Message from the Director
Director: Yuichi Tsunoda, Associate Professor, Department of Theology, Faculty of Theology
Sophia Archives aims to contribute to the development of the Sophia School Corporation by promoting the preservation, public access, and utilization of historically valuable archival materials and records held by the educational institutions established by the Corporation. It also seeks to illuminate the history of the Corporation and the achievements of those involved—including members of the Society of Jesus—(Article 3 of the Sophia Archives Regulations).
To achieve these aims, the Archives engages in the collection, organization, and preservation of materials; the conduct and publication of research; the organization of exhibitions and related events; the provision of access to archival resources and reference services; the compilation of institutional histories and other publications; and activities related to the teaching of institutional history at the Corporation and its affiliated schools (Article 4 of the same Regulations).
Furthermore, the valuable historical materials held by Sophia Archives are widely accessible to the public, both within and outside the institution, through its database. By promoting the use of archival materials in education and research, the Archives also collaborate in various initiatives that contribute to local communities and society at large.
Currently, under the framework of “Grand Layout 3.0 – Toward 2030” (FY2023–2030), Sophia School Corporation upholds the foundational principles of cultivating individuals who live “For Others, With Others” in accordance with the educational spirit of the Jesuits, and “Sophia – Bringing the World Together.” Guided by these principles, the Corporation advances its educational and research activities. Within the “Corporate Division” of the Grand Layout, it is explicitly stated that the Corporation will promote the “understanding, inheritance, and dissemination of the history of Sophia School Corporation and its affiliated schools.” To accomplish this, the Corporation sets forth the following goals:
1. To advance the continuous collection, organization, and digitization of archival materials from the university and four secondary schools established by the Corporation, to make active use of these materials, and to train the faculty and staff (archivists) responsible for their management.
2. To compile and publish institutional histories based on archival materials, and to develop and implement educational and training programs for teaching institutional history.
3. To actively disseminate archival materials to stakeholders, local communities, and society, and to expand opportunities for communication.
Sophia Archives fully embraces these missions and continues its daily activities in alignment with them. We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support of the work carried out by Sophia Archives.