Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Cultivating the Ability to Leverage Diverse Individuals and Grow Together
In the coming era, uncertainty will increase, and the pace of change will accelerate further. The nature of occupations will change dramatically: not only will new jobs be created that do not exist today, but working periods and lifestyles will also change. For women living in such a future to adapt flexibly to social changes and walk their own paths proactively, it is essential to understand what matters to them, respect diverse values, and cultivate the ability to work collaboratively and thrive.
At JWU, based on the Three Guiding Principles advocated by founder Jinzo Naruse—“Firm Conviction,” “Spontaneity and Creativity,” and “Service to Society”—we carry out diverse activities that begin with self-reflection and collaboration with others. We also examine how such activities relate to factors such as self-esteem and interpersonal skills, in order to clarify their significance for pupils and students.
Aims and Program Characteristics by Educational Stage
University
Accepting Diverse Values and Connecting to Collaboration
Goal
- In today’s society, where values are diversifying and change is remarkable, aim to develop the ability to understand and accept one’s own value, and to utilize oneself in cooperation with others.
Participant Achievement Targets
- Through problem-based learning within the University, acquire thinking, expression, and practical skills based on self-understanding.
- Through interaction with external organizations, understand the challenges in one’s own expressive and practical abilities, work to improve them, and aim for further development. This will foster the ability to solve problems flexibly when faced with new challenges.
Programs
- Firm Conviction
・Possess a will to self-explore, engage in practical learning that leads to constant self-questioning, and combine it with the knowledge to root it deeply.
・Create a life plan, design an original career plan, and clarify the foundation each individual needs to build.
JWU Career Education courses
Special liberal arts lectures - Spontaneity and Creativity
・Seek opportunities to leverage one’s abilities, uniqueness, and individuality. Step outside campus to collaborate with local governments and companies to address social issues.
・Pursue personal interests and gain experiential and practical learning through connections with others and society.
JWU Social Collaboration courses - Service to Society
・Deepen self-understanding through relationships with others in society, and acquire the ability to contribute to cooperation and harmony necessary for success in society.
JWU Career Education courses
JWU Social Collaboration courses
High School Affiliated with JWU
Deepening Self and Building Confidence
Goal
- Encourage deeper self-understanding and increased self-esteem through opportunities for self-reflection and opinion exchange.
Participant Achievement Targets
- Solve problems through many discussions while respecting each other.
- Deepen self-understanding by recognizing each other’s individuality, and create greater synergy.
Programs
- Firm Conviction
・Develop a sense of mission and cooperation to build a better society with conviction.
・Consider desired directions and areas of deeper study, and envision the future.
Various lectures by external speakers
Information sessions by JWU faculty, staff, and students
Karuizawa Seminar (2nd year) - Spontaneity and Creativity
・Think, learn, and act independently.
・Broaden perspectives and self-awareness through interaction and discussion with others.
Student council activities (in Japanese, opens in new tab) (all students participate proactively, engage in many discussions, and put decisions into action in cooperation), homeroom activities
40 clubs
Presentations and exhibits by research groups at the Momiji Festival - Service to Society
・Act appropriately with sound judgment while respecting others within relationships of trust.
Student council activities (in Japanese, opens in new tab) (all students participate proactively, engage in many discussions, and put decisions into action in cooperation)
Club and research group activities
Volunteer activities during long vacations (optional)
Junior High School Affiliated with JWU
Developing Each Individual’s Potential
Goal
- Within a school culture that respects “I am me” and “You are you,” broaden perspectives and develop each individual’s potential.
Participant Achievement Targets
- Have a mindset of mutual respect and acquire self-expression that values both oneself and others
- Express oneself confidently by shaping one’s thoughts and daily efforts into tangible results.
- Understand that by acting autonomously with the spirit of self-governance, each individual can improve the school and society, and put it into practice.
Programs
- Firm Conviction
・Establish personal convictions through opportunities for self-reflection and learning from others via discussions.
Record one’s feelings for each event
Karuizawa Sansen Dorm life (1st year)
Assertion education (1st year)
Opportunities to hear from alumnae (university students, working professionals) (1st and 3rd years) - Spontaneity and Creativity
・Shape one’s thoughts into concrete forms through student-led activities and opportunities to present daily achievements.
Learning presentation meeting (1st year)
Student council elections (in Japanese, opens in new tab)(2nd year)
Annual research: summarize and present a self-selected theme (3rd year) - Service to Society
・Broaden perspectives from a self-centered world by accepting differences. Cultivate the imagination to always consider things from others’ viewpoints.
・Contribute to school and society by taking on roles and acting proactively.
International Understanding (2nd year, external lecture)
Volunteer activities organized by the student council
Homei Elementary School Affiliated with JWU
Knowing Oneself and Connecting with Others
Goal
- In an environment where students can express themselves with confidence, understand themselves, and develop awareness as members of society through building relationships with others.
Participant Achievement Targets
- Understand personal characteristics and learn ways to express oneself appropriately while enhancing self-esteem.
- Cultivate cooperation by understanding each other and living school life with empathy.
Programs
- Firm Conviction
・“Children Who Work Hard”: Enhance one’s character, find a sense of mission, and move forward with full effort.
Diary instruction (all grades)
Sports Day, Music Festival (all grades)
Sketching event (Grades 2–6)
New Year’s calligraphy competition (Grades 3–6)
Karuizawa Summer School (Grade 6) - Spontaneity and Creativity
・“Children Who Act on Their Own Initiative”: Identify what one wants to do and develop creativity through voluntary effort.
Vertical group activities (Nakayoshi Day, schoolwide cleaning)
Cross-grade exchange
Student council activities (Grades 4–6) - Service to Society
・ “Children Who Cooperate with Others”: Learn what it means to act for the good of humanity and serve toward shared goals.
Club and committee activities for service
Volunteer activities
Kindergarten–Elementary School collaborative programs
Homei Kindergarten Affiliated with JWU
Being Oneself and Developing Likes and Strengths
Goal
- While discovering likes and strengths through play, enhance self-esteem.
- Promote balanced development of a healthy body and mind within warm human relationships.
Participant Achievement Targets
- Find desired play activities in a secure environment.
- Recognize each other’s strengths and cooperate amicably.
- Approach activities with vitality, think creatively, and enjoy the joy of creating.
Programs
- Firm Conviction
In play and daily life
・Fully enjoy favorite play and express oneself freely.
・Work persistently with personal goals, and feel the joy of achievement. - Spontaneity and Creativity
In play and daily life
・Find what one wants to do and try it in one’s own way. Act proactively and take on various challenges.
・Communicate personal thoughts to others and enjoy self-expression. - Service to Society
In play and daily life
・Express oneself while playing with various friends.
・Experience the sense of accomplishment of completing something together with friends.
