#Japan #Tokyo #Taisho University #Information Science #Digital Culture

Approval for the New Department of Information Science

Taisho University, located in Toshima, Tokyo, has recently received the formal approval from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to establish a new Department of Information Science, which will open in April 2026. This will be the university's seventh department and its first science-oriented faculty since its foundation in 1926.

This new department responds to national initiatives aimed at fostering skilled human resources necessary for realizing the principles of Society 5.0, where the integration of advanced technologies into the economy, social life, and regional development is emphasized. Furthermore, the government is aiming to implement digital solutions in 1,500 municipalities across Japan by 2027, showcasing a significant shift towards leveraging digital technology for regional enhancements.

Overview of the Department of Information Science

The Department of Information Science will have two main courses: the Green Digital Information Course and the Digital Cultural Heritage Information Course. Students will not only acquire practical skills and specialized knowledge in information science but also cultivate a broad range of general education and a strong sense of ethics. Through collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds, students will develop comprehensive capabilities to design future societies and utilize information technology to resolve social issues, fostering innovative value creation.

Key Highlights

1. The Department of Information Science has been officially approved by the Minister of Education, marking a significant development in Taisho University's history.
2. This new department represents Taisho University's first foray into the science domain since it was established in 1926.
3. The program aims to nurture individuals equipped with the skills to tackle social challenges and create new values through information technologies.

Details of the New Department

• - Department Name: Department of Information Science
• - Courses Offered: Green Digital Information Course, Digital Cultural Heritage Information Course
• - Enrollment Capacity: 120 students (60 for Green Digital Information, 60 for Digital Cultural Heritage)
• - Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (Information Science)

Green Digital Information Course

Objective:
This course aims to leverage information technology for sustainable social development, emphasizing harmony with nature and community growth. Students will explore a variety of technological applications, such as smart agriculture and disaster prevention, that contribute to regional advancement.

Three Points of Focus:
1. The curriculum covers foundational knowledge such as programming, network security, and data analysis, as well as practical applications including IoT practices and AI technology.
2. Students can choose to delve into areas like urban planning harmonized with nature or tourism based on natural resources, catering to their interests.
3. Faculty with diverse backgrounds, including researchers in environmental studies and practitioners in international policy, will guide students in their educational journey.

Desired Graduate Profile:
The program aims to produce graduates capable of proposing and proposing systems that utilize information technology for the preservation of the environment and regional development.

Digital Cultural Heritage Information Course

Objective:
This course focuses on protecting valuable cultural assets and natural heritage while exploring how digital innovations can stimulate local economies and promote sustainable tourism. Students will gain insights into historical materials and natural heritage while learning methods to share their significance with wider audiences.

Three Points of Focus:
1. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering essential areas like programming, data analysis, and practical skills such as AI-assisted restoration of buildings and creating 3D models of cultural properties.
2. A VR theater is set to be established on campus in collaboration with TOPPAN Holdings, enhancing learning environments through partnerships with various enterprises, museums, and research institutions.
3. Graduates will emerge equipped to contribute to the protection and revitalization of cultural heritage and natural assets in their communities.

About Taisho University

Established by a collaboration of four Buddhist sects, Taisho University has been dedicated to the philosophy of practicing wisdom and compassion since its inception in 1926. With a commitment to nurturing individuals who live with a balance of self-improvement and dedication to the happiness of others, the university aspires to cultivate students who embody the values of compassion and coexistence throughout their lives. Further information can be found on the official website.

For those interested in the evolving field of information science and its implications for society, Taisho University’s new Department of Information Science promises to be an exciting new chapter in its academic offerings.