Yamanashi Gakuin University


Yamanashi Gakuin University is a university in Kōfu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Yamanashi Gakuin was founded in 1946. Today, it is a comprehensive educational institution that includes a kindergarten, elementary school, junior high and high school, junior college, university and graduate school. sits at the core of the whole institution, and aims to contribute to society by nurturing in students profound knowledge and creativity, a globalized perspective and deep understanding of and appreciation for Japanese culture.

Faculties and Departments

Yamanashi Gakuin University is well known for a long-distance intercollegiate relay race and has produced 42 Olympians in its nearly 70-year history. Ten athletes participated in the London 2012 Summer Olympics–one of whom earned a medal in three swimming events, the first-ever Japanese female swimmer to do so. In 2004, YGU received a special prize from the Japan Olympic Committee and in 2010 and 2013 a special award from Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in recognition of their excellence in world sports.

Notable alumni