Message from the President
Nagano University envisions the future of the region and continues to evolve
It has been seven years since Nagano University became a public university. The university operates under the medium-term goals and plans agreed upon with Ueda City, which serves as its founding body. Our mission is to nurture future leaders and establish ourselves as a hub of knowledge in the local community, particularly centered around Ueda City, contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
Nagano University is comprised of three faculties—the Faculty of Social Welfare, the Faculty of Environmental Tourism, and the Faculty of Business Informatics—as well as the Graduate School of Comprehensive Welfare Studies. We have produced talented individuals who excel in areas such as social welfare, urban development, tourism, and regional industries. In addition, we have actively contributed to the local community, leveraging the unique strengths of the university.
Looking ahead, in response to the growing need for professionals skilled in digital transformation (DX) and to meet the demand for the integration of information technology into corporate management in manufacturing industries, we are planning to establish the new Faculty of Environmental Information Science (tentative name), as outlined in our medium-term plan. Additionally, we plan to create the Faculty of Regional Management (tentative name) by merging the existing Faculty of Environmental Tourism and Faculty of Business Informatics to foster the creation of new regional value. Both faculties are scheduled to open in April 2026, and preparations are underway, including the construction of a new six-story building.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Social Welfare is currently forming a task force to explore future plans for adapting the faculty to address the challenges of a declining birthrate and aging population.
In this way, Nagano University is set to transform into a new, forward-looking institution in the next two to three years, aligned with its public university status. We are committed to becoming a university that is even more beloved by the local community, and we greatly appreciate your continued support.
President, Nagano University
University Overview
| Location | 658-1 Shimonogo, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, 386-1298 Nearest Station: Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line, "Daigaku-mae" Station |
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| TEL・FAX | TEL：0268-39-0001 (Main Line) FAX：0268-39-0002 |
| President | Junichi Kobayashi |
| Faculty and Staff | 1 President, 3 Vice Presidents, 1 Special Advisor to the President, 34 Professors, 21 Associate Professors, 2 Assistant Professors, 43 Full-time Administrative Staff |
| Current Students |
Undergraduate Students: 1,453 Faculty of Social Welfare: 634 |
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Graduate Students: 28 Social Welfare Major (Doctoral Program - First Phase): 11 |
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| Alumni |
Undergraduate Alumni: 15,569 Number of Graduates in 2023: 342 |
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Graduate Alumni: 7 Number of Graduates in 2023: 4 |
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| History |
February 1966: Establishment of Honshu University as a school corporation. April 1974: Renamed the school corporation to Nagano Gakuen and the university to Nagano University, reorganized into the Faculty of Industrial and Social Studies. April 1988: Established the Department of Industrial Information Studies. April 2002: Established the Department of Social Welfare within the Faculty of Social Welfare. April 2007: Established the Department of Environmental Tourism within the Faculty of Environmental Tourism and the Department of Business Informatics within the Faculty of Business Informatics. April 2009: Changed the enrollment capacity for the Department of Social Welfare to 150 students and the enrollment capacities for the Faculties of Environmental Tourism and Business Informatics to 75 students each. April 2017: Established Nagano University as a public university corporation, with the university's founding body changing to the City of Ueda. Dissolved Nagano Gakuen as a school corporation. April 2019: Established the Preparatory Office for the Chikuma River Basin Environmental and Fisheries Research Institute (tentative name) in Komaki, Ueda City. April 2021: Established the Graduate School of Comprehensive Welfare Studies at Nagano University. August 2021: Acquired the land and buildings for the Freshwater Biology Research Institute in Komaki, Ueda City. |
(As of May 1, 2024)
Nagano University Vision
In April 2017, Nagano University established the "Nagano University Vision" to set new goals as a public university. This vision aims to create a "Highly Creative Design Society" that envisions and shapes the future of the region.
Under this vision, in the historically rich and progressive region of Ueda, Shinshu—which has been connected to the world since ancient times—Nagano University aims to design and create education and research that harnesses the resources of the region's rich natural environment and diverse people, while connecting globally. We strive to become a "hub of knowledge" for the region, where young professionals with practical skills can thrive.
Cultivating Local Talent to Shape the Future
Nagano University aims to nurture individuals who learn from the rich natural environment of Ueda in Shinshu and its deep history, as well as from its diverse and forward-thinking people. We strive to develop individuals who possess high levels of education and character, are capable of leadership in society, and have the expertise, problem-solving abilities, practical skills, and adaptability needed to address social challenges.
To achieve this, we offer education based on the university's vision, utilizing the diverse and robust teaching capabilities of our faculty and staff, and collaborating with the local community as our field of learning.
Grand Design
- We aim to cultivate energetic and creative individuals who, by learning from the region's natural, historical, and cultural resources, can envision and create new cultures, arts, industries, and social systems-both as local and global citizens.
- Through a broad liberal arts education and deep specialized education, we develop individuals with "deep sense of humanity," "advanced expertise," and a "global perspective," equipping them with the practical skills to envision and create the future of both local and international communities. This is achieved through community-based collaborative education.
Action Plan
- Establish a foundation for education that nurtures individuals who can contribute to the local community, and put this education into practice.
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Develop talent capable of shaping the future of the region — building a "local talent circulation system."
- Implement education that meets the needs of the local community and industries.
- Create a system that nurtures young people who will play key roles in the region, training them to thrive in local businesses and organizations.
Promoting Diverse and Innovative Research with a Global Perspective, Starting from the Region
Nagano University promotes a wide range of innovative research, from local to global, focusing on regional challenges as research themes. The outcomes of this research are applied to education, community activities, and to contribute to both regional and global peace.
Grand Design
- Develop comprehensive research that begins with regional issues and connects to the world.
- Promote long-term research based on the free ideas of faculty members, with the goal of achieving world-class research.
- Establish a strong research foundation and work to improve the quality of research.
Action Plan
- Deepen research focused on regional issues and apply it to education and community activities.
- Enhance the quality of research through the accumulation of diverse studies.
- Improve the research environment and strengthen research support systems.
- Ensure strict compliance with regulations.
- Place a strong emphasis on intellectual property.
Creating a Vibrant Community Where Students' Energy Merges with Citizen Efforts, Realizing an Inclusive Society
Nagano University harnesses the energy of its students and research outcomes to take the lead in addressing regional challenges. We actively engage in creating a safe, secure society where people of all ages, from children to the elderly, can live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Grand Design
- Together with the local community, we will explore and implement ways to build an autonomous and self-reliant society. We propose initiatives to create a society where people of all ages can live happily, while contributing to the realization of a community where people with disabilities, the socially vulnerable, and immigrants can coexist.
- By utilizing the university's resources and collaborating with the community, we will take the lead in solving regional issues such as job creation and retaining young talent, fulfilling the university’s role as a "think tank" for the region.
- We will actively support recurrent education and lifelong learning for citizens, contributing to the enhancement of the community's educational capacity.
Action Plan
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Establish the "Regional Development Center" as a hub for regional development that leverages the university's education and research, and create a "Regional Problem-Solving System."
- Establish the Regional Development Center.
- Promote industrial development and human resource cultivation.
- Propose solutions for policies and issues faced by local governments and communities.
- Develop regional talent development programs targeting working adults and high school students, and contribute to improving local educational capabilities.
Promoting International Exchange to Foster Understanding and Respect for Diverse Cultures and Ideas, While Connecting the Region to the World Through Education, Research, and the Globalization of Local Industries
Nagano University aims to cultivate individuals who can thrive in a global society while contributing to the internationalization of the local community.
Grand Design
- Foster talent required in a globalized society and contribute to the internationalization of the local community and industries.
Action Plan
- Strengthen language education and enhance programs that promote understanding of other cultures and global awareness to support international liberal arts education.
- Identify universities and research institutions abroad with unique educational and research strengths and establish new academic exchange agreements to contribute to the internationalization of the local community and industries.
- Promote overseas study programs and exchange opportunities for students, while enhancing support systems for international students.
- Build a system that connects global talent needs with regional businesses and organizations, ensuring that vibrant young people can contribute to the world and thrive in local industries.
Building a Sustainable, Independent, and Progressive University with the United Efforts of Faculty, Staff, Students, the Ueda Community, and Local Government
In the face of rapid societal changes such as globalization, aging populations, and industrial maturation, public universities have a responsibility to address regional challenges. To fulfill this responsibility, we will promote an independent and progressive university management system that adapts flexibly to social changes, with active collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and the founding body, Ueda City, to achieve the university's vision.
Grand Design
- Establish a university management system that strengthens governance to fulfill the mission of a public university.
- Strengthen the management foundation to ensure stable, vibrant, and sustainable university operations.
- Aim to become a leading educational and research institution by establishing new faculties, research institutes, and graduate schools that anticipate future societal needs.
- Implement strategic public relations activities to enhance the university’s value, appeal, and social reputation (brand power).
Action Plan
- Establish a robust university management system as a public university.
- Implement stable university operations through the strengthening of the management foundation.
- Review educational and research organizations with a focus on the future of society.
- Create a dynamic university environment suitable for a vibrant "hub of knowledge."
- Develop and implement a University Identity (UI) strategy.
Code of Conduct
Features and Educational Goals
University Features
- A University Rooted in the Community
- A Student-Centered Campus
1. Student-Centered
We emphasize student independence and support their growth.
One of Nagano University's long-standing traditions is students actively engaging in activities such as volunteering. To support these student-led initiatives, we have established various support systems, including the 'Dream Challenge Program.'
2. Barrier-Free
A university where everyone can connect with kindness.
Since its founding, Nagano University has welcomed students with disabilities. The campus is designed to be accessible to everyone, ensuring that all students can learn without barriers. This long-standing commitment to a barrier-free environment naturally fosters a culture of mutual support among students.
3. Community Engagement
For regional development and human resource cultivation.
Based on our founding philosophy of 'integrating academic theory with daily life through close ties with the local community,' the Regional Collaboration Center plays a central role in opening our educational and research activities to the local community. We also engage in various regional partnerships in fields such as the environment, health, education, industry, and academia, with the goal of fostering regional development and nurturing talent.
4. Learning Support
Prioritizing communication between faculty and students.
Nagano University offers a variety of learning support programs to provide a rich learning environment. These include small-group learning that encourages deep discussions between faculty and students, 'Information Literacy Education' to build foundational computer skills, 'Teaching Support' where senior students assist first-year students, and 'Open Office Hours' where faculty open their offices for student consultations.
Educational Goals of Each Faculty
Faculty of Social Welfare
The Department of Social Welfare at our university has, for the past 31 years since its establishment, aimed to nurture professionals equipped with specialized knowledge and practical skills to analyze, understand, and address various welfare issues in modern society from a social science perspective, with the goal of improving the quality of welfare in the local community. The Faculty of Social Welfare carries on this tradition, striving to become a hub for cutting-edge education and research on new welfare systems for the 21st century. We are committed to further enhancing the quality of education to train professionals who can address contemporary challenges and lead in building a welfare society. Additionally, we aim to conduct practical research and develop theories for a comprehensive regional care system that leverages the unique characteristics of Nagano Prefecture by integrating welfare with healthcare and medical services.
Faculty of Environmental Tourism
In response to the 21st-century global challenge of balancing social development with the natural environment, we focus on promoting tourism that preserves and utilizes rich natural and cultural environments to achieve the sustainable development of local communities. Through this education and research, we cultivate individuals with a deep knowledge of nature and culture, a caring attitude toward people, management skills to build better local communities, and specialized abilities related to tourism and hospitality. Our goal is to nurture 'well-rounded professionals' who can thrive in various sectors of society.
Faculty of Business Informatics
Addressing the 21st-century global challenge of linking advanced information technology to better economic activities and social life, this faculty focuses on driving regional innovation based on advancements in information and communication technology. We foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills while developing specialized knowledge and abilities in areas such as the latest information and communication technologies, organizational management, and information media and design. Through this education and research, we aim to nurture 'well-rounded professionals' who can lead innovation in the local community, from corporate management and municipal administration to improving the daily lives of residents.