■ Environment Iwate University is located in Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture with a population of 290,000. While functioning as a major urban city in the Northern Tohoku area, especially after the opening of the Shinkansen Line (the bullet train line) in 1982, Morioka retains its natural beauty during all four seasons. The historical characteristics of an old castle town are still seen throughout the city. Morioka, or “the town of forests and hills,” is blessed with a harmony between the liveliness of an urban city and the beauty of a tranquil castle town. A bird’s-eye view of Morioka reveals a spectacular setting of the surrounding area. If you were to trace the path of the Kitakamigawa River (one of the three rivers that run through Morioka along with the Nakatsugawa and Shizukuishigawa rivers) back to its origin, you would witness the gallant appearance of Mt. Iwate (2,038 m; “Mt. Fuji of the Nambu Area”)- one of the most beautiful mountains in the nation. The main campus of Iwate University is situated in a quiet corner of the Ueda neighborhood, 2 kilometers north of the JR Morioka Station. University facilities, including the buildings of the four faculties, are primarily located in this park-like setting. Many places suitable for recreation and relaxation are found within a short distance from the campus. For example, the neighborhood Takamatsunoike Pond, and Koiwai Farm and Lake Goshoko in the adjacent towns provide ideal places to spend spare time. Iwate Prefectural Museum, which is located about 5 kilometers north of the campus along the shore of Shijushida Reservoir, is reputed for its comprehensive display of natural and cultural treasures of the prefecture. The whole prefecture of Iwate is well known both for its spectacular natural beauty, such as Rikuchu Coast, Mt. Iwate and Hachimantai National Park, as well as for its cultural assets, including Chusonji Temple in the town of Hiraizumi. Along with the warm-hearted hospitality of the local people, Iwate provides an ideal living environment for university students. ■ Profile On May 31, 1949, Iwate University was founded under a new educational law (Law No. 150, enacted in 1949). Morioka Agricultural and Forestry College, Morioka Higher Technical School, Iwate Normal School and Iwate Normal School for Young Men’s School Teachers were combined to form the University, which consisted of Faculties of Agriculture, Engineering and Liberal Arts. After experiencing a series of reorganizations, Iwate University currently consists of four faculties: the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Agriculture. Masters programs are offered at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Graduate School of Education, the Graduate School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Agriculture; the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences and the Graduate School of Engineering also offer doctoral programs. In addition to these undergraduate and graduate programs, the Special Program in Agriculture is set to provide extensive knowledge and skills for students planning to pursue a career in agriculture. Iwate University has six institutions for supporting education and research: the University Education Center, the Center for Information and Media, the Center for Regional Collaboration in Research and Education, the International Center, the Health Administration Center, and the Radioisotope Laboratory. The facilities belonging to the faculties provide research and educational opportunities for our students and faculty members. The Faculty of Agriculture runs the Field Science Center, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the Cryobiofrontier Research Center, the Botanical Garden, the Historical Museum for Agricultural Education and the Natural Energy Greenhouse; the Faculty of Education operates the Center for Child Development and Educational Practices, the Elementary School, the Junior High School, the School for Special Support and the Kindergarten; and the Faculty of Engineering runs the NDE and Science Research Center. Iwate University’s facilities are located in five sites: - Morioka City, Ueda Area: the 4 four faculties, administration offices, the Health Administration Center and the University Library - Takizawa Village: the Suburb Field Station (the Takizawa University Research Farm and Forest) of the Field Science Center - Shizukuishi Town: the Rural Field Stations (the Omyojin University Research Farm and Forest) of the Filed Field Science Center - Morioka City, Kagano Area: the Elementary School, The Junior High School and the Kindergarten - Morioka City, Higashi-Aniwa Area: the School for Special Support The university has 800 staff members and 6,200 students with a total lot area of 14,720,000 square meters.