BAIKA Women's University

Empowering Women with Professional Expertise and Genuine Sophistication

In 1878 (Meiji 11)—just a few years after the Meiji Restoration—Reverend Paul Sawayama took a pioneering step toward elevating the status of women in Japan. Guided by his vision, he founded Baika Girls’ School (the precursor to Baika Women’s University), offering an education that integrated both academic and moral development grounded in Christian values.

Over the past 146 years, Baika Women’s University has been committed to nurturing women who possess not only broad cultural understanding but also specialized skills, enabling them to contribute to society with compassion and a spirit of service. During this time, more than 60,000 students have graduated from Baika Gakuen.

By the late 20th century, global circumstances had shifted dramatically, becoming increasingly uncertain and complex. As traditional norms and practices began to evolve, the need grew for women who could anticipate change and approach emerging challenges with fresh perspectives and values.

In this evolving landscape, Baika Women’s University remains dedicated to the principle of “Challenge & Elegance.” We strive to instill in our students the courage to address and resolve diverse issues (“Challenge”), while fostering the refinement and empathy that exemplify genuine “Elegance.” Simply put, our mission is to prepare women who excel professionally and embody true style.

Nestled among the greenery of Osaka’s Hokusetsu region, our Ibaraki Elegance Campus combines the personalized support of a small-scale university—where each student is valued—with the breadth of a comprehensive institution featuring four faculties and nine departments. Our close-knit learning environment encourages collaboration among faculty, staff, and students, alongside abundant opportunities for peer interaction. It is also a community where every student can discover new inspirations and experience personal growth each day.

This is the essence of Baika Women’s University.

Message

Chairman’s Message Learn, Have Fun,
Be Beautiful

Baika Gakuen has a rich history that began in 1878, not long after the Meiji Restoration, when Reverend Pouro (Paul) Sawayama founded its predecessor, the Baika Girls’ School—the first school for girls in Osaka. Based on the Christian spirit of love, the founding spirit of the school was to “Foster independent women who show respect for others and embody a spirit of dedication.” True to this mission, Baika Gakuen has always strived to be a “loving school.”

Thanks to the efforts of Jinzo Naruse, the founder of Japan Women’s University, and the contributions of many dedicated individuals, the original campus was relocated to Toyonaka in 1926. The long-awaited establishment of Baika Women’s University followed in 1964.

As we approach January 8, 2028, we have started to prepare for the auspicious occasion of Baika Gakuen’s 150th anniversary based on its founding ethos. We have adopted the policy, “Learn, have fun, be beautiful, Baika Gakuen.” Our mission is to nurture women who are not only equipped to face the challenges of an increasingly diverse society with confidence and courage, but who also possess grace, character, and empathy for others.

The dedicated faculty and staff are united in working together to ensure a bright future for Baika Gakuen.

Chairman of Baika Gakuin Tomotsugu Ogawa

President’s Message Learning at Baika Women’s University Challenge & Elegance

Our place of learning is the nature-rich Ibaraki Elegance Campus, nestled in the hills of northern Osaka.
The educational framework at Baika Women’s University includes a personal development-directed approach grounded in Christian principles, with curricula designed to help students obtain various qualifications, including national certifications such as those for medical professionals and teachers. This ensures our graduates are well-prepared to play active and meaningful roles in society. We also offer courses where students can acquire essential tools and skills for navigating today’s modern, internet-driven world, along with courses that provide the broad education needed to view and assess matters from multiple perspectives.

Our slogan, “Challenge & Elegance,” reflects our desire for students to be individuals who can identify and embrace challenges, pursue personal growth, and enhance their social value, while embodying elegance, defined by kindness, inner grace, and refinement.
Amid the beautiful campus, surrounded by seasonal flowers and greenery, why not join us as we collaborate in shaping and creating your future?

President, Baika Women’s University Keiko Kawamura

History

A pioneer in women’s
education continuing to chart a course
over 150 years

2019

Since 2019

Established the Baika Rhythmic Gymnastics School,Baika RG

2016

Since 2016

Established the Baika musical troupe “Gekidan Konohana”

2015

Since 2015

Closed the Baika Women’s University Junior College

2004

Since 2004

Faculties and departments of Baika Women’s University redesigned.
With the reorganization of the women’s university, the junior college became the Baika Women’s University Junior College

1988

Since 1988

Sawayama Memorial Hall completed.
(Commemoration of 110th anniversary)

1982

Since 1982

Established Japan’s first and only Department of Children’s Literature at Baika Women’s University

1981

Since 1981

Baika Junior College was integrated with the Shukunosho, Ibaraki City facility
(Department of Home Economics relocated from Toyonaka)

1977

Since 1977

Graduate school established at Baika Women’s University

1964

Since 1964

Baika Women’s University established at Ibaraki Campus

1957

Since 1957

Konohana Kindergarten renamed as Baika Kindergarten

1954

Since 1954

Completion of Konohana Kindergarten building and school relocation

1951

Since 1951

Establishment of Baika Gakuen Incorporated Educational Institution approved

1950

Since 1950

Established Baika Junior College (Department of English) as successor to Women’s Professional School due to education system reform

1948

Since 1948

Based on the new school system, established Baika High School (general studies and home economics)
Establishment of Baika Gakuen Incorporated Foundation approved

1947

Since 1947

Established Baika Junior High School (co-ed until 1949) based on the new school system

1938

Since 1938

Konohana Kindergarten approved by Osaka Prefecture

1933

Since 1933

Establishment of a two-year domestic science major at Girls’ High School

1930

Since 1930

Established the Konohana Kindergarten as Konohana Alumni Association project

1928

Since 1928

Establishment of uniforms and caps for students
Establishment of the school song

1926

Since 1926

Relocated to a new school building in Toyonaka (current location)

1923

Since 1923

School emblem established by Kinzo Kunieda, a teacher at the school and a Western-style painter

1922

Since 1922

Baika Women’s Professional School established under the Professional School Ordinance (Department of English Literature)

1914

Since 1914

Established professional education departments at the Baika Girls’ School (two-year courses in the Department of English Literature and Department of Home Economics)

1913

Since 1913

Established Baika Girls’ High School under the Girls’ High School Ordinance and shifted to secondary education

1908

Since 1908

Completed a new school building in Toyosaki-mura, Nishinari-gun, Osaka (currently east of Hankyu Nakatsu Station), and the school relocated

1899

Since 1899

Establishment of the Baika Girls’ School Incorporated Foundation approved

1892

Since 1892

Rev. Sawayama passed away
First school song established

1878

Since 1878

Led by Rev. Sawayama, who was the pastor of the Naniwa Kokai Church, volunteers from among the Christian believers of the Umemotocho Kokai and Naniwa Kokai Churches established the Baika Girls’ School based on Christian principles. It was established in Tosabori Uramachi in Nishi-ku, Osaka City and was the first girls’ school in Osaka. On the 18th of the same month, approval for the school was granted by the Governor of Osaka Prefecture. The name “Baika” was chosen using characters from the Church names of Umemotocho Kokai and the Naniwa Kokai. The first principal was Atsushi Koizumi.

Six Key Features of
Baika Women’s University

Changing flexibly with the times: The history and traditions of Baika Women’s University

Baika Girls’ School was founded in 1878. Since that time, it has continued to nurture elegant, independent women with the spirit to take on challenges.
Christian education that fosters love and character

Based on the Christian spirit, we nurture students who recognize different values, accept others, and acquire the ability to discover and walk their own path in life.
Elevate your career with interdisciplinary learning

Various qualifications can be acquired by combining major, minor, and general studies courses. Acquire the skills to make well-rounded judgements from diverse perspectives.
Problem-solving skills useful in the real world Industry-university collaboration projects

The ideas and sensitivities cultivated through learning are utilized in collaboration with a variety of companies. Various approaches are taken to solve next-generation issues and create new products and services.
Top-class small-group education in Japan that nurtures each student's individuality
Cultivate rich sensibilities Flowers, greenery, and
waterside campus

With seasonal flowers in bloom, clear air, and the murmuring of water, Baika’s beautiful and peaceful campus welcomes students as a place of learning to nurture their sensibilities.

Faculty Departments

Department of Media and Information

Through various majors, students can explore a diverse range of fields that utilize information media, including the courses AI and Digital Design, Mass Communication and Performance, Fashion Business, as well as the Medical Office and Librarian courses. Each major is taught by experts from the specialist fields, fostering practical skills in each area, such as the use of AI and IT skill development. This cultivates women who can excel in a wide range of fields.
Department of Japanese Culture

The Department of Japanese Culture focuses on learning about and actively sharing aspects of “Japan” and its “culture.” Students study about societal structures through history and explore language and ways of life through literature. They can acquire various expressive skills, such as calligraphy and web design. Efforts are also focused on improving communication and presentation skills, fostering abilities that are necessary to thrive as professionals and as teachers of Japanese language and calligraphy.
Department of International Liberal Arts
（Scheduled name change）

Through a study program that develops language proficiency and a global perspective, students gain the skills needed to succeed on the world stage. The curriculum focuses on real-world experiences abroad, including training abroad for all first-year students. Language study and practice are conducted with both Japanese teachers and native English speakers in a relaxed atmosphere that adheres to a small-group study policy. This approach develops truly internationally minded individuals with practical English skills and a global business sense.
Department of Child Education

This department cultivates women who possess expertise in childcare, education, and child-rearing. Students comprehensively develop professional skills in the areas of childcare, early childhood education, and children’s education. Taking a global perspective, students aim to become specialists in nurturing children, with the knowledge, understanding, expressiveness, techniques, and love to enrich children’s hearts and minds while also supporting their growth and development.
Department of Psychology

In the Department of Psychology, students study practical psychology in a multifaceted and comprehensive manner across four fields: clinical, developmental, social, and perceptual-cognitive psychology. With four specialized courses—Certified Public Psychologist, Special Needs School Teacher, Career Psychology, and Animal Therapy—students aim to become psychologists and specialists in special needs education who understand and support people’s minds. Additionally, they learn communication and planning skills that are useful in areas such as marketing and sales.
Department of Food Culture

This department fosters individuals who can excel in all areas related to food. In order to acquire knowledge applicable to modern society, the students dive deeply into the study of food through three main tracks: food education and safety, food culture, and food business. It is also possible to obtain various qualifications related to food, including the National Chef’s License (mandatory for all students), eligibility to take the examination for second-grade Confectionery Production Technician (Western confectionery), Junior High School and Senior High School Teaching License (Home Economics), and HACCP Manager certification, among others.
Department of Health and Nutrition

This department has a small-class learning environment, top-tier facilities, and comprehensive support for national examinations. In addition to the curriculum for training registered dietitians, this department also collaborates with the Department of Food Culture, which trains food culture experts, and the Department of Oral Health, which trains dental hygienists, enabling cross-disciplinary learning in health, medical care, welfare, and food. In addition to gaining knowledge and experience in nutrition, students aim to become specially registered dietitians who also possess an understanding of culinary arts and oral health care.
Department of Nursing

In an increasingly globalized society, it is essential to have broad knowledge and experience to provide nursing care that respects and understands the diverse cultures and customs of individuals. The Department of Nursing at Baika Women’s University provides an education centered on equipping students with specialized nursing skills, instilling the Christian spirit of “love,” and fostering cultural knowledge. This approach aims to develop nurses who contribute to society by helping the people they nurse to “live the life they want to live.”
Department of Oral Health Sciences

With the strong educational foundation unique to a four-year university, the Department of Oral Health cultivates a high sense of ethics and rich humanity. It aims to develop professionals who can demonstrate comprehensive practical skills and adaptable responsiveness, equipped with advanced specialized skills and solid knowledge in the fields of health, medical care, and welfare, centered on oral health studies. The curriculum also features options that broaden students’ post-graduation paths, such as obtaining the School Nurse License or entering graduate school for more advanced specialization.
Department of Performing Arts

(currently under planning, tentative name) The Baika musical troupe, “Gekidan Konohana,” launched in 2016, has evolved to become more systematic in its approach. Through genuine stage performances that closely resemble professional settings, instruction and practice led by top-tier instructors, and training abroad, students develop refined sensitivities, solid techniques and knowledge, and rich expressive abilities rooted in comprehensive art. This department aims to nurture independent, highly capable women who can thrive as world-class performers, artists, and creators.
This plan is preliminary, and its name, content, and other details may be subject to change.