Message from the President

Shimane University was established as a national university in1949, has continued to expand, and currently consists of 7 faculties and 4 graduate schools, nicely-balanced across the natural sciences and humanities and social sciences, in Matsue and Izumo Campuses with approximately 6000 students. Matsue Campus is home to 6 undergraduate Faculties: the Faculty of Law and Literature, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Human Sciences, the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Materials for Energy which was established in 2023, and 3 graduated schools: the Graduate School of Human and Social Sciences, the Graduate School of Education, and the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology. Izumo Campus comprises of the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate School of Medical Research.　
Although located in a rural area, our world-leading research activities and facilities in various fields, as well as our attentive and personalized education, are described in detail in the following pages.

In addition to the advanced research-based education, Matsue and Izumo offer many advantages of studying in Japan in particular. They are blessed with a rich and healthy environment for the body and mind: abundant nature near both the sea and mountains, including Lake Shinji, one of the top 100 sunsets in Japan, clean water, and delicious, fresh foods.

Matsue and Izumo have a special history and culture that is unique among the regions of Japan. Many of Japan's myths were born here, and the area is referred to as the home of the gods. Izumo City is home to the national treasure Izumo-taisha Shrine, and the month of October in the lunar calendar is called kanna-zuki, month without gods, in Japan, but only in Izumo is it called kami-ari-zuki, month with gods, because the gods of the whole country are said to gather here.

Matsue City is home to Matsue Castle, a national treasure, and the culture of tea ceremony and wagashi (Japanese confectionery) encouraged by the former lord of the castle remains one of Japan’s most renowned. Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish-Greek, is known for his books such as "Ghost Stories" and "A Living God" which introduced the word "tsunami" to the world. Although he stayed in Matsue only for a short period, his deep understanding and love for Matsue and Izumo is fully expressed in his book "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan”. Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, you can calmly concentrate on your studies while feeling the good old Japan that Hearn loved and still remains to be, which is a great advantage of studying at Shimane University in Japan.

The world is currently facing a serious sustainability crisis, and it has become evident that the activities of humankind are among the significant reasons for this crisis. In the midst of the difficult situation in each country and in the world as a whole, we need to work together to find solutions for the future sustainability of the world, including SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals, for you and your descendants. Shimane University is a national university with a good balance of humanities and sciences located in Shimane, a prefecture with advanced regional issues in Japan, a country with advanced global issues such as declining birthrates, aging population, and increasing disasters due to global warming.

Currently, we have more than 240 international students from more than 25 countries, and they are working hard to master their specialized fields, wishing to realize SDGs in their home countries. We sincerely wish you join us and hope that international students, Japanese students, and faculty members will work together to find solutions by discussing and learning together across national borders, while enjoying a healthy and culturally rich life at Shimane University.

President of Shimane University　  Otani Hiroki