The University of the Ryukyus was established on May 22nd, 1950, on the site of Shuri Castle, which had been destroyed during the war. The university was the realization of the intense efforts of many local people, including Okinawans who were living overseas. The main philosophies of the university are “Freedom, Equality, Tolerance and Peace.” The university continues to operate under these three guiding principles: the “Search for truth”, “Contribution to local and international communities”, and the “Pursuit of peace and co-existence”
Keeping this background in mind, we, the University of the Ryukyus, sincerely hope for academic freedom along with a safe and peaceful environment all over the world. On March 4th, 2022, the Japan Association of National Universities, to which our university belongs, made a statement on the situation in Ukraine. Our university strongly urges a peaceful resolution of the recent situation in Ukraine as soon as possible.
Finally, we also hope that all international students and researchers from overseas can have free and peaceful lives without discrimination, and we will do our best to support them so that their studies and research activities can continue with peace of mind.
March 9, 2022
NISHIDA Mutsumi
President
University of the Ryukyus
