Iwate University is located in Iwate Prefecture’s capital, Morioka City, which is one of the principal cities in the Tohoku region. The population of Morioka is approximately 300,000. Three rivers, the Kitakami River, the Nakatsu River, and the Shizukuishi River merge in the center of the city. Morioka is a city surrounded by historic sights and unspoiled nature. Established in 1949 as a national university, Iwate University was inaugurated into a national university cooperation along with 86 other national universities in 2005. The university’s faculties and graduate schools include Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Engineering and Agriculture and there are currently over 6000 students enrolled and 800 administration and teaching staff. Also, Iwate University is hosting over 200 international students from over 20 countries. All university faculties are located within 20 minutes on foot from Morioka City’ s JR Train Station and beautiful downtown Morioka, so it is very convenient for students wanting to find part-time jobs, do shopping, and enjoy city life. Also, on the campus, students will find many facilities for extracurricular activities such as the university library, gymnasiums, and a swimming pool. University Union “The University Co-op” offers book store, ticketing service, travel service, housing service and food kiosks.