Working at TGU, your next career step!

Tokai Gakuen University (TGU), located in Miyoshi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, stands as a prominent private institution dedicated to fostering education, humanities, health sciences, and social studies. Established in 1964 as Tokai Gakuen Women's Junior College, it evolved into a co-educational university in 1990, with campuses in Miyoshi and Nagoya's Meijo Park area. Jobs at Tokai Gakuen University attract academics passionate about teacher training, early childhood education, nursing, and regional sociology, offering a blend of teaching, research, and community engagement in Asia Pacific's dynamic higher education landscape.

The university's commitment to practical education aligns with Japan's emphasis on holistic development. Faculty roles here involve mentoring students in small classes, contributing to research on local Aichi issues like child welfare and health promotion, and participating in international exchanges. With Japan's aging population, TGU's health sciences programs create demand for specialized researchers and lecturers.

📜 History and Mission of Tokai Gakuen University

Tokai Gakuen University's roots trace back to post-war Japan, when founder Tokai Gakuen aimed to rebuild society through education. From its junior college origins focusing on women's liberal arts, it expanded to full university status, reflecting Japan's shift toward gender equality in education. Today, TGU's mission centers on 'human formation' – nurturing individuals with ethical values, practical skills, and global awareness.

This history shapes jobs at the university, prioritizing educators who embody lifelong learning. Faculty often engage in curriculum development for teacher certification programs, which are rigorous in Japan, requiring state exams and practical training.

Academic Programs and Departments

TGU features four main faculties: Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Contemporary Sociology. The Education Faculty prepares future teachers for elementary and special needs education. Health Sciences covers nursing and physical therapy, addressing Japan's healthcare needs.

Jobs in these departments range from full-time professors to part-time lecturers. For instance, education faculty positions emphasize pedagogy research, while health sciences roles focus on clinical studies. Check university job types for details on roles like associate professor or assistant professor.

Required Academic Qualifications for Jobs at TGU

To secure jobs at Tokai Gakuen University, candidates typically need a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in the relevant field, such as pedagogy for education roles or nursing science for health positions. A master's degree suffices for lecturers, but PhD holders are preferred for tenure-track positions.

Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1 or N2) is essential for teaching, as courses are primarily in Japanese. English-taught programs exist for international hires, requiring TOEFL/IELTS scores.

Research Focus and Expertise Needed

Research at TGU emphasizes applied studies: early childhood development in Education, social welfare in Humanities, clinical nursing in Health Sciences, and community sociology in Contemporary Sociology. Expertise in quantitative methods, grant-funded projects from Japan's Ministry of Education (MEXT), or interdisciplinary work with Aichi industries is valued.

Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications in journals like Japanese Journal of Educational Psychology, conference presentations at JAFEE, or collaborations with local governments on child care policies.

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

• Teaching experience at Japanese universities or high schools.
• Publications (5+ for associate professor level).
• Grant experience (KAKENHI funding).
• Skills: Data analysis (SPSS/R), curriculum design, student mentoring.
• Competencies: Cultural adaptability, teamwork, innovation in pedagogy.

International experience boosts candidacy, especially for global programs.

Application Process and Tips

Applications open via TGU's website or JREC-IN Portal. Submit CV, cover letter, research/teaching statement, and three references. Interviews involve teaching demo and research presentation.

Tips:

1. Customize CV to Japanese format (rirekisho).
2. Highlight MEXT-aligned research.
3. Network at academic conferences.
4. Prepare for visa (if non-Japanese).
5. Use how to write a winning academic CV.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives 🌈

TGU advances diversity through the 'Diverse Human Resource Development Plan,' targeting 30% female faculty by 2030. International faculty support includes language courses and spousal visas. LGBTQ+ clubs and gender studies courses promote inclusion. Aichi's multicultural environment aids integration.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life ⚖️

Miyoshi campus offers green spaces, sports facilities, and commuter trains to Nagoya (30 mins). Work-life balance features 20 paid leave days, flexible hours for researchers, and wellness programs like yoga. Faculty enjoy subsidies for housing in Aichi's affordable areas. Campus life includes festivals, research seminars, and collaborations with Toyota (nearby).

Current Job Landscape and Trends

With Japan's professor shortage, TGU recruits actively in education (teacher aging) and nursing (demand rise). Salaries: Assistant professor ¥6-8M, professor ¥10-15M. Remote options limited, but hybrid teaching post-COVID. See employer branding secrets for trends.

Recent hires focus on AI in education and mental health research.

In summary, jobs at Tokai Gakuen University provide meaningful opportunities in Japan's higher education sector. Explore more at higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with TGU.