Campus Tour @ The University of Tokyo
On June 4th, 2024, our group had the opportunity to visit the prestigious University of Tokyo. After arriving at Akamon Gate, famous red gate built in 1827, we were warmly greeted by a professor from the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology and a local PhD student who were so kind to offer us a campus tour on that day. Prof. Kawase provided us with a brief history of the university, which was founded in 1877 and is the oldest and most distinguished institution of higher education in Japan. As one of the top-ranked universities globally, the University of Tokyo is renowned for its pioneering research and illustrious alumni, which include numerous Nobel laureates, world leaders, and pioneers in their respective fields.
After the initial welcome, Professor began by providing an overview of the university's admission programs, highlighting the rigorous selection process for their highly competitive master's degrees. He emphasized the university's commitment to attracting the brightest minds from around the world, with students hailing from over 100 countries. As we embarked on the campus tour, the PhD student pointed out the significance of the university's symbol - the ginkgo tree. These ancient trees, found throughout the main campus grounds, are revered by the university community and considered a symbol of resilience and longevity, much like the institution itself.
Throughout the tour, we had the chance to see many of the university's world-class facilities, including the vast libraries housing millions of volumes, cutting-edge research labs equipped with the latest technologies, and vibrant student life centers that foster a dynamic intellectual community. Our guides also took the time to share insights into the rich traditions and customs observed by University of Tokyo students, providing us with a deeper appreciation for the institution's storied history and vibrant academic culture. By the end of our visit, we left with a profound sense of the University of Tokyo's excellence and the unique opportunities it offers to aspiring scholars from around the globe.