Sophia University has been recognized by JobRainbow Inc.’s D&I AWARD 2025, earning a Diversity Score of 90 out of 100 and receiving the highest certification rank, “Best Workplace.” Sophia University is the first and, to date, the only educational institution in the award’s history to receive this top recognition.

About the D&I AWARD

The D&I AWARD is one of Japan’s largest certification programs recognizing organizations that advance diversity and inclusion. Applicants are evaluated using 100 assessment indicators across five major areas—Gender Gap, LGBTQ+, Disability, Multicultural Coexistence, and Childcare & Caregiving—and are placed into one of four certification ranks based on their total score. In this year’s assessment, Sophia University received a Diversity Score of 90.

The “Best Workplace” certification recognizes organizations that demonstrate world-class leadership in promoting D&I. It honors not only the cultivation of a strong D&I culture, but also the active engagement of all members as D&I champions, the integration of D&I principles across the organization, and the positive impact of these efforts beyond the organization. “Best Workplace” is the highest of the four certification ranks.

Strengthening Engagement in Diversity at Sophia University

In August 2025, Sophia University issued the DEI&B (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) Statement, reaffirming its educational spirit of “For Others, With Others.” Guided by this ethos, the University strives to build a campus where everyone respects one another and can realize their potential.

With international students from 95 countries and regions, the University brings together students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds on a single campus. Led by the Office for Diversity and Sustainability Promotion, the University is implementing comprehensive initiatives to create an educational and research environment where everyone feels, “I belong here.”

Key Initiatives

The University has published the Sophia University DEI&B Handbook, which consolidates related initiatives, and continues to provide training for the President and executive leadership, as well as workshops for faculty and staff. It also proactively creates opportunities for dialogue and interaction through public lectures, the campus-wide event Sophia Diversity Week, and programs that connect students with faculty and staff. Through these efforts, the University will continue to promote a campus where diversity generates new value.