MGU: Bridging Cultures, Building Futures

Close to the bustling heart of Osaka, Japan, Momoyama Gakuin University (MGU) is making waves not just locally, but internationally. With around 7,000 students, including a growing international contingent, MGU offers an inviting blend of academic rigor, cultural immersion and community-focused initiatives. “We’re a university deeply rooted in the Kansai region but with strong global connections,” says President Mitsuhiko Nakano.

At the core of MGU’s mission is its commitment to social sciences, but the university is far from standing still. "We’re preparing to launch a new Faculty of Engineering in 2026,” reveals Mr. Nakano, emphasizing the institution’s focus on evolving alongside industry demands. As a medium-sized university, MGU prides itself on its ability to respond quickly to societal changes. This dynamic approach is bolstered by the university’s strong community involvement and Christian values.

MGU is part of the Anglican Church, which adds a unique layer to its ethos. “Our motto, ‘Fostering Citizens of the World,’ comes from our Anglican roots,” explains Mr. Nakano. “We emphasize service to society, both locally and globally.” By embracing these values, MGU sees itself as a bridge not just between its students and the world, but between different cultures and viewpoints, connecting people across divides.

MGU’s international outlook is clear in its growing roster of overseas partnerships: indeed, it now has alliances with 64 institutions worldwide. “We’re not just chasing numbers,” Mr. Nakano notes. “We focus on improving the quality of our partnerships.” The aim? To address global and local social challenges, with a focus on practical solutions.

With its roots in the Anglican Church, MGU's founding philosophy is ‘Fostering Citizens of the World’ in a Christian spirit

The attraction of MGU is that international students can experience various aspects of Japanese culture

Constantly updating its learning to meet the changing times, MGU is to open its Faculty of Humanistic Education in 2025

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MGU’s increasing popularity among international students is another sign of its global mindset. Offering a mix of courses in English and Japanese, the university works to provide students with an immersive experience of Japan—whether through learning the language, experiencing traditional activities like kimono-wearing, or sampling the classroom atmosphere in the country’s world-renowned elementary education system.

What’s more, MGU’s buddy system helps foreign students to navigate Japan’s unique cultural landscape, by pairing them with local students. “We make sure our international students feel at home from day one,” Mr. Nakano says.

“Next year, we’re opening a Faculty of Humanistic Education,” he continues. “We plan to give international students a chance to experience a Japanese elementary school. It can be difficult for foreigners to understand the finer aspects of Japanese culture, so this is a great opportunity for them.”

One of the most anticipated changes at MGU is the upcoming Faculty of Engineering. Mr. Nakano explains that this new faculty aims to tackle a critical need in the region—engineering talent to support public infrastructure. "Japan has a shortage of engineers, particularly in technical roles," Mr. Nakano says. "By establishing this faculty, we’re addressing both local and national problems."

MGU’s blend of local focus and global outlook is evident across its programs. Whether it’s helping to shape future engineers, nurturing entrepreneurial talent, or fostering cross-cultural understanding, MGU is a university with its sights set on the future.

For those looking for a medium-sized university with global ambitions, it can be said that Momoyama Gakuin University is the perfect choice. As Mr. Nakano puts it: "We offer students not just an education, but an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society.”