1. YNU
  2. About YNU
  3. Overview
  4. Fundamental Principles

Fundamental Principles

Yokohama National University declares

Since its foundation, Yokohama National University (YNU) has been committed to the spirit of solving actual, real-world problems by putting theory into practice, encouraging new endeavors, widely opening its doors to society, and fostering exchanges with other nations. We strive to value diversity whereby every person is respected and empowered.

In testament to this commitment, YNU declares that it will make every effort to establish a strong footing in academic research and education in the world by upholding five fundamental principles: “Be Active,” “Be Innovative,” “Be Open,” “Be Global,” and “Be Diverse.” YNU will commit to put these principles into practice according to the following long-term goals:

Be Active
  • YNU will help each student develop flexible and creative challenge-solving capabilities that enable him/her to see into the essence of each problem and meet the changes of the times.
  • By focusing on academic disciplines rooted in real-world issues, YNU will contribute to society’s welfare and development by bringing to bear on it the fruit of its education and research.
Be Innovative
  • YNU will commit to flexibly respond to changes in society through unconstrained thinking and innovative approaches to education, research and societal contribution.
  • YNU will contribute to the intellectual improvement of humankind by making use of diverse sets of academic and practical knowledge to promote advanced research.
Be Open
  • YNU will maintain a wide range of perspectives covering civil life, local communities, the industry, the government, and the global community.
  • YNU will contribute to society as an organization that is open to everyone in all aspects including education and research, by encouraging its students and faculty members to actively participate in various activities in society.
Be Global
  • YNU will promote exchanges with other countries and foster human resources who can understand different cultures and play important roles on the global stage.
  • YNU will contribute to the development of international society through education and research, by promoting exchanges and cooperation with diverse people.
Be Diverse
  • YNU values human and academic diversity as the cornerstone of education and research.
  • YNU will be a place where diverse students and faculty members can live and work together in mutual respect, transcending gender, disabilities, nationality, etc., so that each individual can richly demonstrate their abilities.

With the above practical objectives in mind, YNU will nurture rich intellect as a unique university that has established a highly transparent organization and an appropriate administrative system. In addition, all students and staff at YNU will do their part as stewards of the exceptionally leafy, green campus in an urban setting, and enjoy a healthy university life both in body and spirit.

Yokohama National University, March 22, 2023

(General Planning Division)