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Sophia Archives (formerly the Historical Materials Office) introduces booklets, books, and leaflets published by the Archives.
For materials available through the Sophia University Repository for Academic Resources “Sophia-R”, the full text or table of contents is provided in PDF format. Sophia University students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the Friends of the Library, may also view the printed materials at the university library.
Notes on Content Usage
•Commercial use or redistribution is strictly prohibited.
•If you wish to reproduce any photographs, a separate application is required. Please contact us for details.

The Sophia Archives Booklet series was launched in April 2020 as part of the expansion and reorganization of Sophia University Historical Records Room as Sophia Archives. The series aims to further scholarship and contribute to society’s advancement by enabling a deeper understanding of the past. It publishes in a bilingual Japanese and English format research based on sources preserved at the Sophia Archives and elsewhere on (1) the history of Sophia University and its affiliated schools, (2) the activities of members of the Jesuit order and other individuals connected to Sophia School Corporation, and (3) materials pertinent to the purview of Sophia Archives.
Booklets are available via the Sophia University Repository for Academic Resources “Sophia-R”. Printed copies are not provided.

  • Sophia Archives Booklet 1
    James Rockliff, S.J.: Along the Journey.

    By David Wessels SJ, translated by Kenichi Mine
    Published May 25, 2020

    Introduces the life and mission of Father Rockliff, one of the three Jesuits who came to Japan in 1908 to lay the foundation for Sophia University.

  • Sophia Archives Booklet 2
    The Jesuit Japan Mission and the 1929 Visitation by Augustin Bea SJ.

    By Franz-Josef Mohr SJ, English translation by Michael Burtscher, Japanese edition by Ayuko Tanaka
    Published February 15, 2022

    This article discusses the early history of Sophia University and Jesuit activities, focusing on Father Bea’s visitation in 1929.

  • Sophia Archives Booklet 3
    The Founding of Sophia University

    By Klaus Schatz SJ, translated by Ayuko Tanaka, supervised by Kate Wildman Nakai
    Published October 25, 2022

    Traces the history of Sophia University, beginning with the founding of the Society of Jesus in the 16th century, drawing on a wealth of historical sources.

  • Sophia Archives Booklet 4
    Tokyo Life, 1911–1917: Pages from the Albums of Fritz Hillig SJ.

    By Kate Wildman Nakai, translated by Ayuko Tanaka
    Published March 1, 2024

    Draws on a rare album compiled by Fr. Fritz Hillig to depict life in Tokyo and the activities surrounding the university’s founding, including numerous photographs.

  • Sophia Archives Booklet 5
    The Early Years of Sophia University (Revised Edition)

    Edited by a team of the Sophia Archives in 2024-2025, translated by Ayuko Tanaka
    Published September 30, 2025

    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.

The six-volume Jōchi Daigaku-shi shiryōshū (including five volumes and a supplement) was compiled and published to prevent the loss of valuable documents and with a view toward future compilation of the university’s history.

Available via the Sophia University Repository for Academic Resources “Sophia-R”. Printed copies are provided free of charge (limited quantities). Please contact the Sophia Archives.

  • Edited by Bruno Bitter, S.J.
    Sophia Universitaet 1913–1938
    (Tokyo: Sophia University, 1938)
    Commemorative publication issued to mark the 25th anniversary of Sophia University’s founding (written in Japanese-German).

  • Edited by Joseph Roggendorf, S.J.
    Fifty-Year History of Sophia University
    (Tokyo: Sophia University, 1963)
    Commemorative historical volume published to mark the 50th anniversary of Sophia University’s founding (written in Japanese).

  • Edited by Mutsuo Yanase, S.J.
    The future image of Sophia University: looking toward the 21st century
    (Tokyo: Nanso-sha, 1988)
    A collection of essays published to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding (written in English).

  • Edited by Sophia University Centenary Publication Committee
    Sophia University: One Hundred Years
    (Tokyo: Sophia School Corporation, 2013)
    Commemorative publication issued for the 100th anniversary of Sophia University, with photographs. (written in English and Japanese).

Click the image to view and download the PDF.
Copies are also available at each exhibition space.

“Architect Max Hinder and Building 1”
Exhibition leaflet (in Japanese)

“Rediscover Sophia through Sophia Archives! / University’s Past and Present”
Leaflet designated by museum trainees for the 2024 curatorial course (in Japanese)

“Let’s find Sophia with and thru Fr. Hermann Hoffmann, the first president”
Leaflet designated by museum trainees for the 2024 curatorial course (in Japanese)

“Sophia University, Building 6 (Sophia Tower) 1st Floor Lobby Exhibition Guide” (in English and Japanese)

“Sophia Archives flyer”