Toyo Eiwa Jogakuin (Toyo Eiwa Girls’ School, Toyo Eiwa for short) was founded in 1884 by Martha Julia Cartmell, a missionary sent by the Methodist Church of Canada.

After centuries of national isolation and strict Anti-Christian Edict, Japan had reopened international relations just three decades earlier. Even at the time of Toyo Eiwa’s founding, strong prejudice against Christianity remained and women were not yet granted full recognition in society.

The Canadian missionaries taught that all people are equal before God, and offered young women the academic foundation necessary to assume responsibility in society. While deeply respecting Japanese culture, they introduced a new perspective—that women were also valuable members of society, capable of contributing to the common good.

Rooted in the Word of the Bible brought by the missionaries, Toyo Eiwa has spent more than 140 years embracing new ideas and adapting to the times while remaining faithful to its founding spirit. The school has grown from two initial students into a comprehensive education institution comprising two kindergartens, an elementary school, junior and senior high schools, a university and graduate schools, all committed to nurturing the mind, body and spirit of the girls and young women in their charge.

Through services of worship, classroom learning, school events and service activities such as volunteer work, students come to recognize themselves as beloved children of God. They learn to love and honor God, to love their neighbors as themselves, and to serve others with humility and joy. Toyo Eiwa is proud to send these courageous young women of intellect and good character into the world.