Hokkaido University has earned a reputation for pioneering research on the cutting edge. Today, Hokkaido University is an advanced research institution, with strong links to industry, community and government. Our stunning main campus is located in downtown Sapporo, within walking distance to almost everything the beautiful city has to offer. With an additional campus in the coastal city of Hakodate, Hokkaido University has become the powerhouse of innovation and research of northern Japan.;xNLx;Founded back in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College - we were remarkably the nation’s first institute to issue formal degrees. The phrase “Be ambitious!”, which serves as Hokkaido University’s motto, is derived from the words of Dr. William Clark, the founding father of the College. The quote not only inspired the very first pupils in 1877, but remains extremely popular today as a message to encourage all young people. ;xNLx;;xNLx;Find out more about our rich and fascinating history by using this timeline which offers detailed information about our past set against a backdrop of historical events which helped shape contemporary Japan. We hope you enjoy it.
In the days before settlement by the Japanese people, what we now call Hokkaido was the homeland of the indigenous Ainu people.
The Kakizaki family gained exclusive trading rights with the Ainu and established the Wajin presence in Ainu Mosir.
The Ainu rose up against Wajin (Japanese) in a dispute over hunting and fishing rights. It was the largest ever conflict between the two peoples.
The Tokugawa Shogunate placed Ezo under its direct control and commissioned the mapping/exploration of Ezo and beyond.
A great man with a great legacy
As a result of the Treaty of Peace and Amity, Hakodate was opened up as a treaty port.
The civil war between the Tokugawa Shogunate and forces urging an Imperial Restoration ended in Hakodate.
The new Meiji Government made the settlement of Hokkaido its policy, and a new capital was born: Sapporo.
Ten years after the first railroad was built in Japan, Hokkaido got its first railroad too.
W.S Clark's contract to assist in the foundation of Sapporo Agricultural College. Signed in Washington, United States on March 3, 1876
In front of foreign staff and his new students, Clark delivered the Opening Address for the College
Saigo Takamori led the last stand against the sweeping reforms introduced after the Meiji Restoration.
Clark leaves Sapporo
The sending-off of the first 13 graduates takes place in the Drill Hall. (now Sapporo Clock Tower)
Author and Christian Evangelist
The man who undoubtedly achieved his goal of “becoming a bridge across the Pacific” – Inazo NITOBE, obtained his first of many degrees from Sapporo Agricultural College.
Plant Taxonomist and first honorary citizen of Sapporo
One of Japan's most famous engineers studies with a renowned scholar from America
The birth of the imperial university, prestigious universities educating the elite of Japan. Hokkaido University joined the club in 1918.
The oldest botanic gardens in Japan
The Minister of Education Japan confers on William Penn Brooks, one of the university’s founding fathers, the degree of ‘Doctor of Agriculture’ recognizing his contribution to agriculture in Japan.
Dr Clark brought with him a team of teaching staff to assist him in setting up Sapporo Agricultural College. William Wheeler and David Penhallow arrived with Clark. William P Brooks arrived three months after Clark's departure, but stayed until October 1888. All three men left their own legacies.
The Meiji Constitution was promulgated. It was the first constitution in Japan’s history.
A lifelong dedication to Hokkaido University stretching over 5 decades from his student days to becoming President, Shosuke SATO’s legacy to Hokkaido University is unsurpassed.
Japan defeated China in a war over control of the Korean peninsula.
The pioneer of entomological research in East Asia, Shonen Matsumura graduated
Japan joined the club of imperial nations through victories in overseas wars and the signing of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
All events to celebrate 25 years, were held in the Drill Hall, now Sapporo’s famous Clock Tower.
Writer of “A Certain Woman” graduates
The beginning of one of the most attractive university campuses in Japan
A symbol of Hokkaido University
'Bushido - The Soul of Japan'
Sapporo Agricultural College becomes known as Tohoku Imperial University
The Furukawa Hall, built in splendid French Renaissance Style was completed within a 6 month period in 1909.
The Meiji Emperor died and the new Taisho Era began.
A pioneer of a different kind – the first woman to study at Hokudai
With the foundation of Hokkaido Imperial University, the School of Medicine is established in 1919, making it one of the oldest faculties on campus.
The population of Hokkaido grew rapidly and reached 2.36 million.
The School of Engineering is established
Restrictions on voting were lowered and all males over the age of 25 became eligible to vote in Japan.
Now known as Hokkaido Imperial University, we reached 50 years.
In the midst of the worldwide depression, the town of Kitami in northern Hokkaido boomed with a peppermint rush.
The School of Science was established in 1930 in the building now known as the Hokkaido University Museum. Having been completed in November of the previous year, the school officially opened in April 1930.
Takajiro MINAMI was a student of Sapporo Agricultural College in its second year, and later became the second President of Hokkaido Imperial University
Presided over the building of the Agricultural Building which is considered today as one of the University's iconic structures and welcomed the Showa Emperior to the University in October 1936.
Daisetsuzan and Lake Akan became Hokkaido’s first national parks in 1934.
The man behind the score of one of the world's classic films - Godzilla
The first artificial snow crystals in the world are developed on the Sapporo Campus
Yutaka Kon is remembered for reparing the university as the war approached whilst at the same time, putting in place measures to keep the university operational over the period of the war. Over his period of presidency, he also oversaw the setting up of the Institute of Low Temperature Science, the Catalysis Research Center, and the Research Institute of Ultrashort Waves. (now RIES)
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