The International College for Postgraduate Buddhist Studies has been established in order to train Buddhist scholars able to operate in the international arena.

Japanese Buddhism has always been international in its character. Since its very beginnings, it has constantly sought after new doctrines and practices from abroad, while also developing its unique characteristics as it took root in this country. In this sense, the very history of Buddhism in Japan can be said to be international.

Japan has a unique position in the field of Buddhist studies. Alongside its long history of traditional doctrinal studies which has continued uninterrupted until our days, Japan has produced an immense quantity of accurate philological research. Since Meiji Period, the introduction of Western research on Buddhism as well as the academic exchanges between Japanese and foreign scholars has contributed to new standards of quality and excellence in this field.

Fully aware of this historical background, our college is determined to bring its
contribution to the progress of Buddhist studies.

We live in a world in which modern civilisation has spread to all corners of our planet and the extreme specialisation of scientific knowledge as well as diversification of human activity has triggered an information explosion. Paradoxically, this has made us forget to search for the fundamental question of mankind: ‘How should human beings live their lives?’. Bioethics and environmental issues illustrate this impasse of humankind.

In order to answer the problems confronting our age, our students are given the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of other religions, too, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, etc. We thus endeavour to educate specialists who will be also able to deal with religious problems in the international arena.