#Japan #education partnership #Nara #Taisyo University #Yakushiji Temple

Taisyo University Expands Horizons with New Satellite Campus

Taisyo University, under the leadership of President Chizumi Kamidate, has announced an exciting collaboration with Nara's Yakushiji Temple, headed by Chief Priest Asahide Kato. On May 29, 2025, an agreement will be officially signed to establish a satellite campus at the prestigious temple, marking a historic step towards integrating education, tradition, and cultural preservation.

A New Educational Hub

The Yakushiji Satellite Campus will focus primarily on subjects related to history, culture, Buddhism, local community, and cultural heritage. This initiative is especially pertinent as Taisyo University plans to introduce a new Faculty of Information Science (tentative name), aiming for a launch in April 2026.

Students will delve into research, preservation, and survey activities focused on cultural heritage, leveraging digital technology for archiving and utilizing cultural assets. The collaboration aims not only to improve students' educational experiences but also to develop joint research and educational programs in connection with Yakushiji.

Practical Learning Opportunities

One of the most significant benefits of this initiative is the unique practical learning experiences that students will gain. Leading up to this partnership, nine students from Taisyo University participated in the Shunie ceremony at Yakushiji Temple in March 2025. This event, deeply rooted in the temple's traditions since the Nara period, provided students with immersive learning experiences, including preparations for religious rituals and the grand goma fire rites.

Furthermore, during the 2025 academic year, the campus will host a special lecture titled, 'The Heart that Creates Oneself – Learning the Importance of Mind through Dialogue and the Teachings of Yogācāra,' presented by Taisyo University's guest professor, Tetsujō Ōtani, who also serves as the temple’s secretary-general. This course aims to enlighten not just students but also local residents about the significance of mental well-being in our modern lives.

Key Highlights

1. Establishment of the Yakushiji Satellite Campus: Taisyo University is opening a new educational facility at Yakushiji Temple, fostering an environment focused on Buddhist studies and cultural heritage.
2. Educational Partnership: The formal agreement signed on May 29, 2025, aims to promote joint educational and research activities between the university and the temple.
3. Special Lectures: The academic year will feature unique seminars led by renowned figures, emphasizing the importance of mental health and spiritual wisdom in contemporary society.

About Taisyo University

Founded on principles shared by four Buddhist sects, including Tendai, Shingon, Jodo, and Jishu, Taisyo University is a beacon of wisdom and compassion. Established in 1926, the university aims to nurture individuals who embody the bodhisattva way—dedicating themselves to personal growth while aspiring to contribute to the happiness of others. This is encapsulated in the university's educational vision which is rooted in the Buddhist values of compassion, self-lumination, middle path, and coexistence.

Academic Departments

Taisyo University offers various departments including:

• - Faculty of Buddhism
• - Faculty of Literature (Japanese Literature, Humanities, History)
• - Faculty of Human Studies (Human Sciences, Social Welfare)
• - Faculty of Clinical Psychology
• - Faculty of Expression (Cultural Expression, Media Expression)
• - Faculty of Community Development (Community Development, Public Policy)
• - Future Faculty of Information Science (tentative name, pending approval for establishment in April 2026)

About Yakushiji Temple

Founded in 680 AD by Emperor Tenmu, Yakushiji Temple stands as a prominent Buddhist temple in Nara, revered for housing the Yakushi Triad statue, which is designated as a National Treasure. The temple is also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage listings for the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, showcasing numerous national treasures and important cultural properties.

Regular events at the temple include the Yakushi En’nichi, Genshikyo En’nichi, and various annual ceremonies like Shusho-e, Shunie, and the Great Festival of Genjo Sanzo, making it a vibrant center of faith and culture.

Through this partnership, the integration of academic pursuits with the timeless wisdom offered at Yakushiji Temple holds the promise of enriching the educational landscape for generations to come.