History

History of Musashi University

1921
Nezu Scholarship Society founded
1922
Musashi High School, the first seven-year high school in Japan and forerunner of Musashi University opened
1949
Musashi University (Faculty of Economics) in the postwar education system reforms Opening of Musashi Junior High School (April 1949) and Musashi Senior High School (April 1948) established
1951
The Nezu Scholarship Society reorganized into an educational foundation
1959
The Department of Management Studies in the Economics Faculty established
1969
The Faculty of Humanities
(Undergraduate Courses in Western Studies, Japanese Studies and Sociology)
The Master's Program in Economics established
1972
The Doctoral Program in Economics established
1973
Master's Programs in English Language and Literature, German Language and Literature, French Language and Literature, and Japanese Language and Literature established
1992
The Department of Finance in the Economics Faculty established
1995
The Master's Program in Sociology established
1997
Doctoral Programs in Western Studies, Japanese Studies and Sociology established
1998
The Faculty of Sociology, The Department of Comparative Culture in the Humanities Faculty established
1999
The Doctoral Program in Management and Finance established
2002
Musashi International Studies Center (ISC) established
2003
EAS Program established
2004
The Department of Socio-Media Studies in the Sociology Faculty established
2005
Study Abroad Preparation Courses started
2015
Parallel Degree Programme of University of London and Musashi University started
2017
Global Studies Courses and Global Data Science Courses started

Photo

  • Noted mathematician and former Musashi University president Kenjiro Shoda giving a Saturday lecture
    Noted mathematician and former Musashi University president Kenjiro Shoda giving a Saturday lecture
  • Seminar being given on campus
    Seminar being given on campus
  • Tree planting along the Susugi River during the University’s early days
    Tree planting along the Susugi River during the University’s early days
  • Construction of school building
    Construction of school building
  • New building 1 current campus
    Current campus (Building 1)

Musashi University Founder

Musashi University Founder
Musashi University Founder,
Kaichiro Nezu Sr.,
Known as the “Railway King”

Kaichiro Nezu Sr. (1860.1940), who founded the University’s predecessor, Musashi High School, was known as the “Railway King” for his involvement in building many of Japan’s railroads as president of the Tobu Railway Company. In addition, Nezu was instrumental in restructuring various Japanese companies. In line with his belief in giving back to society, Nezu was passionate about promoting education and culture.


Nezu’s opportunity to make a social contribution came in 1909 after joining the Honorary Commercial Commissioners of Japan to the United States of America led by Eiichi Shibusawa. Nezu adopted the doctrine of using business profits for social improvement after meeting John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Nezu was also known as an art lover and tea ceremony practitioner. Following his death, the Nezu Museum was established in Aoyama, Tokyo in accordance with his will to exhibit his personal art collection and promote Japanese art worldwide. The Nezu Museum was opened at his private residence, which features a spacious Japanese garden as well as a first-rate collection of Japanese and Asian art in a broad array of styles.