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Hokkaido University

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Hokkaido University is a major public research institution located in Sapporo, Japan.

Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University

It serves as a center for high-level academic study and scientific discovery. The university is recognized for its deep roots in agricultural research and its connection to the natural world. It operates through a complex system of different academic departments. These departments allow students to specialize in many specific fields of study. Today, it is one of the most important universities in the country.

Hokkaido University Logo with Namestyle
Hokkaido University Logo with Namestyle

The university functions through a structured hierarchy of academic divisions. It currently maintains 12 undergraduate faculties for students seeking their first degrees. Additionally, there are 21 postgraduate schools for those pursuing advanced research. Students can study in various specialized departments such as Agriculture, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, or Veterinary Medicine. Some programs are even taught entirely in English to welcome international scholars. This structure allows the university to manage a massive amount of diverse knowledge.

Specialized programs offer unique paths for students to accelerate their learning. The Integrated Science Program (ISP) is one such example for international students. In this program, students study physics, chemistry, or biology. They begin with an intensive first semester covering mathematics and Japanese language. Through an accelerated methodology, these students can earn a master's degree in only five years. Another option is the Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP). This bilingual program focuses on the history, culture, and political economy of Japan.

The history of the institution began with the development of Hokkaido. In 1870, Kuroda Kiyotaka traveled to America to study their settlement models. He later brought General Horace Capron to Hokkaido to introduce new agricultural practices. This led to the founding of the Sapporo Agricultural College in 1876. William S. Clark, an American dean, helped establish the college with only 24 students. He is famous for the motto, "Boys, Be Ambitious." The college officially became Hokkaido University in 1918.

Hokkaido University clocktower
Hokkaido University clocktower

As the university grew, it added many new areas of study. The School of Medicine was established in 1919. This was followed by faculties for Engineering and Science. In 1947, the university adopted its current name. It also added the Faculty of Law and Literature that same year. In 2004, the university became a National University Corporation. This change gave the school more financial independence and autonomy. However, the Japanese Ministry of Education still maintains some control.

131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo Hokkaido Japan04bs
131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo Hokkaido Japan04bs

The university operates across two distinct geographical locations. The main Sapporo campus covers approximately 180 hectares in the city center. It features a 1.5 kilometer stretch of academic buildings and research labs. This campus is also a popular public space due to its green areas. Many people visit to see the golden ginkgo trees on Ginkgo Avenue.

Gingko Ave. in Fall
Gingko Ave. in Fall

The second campus is located in the city of Hakodate. This site is primarily used by the Faculty of Fishery Sciences. Students there use research vessels named the Oshoru Maru and the Ushio Maru.

131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo Hokkaido Japan07s3
131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo Hokkaido Japan07s3

Hokkaido University maintains a strong presence in the global academic community. It is a member of the University of the Arctic, a network of over 200 organizations. To reach more people, it operates eight satellite offices around the world. These offices are located in places like Seoul, Helsinki, and Beijing. These sites allow prospective students to take entrance exams outside of Japan. The university also participates in the Super Global Universities program. This program provides ¥420 million annually to top-tier universities. This funding helps the school aim for a place in the top 100 worldwide rankings.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Hokkaido University Logo with Namestyle.svg
Hokkaido University Logo with Namestyle.svg
File:Hokkaido University.jpg
Hokkaido University.jpg
File:Hokkaido University clocktower.jpg
Hokkaido University clocktower.jpg
File:Hokkaido-Univ-Furukawa-Hall-01.jpg
Hokkaido-Univ-Furukawa-Hall-01.jpg
File:Hokkaido-Univ-Museum-01.jpg
Hokkaido-Univ-Museum-01.jpg
File:131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo Hokkaido Japan04bs.jpg
131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo...
File:131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo Hokkaido Japan07s3.jpg
131103 Hokkaido University Sapporo...
File:Gingko Ave. in Fall.jpg
Gingko Ave. in Fall.jpg
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