Stage 2 Explore Further
Lesson 1/21
Rikkyo at a Glance
Rikkyo University is a leading private academic and research university in Japan. Here are a few quick facts.
Long History
Established by a missionary in
1874
Undergraduate Colleges
Rikkyo University has 12 Colleges and 1 degree program (GLAP)
12+1
Graduate Schools
Rikkyo University has 15 Graduate Schools
15
Student Population *As of May 2026
20,614 undergrads & 1,348 grads
21,962
Top Private University in Japan
Ranked 1st for international outlook among private universities in Japan
(2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 THE World University Ranking)
Ranked 5th for engagement among private university in Japan
(2025 THE World University Ranking)
Ranked 9th for the best private university in Japan
(2023 THE Japan University Ranking)
*There are approximately 600 private universities in Japan1st for international outlook
Global University *April 2014-March 2024
Government-designated Top Global University
(Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
International Students *As of May 2026
1,098 international students
(799 degree-seeking international students)
59 countries and areas
International Partnerships *As of May 2026
279 institutions
47 countries and areas
History and Timeline
In 1874, Rikkyo School (precursor to Rikkyo University) was founded by Bishop Channing Moore Williams, a missionary of the Episcopal Church, to teach English and Bible studies. Rikkyo University is now an established top university in Japan, well-known for its academics and sports.
1874
Bishop Channing Moore Williams established a small, private school to teach Bible and English studies in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
1907
The school name changed to Rikkyo University.
1918
Rikkyo University moved to Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
1949
College of Arts, College of Economics and College of Science were established in accordance with the revised accreditation requirements by the former Ministry of Education, Japan.
1958
College of Sociology was established.
1959
College of Law and Politics was established.
1990
Niiza Campus was opened in Niiza, Saitama Prefecture.
1998
College of Tourism and College of Community and Human Services were established.
2002
Graduate School of Business Administration and Graduate School of Social Design Studies were established.
2006
College of Business and College of Contemporary Psychology were established.
2008
College of Intercultural Communication was established.
2009
Graduate School of Christian Studies was established.
2011
Center for Japanese Language Education (CJLE) was established for international students.
2014
Selected for the Top Global University Project by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan.
2017
Global Liberal Arts Program (GLAP) was established.
2020
Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence and Science was established.
2023
College of Sport and Wellness was established.
2024
150th Anniversary
2026
College of Environmental Studies was established.
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