JAPAN LUTHERAN COLLEGE & SEMINARY

Details

Educational Policy

The mission of this school is to train persons who "serve God and the world in the spirit of Christ" through "instruction which values each and every individual."

The History of Japan Lutheran College

2009 marks our 100th year!
1909 Lutheran School of Theology is founded in Kumamoto City, Kyushu, Japan.
1921 Kyushu Theological Seminary officially certified as a vocational school (3 year program with 2 years of specialization).
1925 Moves to Saginomiya, Nakano Ward, Tokyo, and is renamed as the Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary.
1943 During the Second World War is administered as the Eastern Japan Seminary, Japan Christian Church.
1950 Reopens as the Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary.
1953 The Japan Lutheran Church establishes a School of Theology at Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
1964 Japan Lutheran Theological College, Department of Theology, receives official government accreditation.
1969 The school relocates to its present campus in Mitaka City.
1976 A Course in Christian Social Work is established in the Department of Theology.
1987 The college is reorganized as Departments of Theology and Social Work in a School of Humanities.
1992 The college receives permission for enrollments of 10 in the Department of Theology, 60 in the Department of Social Work;
a Christianity and Counseling Course is established in the Department of Theology.
1993 Construction of Brown Hall.
1996 The college is renamed Japan Lutheran College.
2000 Permitted yearly enrollment increases to 80 students for the Department of Social Work, 10 transfer students for the Department of Theology.
2001 Establishment of Master's Course in Social Work in the Graduate School of Social Work.
2004 Establishment of a Doctoral Program in Social Work in the Graduate School of Social Work.
2005 Programs are renamed as the Integrative Human Studies Department, with three departments: Social Work, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Studies. Permitted enrollments are adjusted to a respective 60, 30,and 10 for each.
The graduate school is renamed as the Integrative Human Studies Graduate School.
Establishment of a Master's Program in Clinical Psychology.
2006 Construction of Trinity Hall.
The course in Clinical Psychology is certified by the Japan Accrediting Counsel for Clinical Psychology as a Level One Institute.
2008 Construction of Luther Hall.

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Graduate School of Social Work

A Message from the Chair of the Graduate School

Professor Toshiaki Wada, Chair of the Graduate School

There are three factors at this college that make the Social Work degree unique. The first of these is the viewpoint from which it approaches its program of study--possessing a strong sense of social justice and human rights while applying a scope of social services from the micro to macro level from both a bird's eye view to an all-encompassing stance as it aims to train social workers with a high degree of specialist knowledge and skill, so that practical fieldwork is required even from the first year of study. The second unique feature is its training for giving professionals confidence in carrying out administrative work in their own special field. The third characteristic is its goal of creating researchers able to account for and logically construct the appropriateness of their actual practice.

Classes are held on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Also, the educational environment is conducive for personalized instruction and discussion. This makes its possible even for those with full-time positions wishing to further their careers both to continue working and pursue a full course of study. The faculty members are global in their outlook, known for their professional activities both in Japan and overseas; their guidance as professionals who are actively involved as authorities in their fields. The graduate school awarded doctoral degrees in both the 2007 and 2008 academic years. Currently, six persons have successfully passed the requirements for their doctoral theses and are working to complete their degrees. We eagerly welcome any candidate wishing to pursue a serious study of social work.

Academic Goals
First half of doctoral program

The goal is to train social workers with a firm awareness of human rights and a high ethical stance to acquire a high degree of knowledge and skill regarding policies and practice in the field.

Second half of doctoral program

The goal is to instruct candidates for teaching or research at schools for training social work professionals or institutions of higher learning. Additional academic goals are to equip graduates to work as experts in administering or managing social work institutions or organizations.

Features Three fields of research

The first half of the doctoral program allows candidates to select one of three areas of research for advancing their professional careers: 1) social work systems and policies; 2) social work methods and practice; 3) Christian social work. All these offer the knowledge and skills necessary for a high level of expertise. The curriculum distinguishes itself from that of other graduate level programs in Japan for social work in the large number of courses for social work support skills and a full grounding in social work survey.

The second half of the doctoral program allows candidates to select further study in either of two areas of research: 1) Social work systems and policies; 2) Social work support skills.

Placement status of graduates completing the first half of the doctoral program

Seven persons graduated in the 2007 academic year. The graduate school is unique in that most of these were employed full-time in positions in the field as they pursued their studies.

Of all those completing the first half of the doctoral program, 13 have proceeded on to the second half of the course of study.

Graduate Theses in the Social Work Program, Integrated Program in Human Studies Research Course
  • An Investigation of the Components and Process in Conscious Realization for Families of Cancer Patients
  • A Focus on Support for Those in the "Gear Change" and Terminal Stages
  • An Attempt at Establishing Standards for Evaluating the Concerns and Problems of Medical Social Workers
  • Organization of a Consultation System for Implementing Care Management
  • Learning from the Implementation of a Local Comprehensive Center for Support
  • An Investigation into Professional Burnout for Consultants at an Outpatient Care Center for Elderly
  • Toward an Optimum Supervision Model at Medical Institutions
  • Learning from Social Worker Practice
  • Observations on the Role of Social Workers in Providing Support for Alcoholics in the Community
  • An Investigation into Organizational Commitment and Factors Affecting the Maintenance of Human Resources
  • A Focus on Staff at Social Work Institutions for the Elderly

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Graduate School of Clinical Psychology

A Message from the Chair
Instruction based in the spirit of love and respect for our fellow humans that seeks to train the very best practicers of clinical psychology

Professor Sachiko Shrai,
Chair of the Graduate Course of Clinical Psychology

I believe that the essence of clinical psychology is love. It is written that love is what the heart accepts. In other words, love is the process by which we fully accept ourselves and strive to accept and respect the hearts of others. This has its foundation in the conviction that all humans--or lives--are valuable, and that there can be no other alternative to the spirit of respect for humans and life--that we should respectively value both the character and lives of ourselves and our fellow human.

Even now, our society continues to be a maelstrom of myriad problems--violence at home or in schools, shocking murders or suicide, withdrawal, economic restructuring and the anxiety or panic that ensues. And there are global issues such as terrorism and war that never cease to contradict human beings' desire for peace and happiness. All of these arise from the human heart. These are the problems that counter the progress of civilization, and which I believe are a huge issue facing the 21st century.

It is my hope that clinical psychology be a field of study that, as it seeks to resolve problems of the individual mind through questioning in a spirit of love and human respect, it searches for a way to contribute and put into practice what it can to contribute to the happiness of the human race. Fortunately, this college--which already is renown for its achievements in the field of social work--has gathered a truly outstanding staff. We have great expectations for what you young persons will bring to our graduate school, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming all of you who have a passion for loving your fellow human along with your dreams and aspirations.

Guiding Principles

Our goal is to train professionals who can meet and deal with people, based on instruction in the Christian spirit of love and dedication. Also, we will train professionals in the field of clinical psychology able to apply their professional knowledge and skills in clinical situations such as mental health and educational and medical institutions.

Three Areas of Research

The Graduate School of Clinical Psychology allows students to pursue professional research in any of three programs: 1) Care Practice in Clinical Psychology; 2) Christianity and Clinical Psychology; 3) Mental Health.

The program in Care Practice in Clinical Psychology offers the coursework necessary for candidates wishing to sit for the National Test for Certification in Clinical Psychology to become licensed psychologists.

The program in Christianity and Clinical Psychology offers students opportunity to learn theory and practice in spiritual care, the core of the Christian faith, as they work toward resolving problems of each and every individual.

Candidates in the program in Care Practice in Clinical Psychology learn cutting-edge knowledge and skills necessary for giving the proper support to those suffering from mental illness--and to their families as well. These candidates can also take courses in the Graduate School Social Work Course, making possible a broad scope of research.

Instruction in Psychotherapy from Pioneers in the Field

The graduate school boasts a full complement of classes in psychotherapy, the core of clinical psychology. One of the features of Japan Lutheran College's Graduate Course in Clinical Psychology is its instruction by faculty members who have pioneered in such fields as cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional analysis, SST (Social Skills Training), group therapy, and art therapy.

Practicums (Field Work)

Practicums are central to the study of clinical psychology at Japan Lutheran College. The school strives to enable its students to experience clinical settings where they can determine practical applications of the many theories and methodologies they learn--how to best support those individuals they encounter.

From the second semester of their first year, candidates begin to conduct interviews at the Center for Clinical Psychology on the JLC campus, taking on duties of meeting with clients under the supervision of faculty members. JLC is also proud of the many off campus institutions for which practicums have been arranged. There are opportunities for field work in assisting with day care management at hospitals, attending mental health assessment interviews, assisting with intake sessions, and more. Other possibilities for field work that have been arranged include chances to meet children with school phobia, or to experience working in the community through Child and Family Support Centers. The licensed faculty member supervising candidates utilizes reports of these practical experiences for personalized, detailed feedback in instruction.

Department of Social Work

Serious about studying social work? Then JLC is for you.

Japan Lutheran College trains professional social workers ready to work at the forefront of the field. We pay individual attention to each and every student to train them to be social workers.

At Japan Lutheran College, we train social workers with a comprehensive educational system as we give each student individual attention.

The reason we say "If you're serious about social work, then JLC is for you" is that we answer to the aspirations of each student while offering a full and complete curriculum in a well-balanced educational environment.

We train social workers not only in knowledge and skill, but as individual persons who have the confidence to interact with others they meet in the practice of social work.

Four full, in-depth programs

Japan Lutheran College offers four programs (courses of study) in social work. You can choose to register for courses from any of the four programs in those areas which you have the greatest interest or concern.

Acquire knowledge and skills as a professional

The profession of social worker is both multifacted and multilayered in nature as it serves individuals, groups, families, local communities, and society as a whole. Moreover, the people it supports include children, learning disabled, psychologically disabled, elderly, and many others--all with their own particular issues and disabilities.

Japan Lutheran College is one of the few institutions in Japan where the entire faculty of full-time instructors are also professional social workers.

Full-time Faculty Lead Both Classwork and Fieldwork

The Social Work faculty members of Japan Lutheran College continuously involve themselves in a wide range of implementation and policy planning in the field. They not only lecture in their particular fields of specialization, they also take responsibility for fieldwork practicums.

High Rate of Success for the National Test for Certification; License for Social Work Teaching Also Possible

Success in the National Examination for Certification is necessary for working as Professional Social Workers and Professional Psychological Social Workers. Japan Lutheran College starts to explain the details of both tests for these certifications from the first semester classes of the sophomore year and gives guidance in registration for preparing for either of these examinations using surveys and individual interviews.

Japan Lutheran College also conducts guidance for choosing coursework to help students decide whether to work toward both of these certifications, or to earn a teaching license for social work. The college also offers classes culminating four years of study that offer strategies in taking these examinations. Our success rate for both these examinations has continued to place among the highest in Japan.

High Level of Placement in Social Work Positions

Every year at graduation, the result of our instruction that gives confidence to students who "want to become a social worker" is an almost 100% placement as social workers or for continuing study in the field, with more than 80% finding employment as social workers. More and more of our graduates are working in responsible positions managing institutions or public bureaus. These graduates in turn form a professional network that supports current undergraduates.

For Example: School Social Worker

The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has made the placement of school social workers a centerpiece of its new budget for fiscal 2009. From now on, there will be social workers placed even in elementary, junior and senior high schools.

If you're serious about social work, we urge you to consider studying at Japan Lutheran College.

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Department of Clinical Psychology

Training Specialists in "the Heart"

You can study the diversity and depths of the human heart at a warm-hearted college. We train persons in the field of clinical psychology who have the knowledge, skills, and values to be able to excel.

Understanding Humans in Totality, From Many Angles

Whenever we face difficulties, we want someone to listen to our worries and understand us. When we are accepted and supported, we find strength in ourselves to move forward again

To understand a person in depth, it is necessary not only to understand his or her inner world, but also the environment in which he or she has arrived at this point in life. This is because everyone has lived in a social, cultural, and historical context where he or she interacts with a wide range of other persons. The uniqueness of Japan Lutheran College's Department of Clinical Psychology is found in its fostering the ability to comprehend humans not just part by part but in their totality.

Training in Practical Skills Through Experiential Learning

The curriculum for Japan Lutheran College offers a range of courses titled with phrases such as "Practical Methods," "Actual", "In Practice," "Practical Learning" that emphasize practical skills. These courses serve to develop practical skills through experiential learning using such activities as role playing both the supporter and client in interview situations, participating as members of therapy groups, or creating sandbox gardens or pictures. Other opportunities for observation and learning at institutions both on and off campus enable students to gain a firm grasp of clinical psychology in practice.

An Understanding of Persons Based on Christian Values

All people seek meaning and value in life. Faced with trials or loss, they can have the very meaning of their existence shaken and lose their purpose in life. To become a support giver to work with people who are deeply questioning the very basis of their lives, it is important to reflect on one's personal values and outlook on life. The instruction at Japan Lutheran College repeatedly poses these important queries for personal reflection. A study of the Christian perspective and values allows students to discover the means to become spiritually sensitive counselors with a deep understanding of humans.

Study and Certification for Psychological Social Work

The work of a psychological social worker entails supporting the lives in society of persons with emotional problems and their families. In addition to learning about what constitutes mental health, this course of study also teaches the laws and systems as well as techniques for supporting a life as a member of society. The Department of Clinical Psychology qualifies students to sit for the National Exam for Certification as a Psychological Social Worker for those students desiring such a career.

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Department of Christian Studies

Investigating Humans and the World, Inquiring into the Depths of Existence and the Soul

With Holy Scripture as a guide, and a deep study of humans, life, and the world, we train leaders for tomorrow.

Deep Insight for Changing History

The almost 100 years of tradition for the Christian theology, research, and instruction of Japan Lutheran College are a direct inheritance of the faith and spirit of the religious reformer Martin Luther. It was Luther who, in the dark times of the Middle Ages, rediscovered the Biblical faith enabling humans to live with true hope and love in Jesus Christ. Based on this faith, Luther never yielded to many strong adversities in his call for reformation. And that great current of reformation commencing at that time ultimately became one fundamental force in modern Western civilization.

It sometimes seems difficult for us at the dawn of this 21st Century to map out a bright future. Isn't it just because of this age that there is a need for a mentality that sees prospects for tomorrow's society and the power to implement knowledge based on that stance? The Department of Christian Studies seeks to foster a broad perspective and deep insight for creating a new age through studies--founded on the Bible--of humans and life, the world and culture, history and nature.

A Study of World Culture Starting from Christianity

The Christian religion, which contributed to the formation of the culture of the European Middle Ages, has exerted great influence on all world cultures in philosophy, thought, literature, music, art, architecture, and more. This college enables a deep study of Christian culture, starting with that of Europe and America.

In addition, the proclamation of Christianity around the world has brought it into encounters with many non-Christian cultures in such regions as Asia and Africa. In fact, it is said that Shotokutaishi, Kukai, and Sen No Rikyu and other very notable figures in Japanese history and culture had contact with Christianity. At Japan Lutheran College, the Christian religion provides a base from which to learn about world cultures and societies.

Professional Theologian Instructors and Thorough Individual Instruction

The faculty of the Christian Studies Department comprises specialists in all areas of traditional theology. Achieving a system of instruction in small groups for every course, the department enables its students to discover new future directions for themselves as it deepens each of their personal enthusiasm, interest, and concerns in the studies they pursue.

An Educational Environment for Adult Learners

Adult learners will find broad support to accommodate them within the department. If they take advantage of the long-term registration system, they can proceed with their studies at their own pace as the system is in place for them to achieve their educational goals even while employed. Current students include one over 50 who is studying while working, and a retired person over 60 taking up the new challenge of a second career.

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Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary

The Starting Point of Japan Lutheran College, with 100 years of training proclaimers of the Gospel
Proclaimers of the Gospel of Liberation, Shepherds who heal the soul

Despite amazing progress in economics and technology, we cannot feel certain that all persons have found happiness in our world. In fact, it seems that there is less harmony among people, that problems of the heart and mind have increased, and that greater numbers of people have lost sight of any reason for living. Love seems to have cooled and hope to have become less certain. It's an age when religion itself is regarded with suspicion. These are all the very reason why we need to search into the human condition, and reexamine humans in the light that shines from the absolute God, and listen to God's word that will restore us to our true humanity. In order that people may be freed from the sin that festers within them, and to have their souls restored with new joy, we need persons to pray and work to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ so that this world may abound with love, compassion, justice, and peace. To realize this, the seminary carries out the training of pastors.

Standing firm in the tradition of the Reformation

Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary was founded in 1909 for the purpose of training evangelists and pastors in the Lutheran faith and theology directly proceeding from Martin Luther, the Great Reformer of the 16th century. The motto of the seminary is the slogan of the Reformation: "Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Scripture Alone." The goals of the seminary are an in-depth study of the Bible in its original languages of Hebrew and Greek and, founded on a truly Gospel-centered theology, train workers with practical skills so that they can serve ably in church settings.

A diverse body of seminarians

The seminary does not only draw from young students in the Department of Christian Studies at JLC, there are some seminarians coming directly from other universities, and some starting a second career following a variety of work. Their ages range from their twenties to their sixties. There are men and women, single and married--many different persons from many different backgrounds. At present, there are 13 seminarians in the 4-year seminary program.

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Personal Growth and Counseling Center (PGC)

A holistic counseling center for personal growth and other's support

The Personal Growth and Counseling Center was founded in 1982 with the purpose of providing a place for counseling and support for persons suffering from stress or sorrow arising from such factors as mental illness, problems with living, parent/child or spousal relationship problems, bullying, school phobia, stress from the workplace--or for those facing crises in their lives or relationships.

PGC is unique in that its approach for those who come for counseling is truly holistic--incorporating psychological, physical, social, and spiritual (based on the Christian faith) aspects. Presently there is a great need for the services that the PGC provides, with more and more clients, whose aggregate numbers since its start have now surpassed 1, 400. In addition to the center's full-time staff, there are 11 trained counselors providing the necessary services.

Every year, PGC sponsors a series of lectures in basic counseling methods offered twice: during the day and in the evening. More than 2, 800 persons have completed this course. For those who have completed this, there are many other learning opportunities available in areas such as counseling training, transactional analysis, psychodrama, family, and sandbox therapies, along with regular open lectures. Those going into the ministry have courses in the Pastoral Counseling Research Association.

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Research Center for Luther Studies

Here are the college's roots!

Every year around the world, there are more than 3000 publications and studies on the Great Reformer, Martin Luther. A part of that research happens in Japan as well, and the Research Center for Luther Studies is the wellspring of those activities.

To backtrack, it was in the 1930's that the scholar Shigehiko Sato,, a professor at Japan Lutheran Theological College--the forerunner of this college, became a trailblazer in Luther studies in Japan. He poured his heart into translating Luther's works, introducing his own and others' research in this field. In fact, Japan's great theologian, Kazou Kitamori and his world-renown work "A Theology of the Suffering God" owe much to this Luther research of Dr. Sato's.

There are two main activities carried out by this center: one is the translation of Luther's Works, and the other is the introduction of research on Luther's faith and theology. Already the first set (10 volumes) and the second set (4 volumes) of Luther's Works (estimated 36 volumes in total) have been published, and work continues in earnest on the remainder. Research activities include the publication "Luther Research" (already in 9 volumes) and the promotion of lectures around the country. Such other activities as courses and lectures open to the general public and readings in the original language have also succeeded in quietly but steadily raising interest in Luther research.

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Center for Clinical Psychology

A facility of the college offering counseling and support services

The Center for Clinical Psychology fulfills a service to the local community by providing a place for psychological counseling as it carries out research and seeks to train professionals for dealing with problems of the human heart.

The center hopes to aid those persons with emotional problems or facing other difficulties. In addition, it looks to introduce other suitable counseling and support services available to the community.

The center is staffed by faculty of the college--who are licensed counselors in clinical psychology--as well as by trained graduate candidates under the supervision of a faculty member.

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Christian Instruction

Christianity--the founding spirit that supports Japan Lutheran College

Christianity, the founding spirit that is JLC's legacy, does not only appear in lectures, but is part of all campus life. Much can be learned and gained from the daily interactions with faculty, staff, and other students.

Japan Lutheran College has a Campus Christian Center, where the Chaplain (pastor) provides leadership for all the worship-related activities and programs on campus. The Chaplain is served by a Chaplain's Assistant, together with other helpers and student volunteers who make up the Worship Committee. There are chapel services every class day. While worship is not compulsory, it does provide a place where faculty and students can come together as one, heard the Word of God, and join in prayer. Through the messages presented here, there are opportunities to see another side of those people that we interact with daily.

The basis of our "Lutheraness"--as it were-of praising God and fostering love for our fellow humans is found in this Christian instruction. It is our hope that the years of study at JLC will not only result in knowledge and skills, but will be a time that deeply affects each of us as individuals.

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International Programs

Japan Lutheran College's international study tours for the Christian Studies, Clinical Psychology, and Social Work Departments foster an international awareness on a global scale of the many issues confronting our world today.

At Japan Lutheran College, the International Concerns Committee (I.C.C.) coordinates international programs

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