Messages from current students and alumni
Thought and Philosophy
Students in Department of General Humanities grow through four years of study.
Kei Tsuchie
Philosophy and Thought Field, 4th Year
(Shimane Prefecture / Graduate of Matsutoku Gakuin High School)
Let's overturn the conventional notions of university lectures!
Think and discuss thoroughly
- Thesis Topic
- Does participating in club activities affect self-esteem?
When I entered university, I had the image of attending lectures in large classrooms, but this department was completely different. Classes are small, and students face each other, exchanging opinions. We spend far more time talking and thinking than listening to the professor. I was very nervous at first. But now I find it fascinating to thoroughly discuss a single question. While AI has advanced and opportunities for independent thinking have decreased, it's precisely in times like these that society needs people who can think and act for themselves. I think we're naturally training ourselves to do that.
My graduation thesis topic is "Does extracurricular activity affect self-esteem?" I was interested in previous research that showed "students who participate in extracurricular activities for many years tend to have higher self-esteem." I myself have been active in the table tennis club since middle school, but I wouldn't say I have particularly high self-esteem. I want to research the individual differences and differences between sports and draw conclusions that can be used in educational settings.
Culture and Arts
Students in Department of General Humanities grow through four years of study.
Yuka Saito
Culture and Arts Field, 4th Year
(From Yamagata Prefecture / Graduate of Sakata Higashi High School)
Where philosophy and art intersect
Delving into the background of the work's creation
- Thesis Topic
- Contemporary Music Lyrics and Gender Theory
I enjoyed moral education in elementary school and ethics in high school. I'm also interested in art, and I chose this department because I learned that I could study philosophy and art theory here. I believe that artistic activity and philosophical activities that consider how people should live are closely related. Human beings are the subjects that create expression, and understanding the background of the artist leads to an understanding of the work. The learning experience of researching works from older eras and discussing their meaning together is a unique appeal of this department.
I've joined a music-related seminar, and my graduation thesis topic is "Contemporary Music Lyrics and Gender Studies." I want to research the evolution of lyrics by comparing those of both male and female artists, and examining them in relation to social phenomena. I also enjoy creative activities and belong to the drama club. I'm busy performing on stage and working behind the scenes, but it's very fulfilling.
Religion and Theology
Students in Department of General Humanities grow through four years of study.
Hinako Kashiwazaki
Religion and Theology, 4th year
(Miyagi Prefecture / Graduate of Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School)
Learn about philosophy by studying religion.
I want to delve deeper into the question, "What is happiness?"
- Thesis Topic
- The relationship between religious views and family love
I've loved reading and thinking since I was a child. Until high school, when I talked to my friends about things like "Do I really exist here?" or "Why are people born?", the conversation never really took off. But this department is a gathering of people who have similar questions. When someone asks a question, everyone shares their opinion, and it's a very comfortable environment where we can discuss while respecting each other's differences. I was interested in philosophy, but I chose this field because I thought that knowledge of religion was necessary to get to the essence of philosophy. By learning about religion from its origins and history, my understanding of philosophy has also deepened.
My graduation thesis will be on "Ancient Greek Views of Happiness." I want to investigate how people thousands of years ago perceived happiness, how that differs from our modern understanding of happiness, and the relationship between faith and happiness. The university library has a vast collection of literature. The library, surrounded by tens of thousands of books, is my favorite place.
Messages from graduates
Shiori Takada
H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
Graduated from the Faculty Faculty of Letters Department of General Humanities in March 2025.
During my time at university, I studied religion and theology in a seminar and wrote my graduation thesis on the position of Christianity in Japan-Korea relations. In Department of General Humanities, I was able to broadly study religion, philosophy, history, and other subjects, and develop the ability to view things from multiple perspectives while being exposed to diverse values.
I currently work for a travel agency. My job allows me to utilize my knowledge of overseas religious architecture and works of art when guiding clients. I strive to help them enjoy their trips more deeply by sharing the historical background and cultural significance of places like the Sagrada Familia and Mont Saint-Michel.
Furthermore, the ability to communicate one's own thoughts while respecting others' opinions, cultivated through discussions in classes and seminars, is useful in consultations with clients and internal communication. In addition, the multifaceted perspective gained in Department of General Humanities is a great support in considering what clients truly want and making optimal proposals.
My studies in Department of General Humanities not only provided me with knowledge, but also cultivated my ability to engage with people and think critically. Even now, as a working adult, I feel that what I learned is proving invaluable in my daily work.
Keisuke Torai
Caritas Co., Ltd.
Graduated from the Faculty Faculty of Letters Department of General Humanities in March 2021.
I believe that the greatest characteristic of studying in the Department of Integrated Human Studies is the opportunity to reflect on your own thoughts and find your own answers.
Tohoku Gakuin University boasts a particularly unique group of professors who will fully support your curiosity and desire to learn. Since you only have four years of university life, unleash your full potential and passion for inquiry.
The learning and experiences you gain here will broaden your values and will undoubtedly continue to be valuable in your future career.
Ryuta Sato
Miyagi Toyota Motor Corporation
Graduated from the Faculty Faculty of Letters Department of General Humanities in March 2019.
I studied in Department of General Humanities, where I learned about diverse values, cultures, and the relationship between people and society. During my student days, I sometimes wondered how this learning would be useful in the future, but now that I'm in the workforce, I realize its importance every day.
I currently work at a car dealership. Selling cars isn't just about introducing products; it requires understanding each customer's lifestyle, way of thinking, and desires, and then making suggestions that suit them. I feel that the ability to think from the other person's perspective and to view things from various viewpoints is something I was able to acquire through my studies in the Department of Department of General Humanities.
To all current students, I hope you won't rush into deciding your future career path, but instead actively pursue your interests. The experiences and encounters you gain during your university life will undoubtedly support you no matter what path you choose. Cherish your limited time as a student and live a university life that is true to yourself.
Chisato Oba
Kitanippon Electric Wire Co., Ltd.
Graduated from the Faculty Faculty of Letters Department of General Humanities in March 2022.
During my time at university, I studied American culture in Professor Fujino's seminar and wrote my graduation thesis on Broadway musicals. The Department of General Humanities offers a broad range of studies in religion, philosophy, and art, allowing students to choose a topic they truly want to study, and the professors are very supportive. The multifaceted perspectives and ways of thinking I cultivated during my four years in Department of General Humanities are now proving invaluable in my interactions with diverse individuals as a working professional. I'm confident that the flexible thinking you develop in the Department of Department of General Humanities will be beneficial in your future endeavors.
Chisato Takiguchi
Denroku Co., Ltd.
Graduated from the Faculty Faculty of Letters Department of General Humanities in March 2022.
In Department of General Humanities, I was able to study religion, philosophy, and art broadly and deeply, and cultivate a way of thinking that allows me to view things from multiple perspectives. Even now, as a working adult, I have had experiences where unexpected ideas have come about by making an effort not to cling too much to my own ideas and to respect the opinions of those around me.
I hope that you all will cultivate rich sensibilities by being exposed to various ideas during your university life. I encourage you to find the person you want to be without comparing yourself to those around you.
Yuki Akiyama
Sendai Shingaku Plaza
Graduated from the Faculty Faculty of Letters Department of General Humanities in March 2022.
My studies in the Department of Department of General Humanities, combined with my creative activities in the drama club and my travel experiences, formed the foundation for developing a multifaceted perspective and an inquisitive attitude. In particular, the lectures on biblical interpretation provided an opportunity to meticulously analyze texts and think deeply about them. My background in the humanities is certainly still relevant in my current job.