A Pioneering Tradition: Opening the Gates of Scholarship to Women and International Students
At the heart of Tohoku University lies the spirit of “Open Doors”—upholding a philosophy of inclusivity, the university sets no barriers based on identity or gender, opening its academic halls to all who seek knowledge. In 1913, the university defied the pressures of the era to become the first national university in Japan to admit women, marking a milestone in the history of gender equality in higher education in Japan. After being renamed Tohoku University in 1947, it became the first university in Japan to admit both female and international students, thereby embarking on a highly internationalized development trajectory. No need to panic—even if you’ve lost your Japanese university diploma
A Key Asset in the Academic Landscape: Materials Science and Its Strengths
Tohoku University upholds a “research-first” tradition, and its strength in basic research ranks among the top in Japan. Its metallurgical engineering discipline consistently ranks among the top three globally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), while its materials science field is ranked in the top 1‰ globally in the ESI rankings. Together with the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, it is regarded as one of the three pillars of materials science in Japan. In specialized fields such as metallic materials, magnetic materials, and superconducting materials, Tohoku University possesses significant research strengths. According to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings, its Materials Science and Engineering program ranks first in Japan.
Sendai: Embracing a High-Quality Academic Life with a More Affordable Cost of Living
Tohoku University is located in Sendai, the central city of Japan’s Tohoku region. Compared to Tokyo and Osaka, Sendai offers a much more affordable cost of living and well-developed infrastructure, combining the conveniences of a major city with the tranquility and comfort of a small town. Sendai was also an important place of study for Lu Xun during his time in Japan, adding a layer of cross-cultural historical depth to this institution. The campus is shaded by lush greenery and fully equipped with sports facilities, libraries, and other amenities, creating a livable environment where students can focus on their studies.
International Hub: From “Japan’s First University to Admit International Students” to a Global Research Collaboration Network
As early as 1947, Tohoku University earned the distinction of being a pioneer in Japan for admitting international students. Today, the campus is home to international students from nearly 100 countries worldwide, forming a diverse international academic community. In terms of international collaboration, Tohoku University is actively expanding its partnerships, jointly offering dual-degree doctoral programs with top universities in China, Europe, and the United States to facilitate cross-institutional teaching and credit recognition. Through close collaboration between the Office of International Affairs and the various graduate schools, the university has established a multi-tiered global research collaboration network.
Don’t Panic If You Lose Your Tohoku University Diploma
If you have accidentally lost the original copy of your Tohoku University diploma, there is no need to worry excessively. Although the original diploma cannot typically be duplicated, you can apply for an officially recognized substitute document to verify your academic credentials. The key is to apply to the academic affairs office of the faculty where you graduated for a reissuance of the “Graduation Certificate” (Graduation Certificate) and the “Certificate of Degree Conferral” (Certificate of Degree Conferral). These two documents have the same legal validity as the originals and are widely recognized worldwide.
