I ask you to take a moment to ponder some basic questions: What is a human being? What are the given limitations of being human? How should humans live?
The founding spirit of Otani University, as represented by these questions, is an exploration into the state of being human. Traditionally, Otani has always made human studies the core of its academic and social foundation.

Although human knowledge has greatly developed and expanded over time, and has led to the creation of diverse fields in the 21st century, basic human principles for living and suitable means for interacting with the rest of the world seem to have become obscure. In this sense, it is my firm belief that the basis of Otani University’s strong academic tradition and it’s unique education system is now of even greater value to society.

Contemplating what it means to be human, I am led to the belief that the most important aspects of our condition are awareness and compassion. In the 21st century, it will become increasingly important for people throughout the world to share their emotions and their joys – and to transcend the barriers of ethnicity, religion and language. We all experience joy when we can understand another person or society and, likewise, when we feel that we are being understood by others. I believe that a sympathetic mind is one of the greatest founding stones of human character formation.

Otani is a university that has always honored this belief. Therefore, it is my desire that the University will continue to provide educational opportunities for its students in a way that facilitates the sharing of emotions and the ability to empathize with people throughout the world – as a means for experiencing true joy. Otani University is a place of academic research and character formation. I hope that students who study here will develop a deeper sense of compassion through the pursuit of their academic research and through the human interactions they take part in on different levels.

At this time, I would like to extend an open invitation to students all around the world to come to Otani University to study together. I assure you that our faculty and administrative staff await you and are ready to warmly welcome you at our campus in Kyoto.

April 2010
Kusano, Kenshi
President, Otani University