Historical Exploration – Episode Series
On this page, we introduce materials in chronological order, focusing on the booklet published by the Sophia Archives and various historical articles related to the Sophia School Corporation currently available online-Learning about SOPHIA on the Web＊1and Sophia Chronicle since 1913＊2
＊1 Learning about SOPHIA on the Web was originally posted in 2013 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sophia University.
＊2 Sophia Chronicle since 1913 is currently available on the official Sophia University website.
SOPHIA UNIVERSITY
I. Prehistory of the University’s Founding [1540-1910]
II. Early days of the university foundation [1910s]
- The Founding of Sophia University (Sophia Archives Booklet 3)
We trace the process leading to the founding of the university, starting with the establishment of the Society of Jesus in the 16th century, based on abundant materials. - James Rockliff, S.J.: Along the Journey (Sophia Archives Booklet 1)
This introduces the life and “mission” of Father Rockliff who was among the three Jesuits who came to Japan in 1908 to establish Sophia University. - Tokyo Life, 1911-1917: Pages from the Albums of Fritz Hillig SJ (Sophia Archives Booklet 4)
Using a valuable album compiled in later years by Father Fritz Hillig – a German Jesuit and one of the six Jesuits active in the founding period – this depicts daily life in Tokyo at the time, the activities leading up to the establishment of the university, and his interactions with the first students. - The Launching of a Small Residence Hall of Learning (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.2)
- Everlasting affection towards university by Hermann Hoffman, 110 years after its founding (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- “With the Sophia Eagle : University Ideals and the School Emblem” (Online Exhibition)
Introducing episodes related to the Sophia Eagle used in the school emblem and the aspirations embodied in this symbol. - NEW ! The Early Years of Sophia University : Revised Edition (Sophia Archives Booklet 5)
Highlights the dramatic challenges and crises Sophia University faced from its founding through the prewar and wartime era, while revealing fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and memorable anecdotes that shaped its history.
III. Until elevation to University Status [1920s]
- Jochi – Sapientia – ΣΟΦΙΑ- Sophia (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Saint Aloysius Student Residence (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.19)
- 100 Years of Student Dormitories (Online Exhibition)
From its founding in 1913, Sophia University utilized the former residence of Tetsuma Akaboshi as a student dormitory. Later, it was renamed “St. Aloysius Hall” in honor of a saint. To commemorate 100 years since this renaming, this exhibition delves into the history of our student dormitories. - The Jesuit Japan Mission and the 1929 Visitation by Augustin Bea SJ (Sophia Archives Booklet 2)
This paper focuses on Father Bea, who served as the Jesuit Visitor in 1929, to discuss the early years of Sophia University and the activities of the Jesuits at that time. - The Brick-by-Brick Fund-Raising Campaign for Building Number 1 (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.8)
- Stories of Building No.1 – The building that carries on history (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Dramas and Foreign-Language Dramas (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.29)
- Jochi Catholic Settlement (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.30)
- Two Mountain Lodges (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.36)
IV. Growing Militarism and the Wartime Era [1930-1945]
- The 1932 Yasukuni Shrine Incident (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.40)
- Remembering the Efforts of Our Forerunners (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Introducing Monumenta Nipponica (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Lunch Scene at Sophia (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- NEW ! Sophia University in an Era of War, 1931-1945 [by Professor Emerita Kate W. Nakai] (2025 Anniversary Event for Founding Day)
Provides an overview of Sophia University’s experiences during the wartime period and Japan’s increasingly militaristic educational environment. (Lecture materials available) - NEW ! Sophia and the War: Experiencing Student Life During Wartime Through Archives and Through a Neighborhood Walk Introduction – Yotsuya and the War [Presentation by students]
(2025 Anniversary Event for Founding Day)- We will read a “farewell address” issued during the war, consider the situation the students were in, introduce how current students felt after reading it, and based on that, propose a way to fulfill the “responsibility toward the future.” (Farewell-Address: Presentation material available)
- In addition, the project proposes three walking-tour courses in the Yotsuya area surrounding Sophia University, each designed to allow participants to experience local memories related to the war.”
V. Early Postwar Period [1946-1950]
- In Spite of the Defeat of Japan, the Sprit of Sophia Could Prosper (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.3)
- Boschtown dormitory (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.25)
- The battleship Missouri and Sophia University (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.14)
- Jesuit priests were key to the university’s post-war rebuilding (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
VI. Era of Development as a New System University [1951-1980]
- Remembering the founding spirit of Sophia University through Xavier Week (Sophia Chronicle since 1913).
- Cherry blossoms on the bank planted by Sophia University students (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Women Students at Sophia (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.39)
- Background of the Founding of Sophia University’s Faculty of Law (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.12)
- Serious disputes arose among students at our educational institution; the stormy times and the subsequent resolution (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.13)
- Summer Session Program (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- All alumni get together! All Sophians’ Festival (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- New Student Welcome Event to Remember: Orientation Camp (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Television studio on campus for over 55 years. (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Jounan-Game: A “Pen and Sword” Legacy (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- Faculty of Science and Technology (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.31)
- Sophia University and Diversity: A Historical Journey from a Men’s College to Coeducation (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
VII. Amid Internationalization [1980-Present]
- Mother Teresa (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.7)
- The Visit of Pope John Paul II (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.20)
- Support for the Disabled Students (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.26)
- Loving Hands for Indochina Refugees －For Others, With Others－ (Sophia Chronicle since 1913)
- The Message from the Pope: Commemorating the first-year anniversary of Pope Francis’s visit (Online Exhibition)
On November 26, 2019, during his visit to Japan, Pope Francis came to Sophia University. This exhibition traces the deep ties between Japan’s first Catholic university and successive Popes, while showcasing the memorable moments and messages from Pope Francis’s visit. - Message from Sadako Ogata to World Youth, Hope of the Future (Online Exhibition)
Highlights the contributions and convictions of Sadako Ogata, former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and her message to future generations. - For Others, With Others – Its Roots and Practice (Online Exhibition)
Explore the roots of Sophia’s Educational Spirit, “For Others, With Others,” and learn how it continues to inspire meaningful initiatives at our university and affiliated schools.
Sophia University Junior College Division (Sophia Junior College)
*Learning about SOPHIA on the Web was originally posted in 2013 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sophia University.
- The Four Seasons at the Hadano Campus (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.4)
- Overview of English Education at Sophia Junior College (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.9)
- Sophia Junior Festival (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.16)
- The Service Leaning Center and Activities in the Local Hadano Area (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.21)
- Sophia Junior College Alumnae Association (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.27)
Sophia School of Social Welfare
This section will explore the Sophia School of Social Welfare-which ended its 58 year history in March 2022—by tracing the steps that led to its establishment and examining its educational practices after opening, including the distinctive characteristics of its curriculum and its experiential learning programs.
*Learning about SOPHIA on the Web was originally posted in 2013 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sophia University.
- Peter Heidrich, SJ, the Founder (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.5)
- The History of Sophia Jesuits and Sophia School of Social Welfare (Online Exhibition)
In March 2022, Sophia School of Social Welfare concluded its remarkable 58-year history. This exhibition shines a light on the bold challenges and dedicated efforts of priests who tackled pressing social issues such as poverty, refugees, and education. It also reflects on the school’s founding years, built up on these ideals, and invites you to consider its enduring significance. - Special Characteristics of the Curriculum of the Sophia School of Social Welfare (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.10)
- The Locations of the Sophia School of Social Welfare (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.15)
- PET (The Philippines Experience Tour) (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.22)
- Continuing Education in Sophia School of Social Welfare (Learning about SOPHIA on the Web no.28)