Message from President
Our society is constantly changing. A change that initially felt like a gentle breeze may end up stirring a storm in our surroundings by the time we have realized the change. This phenomenon whereby tiny changes lead to massive transformations in the complex systems that govern society is called the butterfly effect.
Transposing the butterfly effect produced in society, which is a complex system of interconnections between people and between organizations, to the actions of humans, we may see that the future is being carved out by the proactive efforts of individuals in an unpredictable age. Many people are developing social, economic, and technological innovations, based on their own knowledge and experience. It is as if innumerable butterflies are flapping their wings.
To make the first move towards innovation, people need to have the courage to be decisive. This decisiveness is built on a capacity to make use of and hone each individual’s unique abilities, and to develop an accurate perception of what is happening in society. Wakayama University is the place where this capacity and ability can be cultivated.
Wakayama University is comprised of four faculties - the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Systems Engineering, and Faculty of Tourism. In other universities, there can be many departments within a faculty; however, at Wakayama University, each faculty has only a single department. This helps us to provide a comprehensive learning context that contributes to the solution of complex issues. Moreover, having all four faculties on one campus creates an environment that promotes interaction between students and teachers from different specializations, which is useful in providing a study experience that broadens our students’ perspectives.
17th President of WU
ITOH Chihiro
By Studying in this unique environment, students will cultivate a way of thinking that spans academic fields. Further, specialist abilities that capitalize on students’ individual characteristics are refined by means of specialist education and research, which we believe will provide the capacity to form new societal trends.
To all those who are just beginning to flap their wings to stir shifts in society, Wakayama University welcomes you.