Showa Women’s University founder, Enkichi Hitomi (1883-1974), was a renowned poet and scholar who, with his wife Midori’s inspiration and support, became deeply committed to establishing peace in a world ravished by World War I. His pioneering concept for building a peaceful society centered on educating women to play an important role in its development and growth. Enkichi and Midori Hitomi took the first step towards making their vision a reality by establishing a technical school for women which opened in 1920 with eight students and five teachers. Today, the University, located in Setagaya in the southwest part of metropolitan Tokyo, has grown to a population of over 7,400 students and approximately 700 faculty members. It offers its students a kindergarten-through-high school program, a junior college, a four-year university, and a graduate school granting masters and doctoral degrees.