School of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences at University of Tsukuba has a history of 140 years, beginning with the establishment of the National School of Gymnastics [Taiso Denshu-jo] in 1878 (Meiji 11). When the National School of Gymnastics was taken over by the Higher Normal School [Koto Shihan Gakko] (later renamed the Tokyo Higher Normal School [Tokyo Koto Shihan Gakko]), the Department of Physical Education was established under the leadership of Jigoro Kano, who is now a symbol of the University of Tsukuba. The Physical Education Division, Tokyo Higher Normal School (from 1915) was succeeded by the Faculty of Physical Education, Tokyo University of Education (from 1948) and the School of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba (from 1973), and continues to this day.
The goal that has been consistently upheld throughout this time is to bring up leaders in the fields of physical education, sports, health, coaching and other areas related to physical education and sports. In fact, throughout the history of the school, which has continued from the National School of Gymnastics to the School of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, it has trained and sent out to the world many outstanding leaders (teachers, coaches, managers, analysts, trainers, staff, etc.) who are active in leadership positions. In recent years, many graduates have taken up positions in the public sector, health-related companies, sports-related companies, and media and publishing companies, and the number of people taking up leadership positions in these fields is increasing. For the School of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, training leaders in various fields is a mission based on a long tradition, and we believe it is a responsibility we must fulfill for society. We will continue to work together as faculty and students to achieve our mission and fulfill our responsibilities.
In addition, with various sport competitions being held both in Japan and overseas, one of the important missions of the School of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences is to contribute to the improvement of Japan’s competitive ability. University of Tsukuba has many excellent athletic clubs with a long tradition, and they have achieved great results through their activities, placing importance on the principles of the interaction of intellectual and physical discipline [Bunbu Fuki], self-reliance and self-discipline, and scientific thinking. In the future, we would like to continue to contribute to the development of competitive sports in Japan by cultivating athletes and teams that have both strength and dignity, without resting on our laurels.
Through lectures, practical skills, practical training, graduation research, sports club activities, and social contribution activities, we will continue to build on our good traditions while also breaking new ground. The faculty and students will work together to pursue this goal, and we will aim for further evolution of the School of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences.
KIZUKA Tomohiro