A Milestone Exhibition Unveils JWU's Enduring Commitment to Natural Science Education

Japan Women's University (日本女子大学, Nihon Joshi Daigaku or JWU), the nation's oldest private institution dedicated to women's higher education, has launched a captivating exhibition at its Naruse Memorial Hall. Titled "Classes at Japan Women's University — Faculty of Science" (日本女子大学の授業 — 理学部 —), the display opened on April 10, 2026, marking a poignant celebration of 125 years of pioneering natural science education. This event underscores JWU's unique position as the only private women's university in Japan with a dedicated Faculty of Science, blending historical artifacts with reflections on the evolution of science learning for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Visitors entering the Romanesque red-brick hall, located just left of the Mejirodai Campus main gate in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, are immediately transported back to the Meiji era. The exhibition is divided into two periods: April 10 to May 2, and June 2 to July 30, allowing ample opportunity for exploration during weekdays (10:00–16:30) and Saturdays (10:00–12:00). Free admission invites students, educators, historians, and the public to witness how JWU has nurtured scientific curiosity among women since its founding in 1901.

Founder's Vision: Jinzo Naruse and the Roots of Science at JWU

Established by educator Jinzo Naruse (1858–1924), JWU emerged as Japan's first organized higher education institution for women amid the Meiji Restoration's push for modernization. Naruse, born to a samurai family in Yamaguchi Prefecture, envisioned empowering women through rigorous academics, challenging societal norms that confined them to domestic roles. The university began with departments in Home Economics, Japanese Literature, and English Literature, but Naruse advocated for natural sciences from the outset.

Plans for a science-focused Education Department surfaced just five years after opening, reflecting Naruse's belief in comprehensive learning. Though initially merged into Home Economics due to skepticism about women's readiness for sciences, foundational courses in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics persisted. This foresight laid the groundwork for JWU's enduring legacy, as detailed in the memorial hall's permanent exhibits honoring Naruse's life and artifacts.

Key Milestones: From Home Economics Integration to Dedicated Science Faculty

The trajectory of natural science education at JWU mirrors Japan's post-war educational reforms. In 1948, following the shift to new universities under GHQ directives, the Home Economics Department introduced a Rational Science course (家政理学科), emphasizing applied sciences like chemistry for household management—a pragmatic entry for women into STEM.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1992 when alumni and faculty demands led to the establishment of the Faculty of Science, featuring Mathematical-Physical Science (数物科学科) and Material-Biological Science (物質生物科学科) departments. This made JWU the sole private women's university offering full STEM degrees, fostering interdisciplinary skills vital for modern careers. By 2022, departments evolved into Mathematical Information Science (数物情報科学科) and Chemical Life Science (化学生命科学科), aligning with digital and biotech advancements. Today, the faculty graduates women equipped for research, industry, and academia, contributing to Japan's STEM workforce.

These milestones highlight JWU's adaptability, from Meiji-era basics to contemporary curricula integrating AI and life sciences, as showcased through timelines and documents in the exhibition.

Artifacts That Tell Stories: Microscopes, Charts, and Notebooks

The exhibition's core draws visitors to tactile relics of classroom life. Star attractions include microscopes handed down from 1906 (Meiji 39) through 1988—82 years of continuous use by generations of students. These instruments, paired with spectroscopes, evoke hands-on experiments that built foundational knowledge despite limited resources.

Two massive kakezu (掛図, educational wall charts) dominate the space, illustrating biology and physics concepts with intricate hand-drawn details. Chemistry specimens curated by alumna Hide ru Suzuki, a 1910 graduation certificate, and applied zoology notebooks reveal the rigor of early curricula. These items, preserved meticulously, demonstrate how JWU bridged theory and practice, preparing women for teaching and beyond.

For deeper insights, explore the full press release from JWU detailing these treasures: JWU Official Announcement.

Photo by Fumiaki Hayashi on Unsplash

Bridging Eras: Recent Donations and Artistic Ties to Science

Adding contemporary flair, the exhibit features works donated by acclaimed dyer Yuko Sekiguchi, whose 2015 exhibition at the hall inspired further gifts. "Waiting for Spring" (1999), with its evocative butterbur shoots symbolizing renewal, and "Prayer" (2010), inspired by Sicilian mosaics via her proprietary "imo-ban" technique, blend art and science. These pieces, alongside prior donations, illustrate interdisciplinary harmony—a JWU hallmark.

Sekiguchi's contributions remind us that natural sciences inspire creativity, echoing how early students sketched specimens or analyzed dyes chemically. This fusion previews JWU's expansions, like the 2023 Food Science Faculty and 2024 Architecture Design Faculty.

JWU's Pivotal Role in Japan's Women's STEM Landscape

Japan lags in gender parity for STEM: only 16% of female university students pursue engineering, manufacturing, or construction—the lowest among OECD nations. Women hold just 17.5% of researcher positions, per recent surveys. JWU counters this as the pioneering private women's STEM provider, graduating alumnae who lead in academia, biotech, and education.

Historical context amplifies impact: Meiji women faced barriers, yet JWU integrated sciences early. Today, its liberal arts-science blend equips graduates for diverse roles, addressing Japan's 'STEM gender gap' amid workforce shortages. For statistics, see IMF's analysis on Women in STEM as Japan's Growth Engine.

Modern Programs: Preparing Tomorrow's Science Leaders

JWU's Faculty of Science now offers cutting-edge majors. Mathematical Information Science fuses math, physics, and computing for data-driven solutions. Chemical Life Science explores biochemistry and molecular biology, targeting pharmaceuticals and environmental tech.

Interdisciplinary electives with humanities foster 'liberal arts scientists'—versatile professionals. Facilities include advanced labs, promoting research from undergrad level. Graduates excel: many pursue PhDs abroad or join firms like Sony, Takeda. The exhibition's notebooks parallel today's project-based learning, ensuring continuity.

Challenges and Triumphs: Women in Japanese STEM

Despite progress, cultural biases persist—public views STEM as 'masculine,' deterring girls. JWU combats via scholarships, mentorship, and outreach. As sole private women's science faculty, it boasts high retention, with alumnae like chemists and astronomers crediting its nurturing environment.

Government initiatives like WISE (Women in Science, Engineering) align with JWU's model, but sustained investment needed. The exhibition inspires by humanizing history, showing resilience.

Photo by Takashi Sakamoto on Unsplash

Visiting the Exhibition: A Call to Engage with History

Open Tuesdays–Saturdays, the hall welcomes all. Pair with campus tours to see evolving facilities. Events may include lectures—check JWU's site. For women's ed enthusiasts, it's essential, linking past to future STEM equity.

In Tokyo? Combine with nearby museums. Details at Naruse Memorial Hall site.

Looking Ahead: JWU's Vision for STEM and Women's Empowerment

Amid reforms—new Economics (2027) and Fashion Design/Human Sciences (2028) faculties—JWU upholds its motto: "I move, the world opens." The exhibition reaffirms science's centrality, urging more women into STEM amid Japan's innovation push.

Notable alumnae contributions, from educators to researchers, prove impact. As Japan eyes gender-balanced STEM for economic vitality, JWU leads. Explore careers via higher ed jobs or Japan university opportunities.