Showa Boston's mission is to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and character to become global citizens. We aim to develop students’ English proficiency, cultivate their cross-cultural awareness, and foster their personal growth so they have the academic foundation to pursue studies and credentials at universities in the United States and elsewhere in the world. In our commitment to these goals, Showa Boston prepares students for future study and for global careers requiring bi-lingual and cross-cultural skills. We: - encourage all students, faculty, and staff to take leadership roles in their studies, their work, and in the wider community; - support strength through diversity of languages, cultures, ethnicities, and identities; - enhance students’ critical thinking skills; - support students in ambitious goal-setting; - are dedicated to learning through service to each other and to society; - are committed to the empowerment of women and girls; - strive for the development of our character, curiosity, intellect, and compassion Showa Women’s University founder, Enkichi Hitomi (1883-1974), was a renowned poet and scholar who, with his wife Midori’s inspiration and support, became deeply committed to establishing peace in a world ravished by World War I. His pioneering concept for building a peaceful society centered on educating women to play an important role in its development and growth. Enkichi and Midori Hitomi took the first step towards making their vision a reality by establishing a technical school for women which opened in 1920 with eight students and five teachers. Today, the University, located in Setagaya in the southwest part of metropolitan Tokyo, has grown to a population of over 7,400 students and approximately 700 faculty members. It offers its students a kindergarten-through-high school program, a four-year university, and a graduate school granting masters and doctoral degrees.