In the aftermath of WWII, visionaries in Japan and the United States came together to establish a university in Japan that would educate “new leaders for a new Japan” committed to reconciliation, democracy, and human rights. The Japan ICU Foundation was incorporated in New York in 1949 to support this endeavor, and International Christian University (ICU) was founded the same year. Over 75 years later, ICU has grown into a leading university, and JICUF and ICU remain steadfast partners.
With our eyes on the future, JICUF’s mission is to nurture global citizens who contribute to the well-being of humanity. We fulfill this mission by supporting innovative educational programs at ICU and other higher education institutions in Japan. Examples include Refugee Education Japan, the SDG Projects, the Othmer Research Fellowship and the Global Citizen Fellowship.
Most Recent Articles
David Janes Honored with Ruth Miller Global Citizenship Award
Outgoing JICUF Board Chair Dr. David Janes has been bestowed with the inaugural Ruth Miller Global Citizenship Award. The announcement came at a special dinner held to mark JICUF’s 75th anniversary in Los Angeles on March 8, 2025. The Ruth Miller Award honors individuals who embody the values of global citizenship while making significant contributions to JICUF. This prestigious award celebrates Ruth Miller’s legacy of dedication to international understanding, peace, and reconciliation through education. About Ruth Miller Ruth Louise Miller dedicated her entire professional life to the Japan ICU Foundation (JICUF), serving from 1947 until her retirement in 1982. As the Executive Director of JICUF, she played a pivotal role […]
Syrian Student Sara Jari Graduates from ICU
Sara Jari, the recipient of the Syrian Scholars Initiative scholarship, is graduating from ICU this month. We asked Sara to reflect on her time at ICU and how it has impacted her life. Congratulations Sara!
JICUF hosts the third ICU Student Weekend in New York
JICUF held its third annual ICU Student Weekend in New York from Friday, January 10th to Sunday, January 12th. This event invites ICU students studying at universities in the US and Canada through exchange programs to New York. This year, among the 59 students studying in North America, 34 students participated from near and far, including such locations as Vermont, New Jersey, California, Ohio and Vancouver! JICUF covered the cost of accommodation, two meals, and museum admission fees; each student paid for their travel expenses. Most students arrived in New York on Thursday the 9th, and 26 attended a social gathering held at the JICUF office the following Friday afternoon. […]
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