The founding philosophy of the University of the Ryukyus, established on May 22nd of 1950, is “Freedom and Equality, Peace and Tolerance,” which reflects the principles of Abraham Lincoln. Based on this philosophy, the University of the Ryukyus has set as its guiding principles the “pursuit of truth,” “contributions to society, locally as well as internationally,” and the “pursuit of peace and coexistence.” The University continues to endeavor to uphold its future vision as “an institution with both local and global features that functions as an outstanding education and research hub in the Asia-Pacific region,” and it has been making steady progress towards these goals.