The origins of the University of Tsukuba can be traced back to 1872, when the Normal School was founded as the first teacher training institution in Japan. One hundred one years later, the University of Tsukuba was established in 1973, due to the relocation of its antecedent, the Tokyo University of Education. As the new concept comprehensive university in Japan to be established under a country-wide university reform plan, the university featured “Openness” while maintaining its good traditions and characteristics. Even after more than 40 years since its establishment, the University of Tsukuba has not forgotten its original intentions and continues to undergo constant reforms with the aim of becoming a university that is always pioneering the future. 1872 The Normal School was founded in Tokyo. 1886 Tokyo Normal School was renamed to Higher Normal School. 1893 Dr. KANO Jigoro was inaugurated as Principal. Founder of Kodokan Judo. He served as principal of the Higher Normal School and Tokyo Higher Normal School for more than 23 years during his three terms and was instrumental in educational reform, the enhancement of school education in Japan, the development of physical education and sports, and the promotion of the Olympic Movement. 1920 Tokyo Higher Normal School won the Tokyo-Hakone Collegiate Ekiden Relay Race. Tokyo Higher Normal School became the winner of the first Tokyo-Hakone Collegiate Ekiden Relay Race (present Hakone Ekiden) which was established by KANAKURI Shiso. 1929 Tokyo University of Literature and Science was founded. 1949 Tokyo University of Education was founded under the National School Establishment Law (Act No. 150 of 1949). 1956 Dr. TOMONAGA Sin-Itiro was inaugurated as President. The second president of the Tokyo University of Education. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965. His invention of the renormalization theory has contributed to the development of quantum electrodynamics. Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Education, 1969. 1973 The University of Tsukuba was founded under the Law which amended part of the National School Establishment Law (Act No. 103 of 1973). 1992 Dr. ESAKI Leo was inaugurated as President. The fifth President of the University of Tsukuba. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1973, has contributed to the development of the field of semiconductor physics, which is fundamental to modern electronics. Professor Emeritus, University of Tsukuba, 1998. 2000 Professor Emeritus Dr. SHIRAKAWA Hideki was awarded the Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. By challenging the commonly held view that polymers do not conduct electricity, he discovered "conductive polymers" and pioneered a new field in the field of polymer science. Professor Emeritus, University of Tsukuba, 2000. 2002 Merged with the University of Library and Information Science under the Law which amended part of the National School Establishment Law (Law No. 23, 2002.) 2004 According to the National University Corporation Act (Act No. 112 of 2003), the University of Tsukuba became a National University Corporation. History Chart
