The University of the Ryukyus was established in 1950 on the remains of Shuri Castle, which was burnt to ashes in the Battle of Okinawa. Under the U.S. administration governing Okinawa, the strong desire of Okinawans for postwar reconstruction and restoration of education moved the U.S. Military Government to establish the first university in the Ryukyu Archipelago. In 1966, administration of the University was transferred to the Ryukyu Government, and with the reversion of Okinawa to Japan in 1972, the University became a national university. In 1977, the University was moved to a large new campus in the region where the three municipalities of Nishihara Town, Ginowan City, and Nakagusuku Village meet, and it became a national university corporation in 2004. Although the University of the Ryukyus has gone through a number of historic hardships, such as interference in academic freedom and the autonomy of the university during such transitions, it has made great contributions to the development of human resources in the local community and to the production of new knowledge.　

The environment in which the University exists has changed greatly since the beginning of the 21st century. The University’s role as an educational and research institution has been evolving in order to deal with a variety of issues, including the globalization of the economy and society, the rapid dissemination of information, the falling birthrate and aging population, and growing social and regional disparity; thus, radically innovative approaches to higher education are needed. National universities are entering an age of competition and rigorous evaluation that is accompanied by tough financial reforms, especially after their corporatization. The University of the Ryukyus is expected to contribute to the protection of the rich natural environment of and the sustainable development of the local community as a hub university in an island region that includes a vast marine area. Based on the principles set forth in this Charter, the University of the Ryukyus will also actively deal with future system changes through the cooperation of faculty, staff, and students, who are all constituent members of their university.

The University of the Ryukyus embraces the idea of “Nuchi du takara (Life is indeed a treasure).” It is based on the historical lessons of Okinawa and has at its root the dignity of life and the individual. It profoundly takes notice of the basic tenet of education in postwar Okinawa: “Never allow the horrors of war to happen again.” The University is located in the Ryukyu Archipelago, which possesses unique natural, cultural, and historical characteristics. Located in such a region, the University will unwaveringly continue its mission to boldly cultivate human resources who are responsible and well rounded, and who aspire to realizing world peace and improving public welfare.

Inheriting and developing the founding spirit of “Freedom and Equality, Tolerance and Peace” and proclaiming their determination to create a “university with great individuality that both maintains its regional characteristics and possesses an international outlook,” they, the faculty, staff, and students of the University hereby establish the Charter of the University of the Ryukyus as the basic standard that we will follow when taking future initiatives.