Tokai University is a private university established by Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae in 1942. "Tokai" of "Tokai University" refers to the sea to the east of Asia, namely the Pacific Ocean, and symbolizes the desire to foster a rich spirit and broad perspectives.

Tokai University consists of 7 campuses in Sapporo, Takanawa, Yoyogi, Shonan, Isehara, Shimizu and Kumamoto, which are comprised of 19 schools and colleges made up of 75 departments, majors, and programs. Its graduate schools offer 17 programs. The total student population is approximately 30,000.

The founding spirit and objectives of Tokai University are to contribute to human society, to foster active, talented people and to arouse interest in our earth and a sense of responsibility for the future of mankind. Tokai University's educational guidelines ground these objectives by offering a sound and reliable way of thinking as a basis for living and cultivating the richness of humanity. The core of such education at Tokai University is the "Lecture on Modern Civilization." Since its establishment, Tokai University has prioritized this lecture, based on its belief that a university should not only provide knowledge and technology but also be a place where the richness of humanity and creativity in each individual is cultivated. One recent initiative that the university has been directing its energies toward is fostering of student-initiated projects to nurture its students' ability to apply the knowledge that they have acquired in the classroom to the betterment of society. The projects that Tokai have supported range from the creation of the world fastest solar car "Tokai Challenger," to volunteer activities that assist in recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Tokai University maintains academic exchange agreements with more than 120 universities/organizations in approx. 40 countries. A wide range of international exchange activities are being actively pursued, from those on the academic front involving students, researchers, joint-research projects, and the exchange of academic resources, to cultural and athletic exchanges. There are about 960 international students on campus. Tokai University has five offices abroad (Denmark, Vienna, Hawaii, Korea and Thailand.)