanding is the very foundation upon which true international harmony and lasting peace are built.
Today, we find ourselves in an era of dramatic transformation - driven by advances in artificial intelligence, shifting global economies, and the emergence of complex new challenges. In this time of uncertainty, it is precisely the spirit of multicultural coexistence and the capacity for independent thought and action - qualities nurtured at our university - that offer hope for a brighter and more resilient future.
Situated in Kyoto, a city where tradition and innovation exist in perfect harmony, we at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies are committed to academic freedom and to cultivating an environment where every student is empowered to realize their fullest potential. This university is more than just a place of learning - it is a gateway for students to move beyond the limits within themselves and to embark on their own journeys of personal growth, intellectual pursuit, and global engagement.
We warmly invite you to take your first bold step here - toward a future shaped by your own vision and guided by the values of empathy, understanding, and global citizenship. At Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, you will find unwavering support as you begin to walk the path you are meant to follow.
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