Anna - Enrolled in 2026 Fall
I chose TCU because I wanted to learn to serve. TCU is the ideal place to train yourself for whatever God might be calling you to do in the future. Because people from so many different countries, cultures, and customs gather to study together, it is a wonderful opportunity to develop deep friendships as well as to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Not only do you get exposed to people from various backgrounds, but you also encounter different forms of worship and ideas that often provokes you to look deeper into what you believe.
Before I came to TCU someone told me that I was being very narrow-minded by wanting to go to a fully Christian university. They said that I wouldn’t be able to get the real university experience of being exposed to different ideas and being pushed and provoked to test my own convictions. The truth is, however, that you will be exposed and challenged wherever you go. There is no such thing as a neutral university. Every university has some sort of underlying worldview, and if I do have a choice, then I would most certainly choose one firmly rooted in the Bible. TCU is such a university. I think it is such a privilege to be able to do my higher education surrounded by people who deeply care about me. It is most certainly a place where you are humbled and moulded to become someone who can stand strong against the world but also a place where you learn to care deeply about the world.
Vivian - Transferred in 2026 Fall
I am excited to learn in an international community and fellowship with believers from Japan and other countries! I visited Japan last summer for a ministry internship and felt burdened for the many people here that will go their lives without encountering the hope of Christ. Through circumstances that I can only attribute to God’s providence, I ended up going to a church and met a TCU staff member. He was so kind and set up a tour two days later (because I was leaving Japan in five days)! I felt excited at the possibility of studying Japanese and theology at the same time, so I applied to TCU and was accepted. And God provided me with a job so I could save up before coming here! Every step of the way, God has provided exactly what I have needed. I trust God will continue to lead me here, as He has done so much throughout my whole process of coming to TCU. I am looking forward to seeing how He grows me and shows me His sufficiency in this new chapter. I am excited to be blessed by and to be a blessing to the TCU community!
Meet Alice - Transferred in 2025 Fall
I am from Liberia, West Africa.
The first thing that drew me to TCU was its diverse and welcoming community. Additionally, the Global Studies program has been an inspiring opportunity to deepen my knowledge and broaden my perspective on societal issues. Since beginning my studies here, I have been opportune to explore global challenges, develop critical thinking, and learn alongside students from different backgrounds.
Receiving support from my professors and fellow international students has encouraged me to grow academically and personally.
I am excited to continue this journey, enhance my understanding of global issues, and “stand in the gap” while building lifelong friendships within the TCU community.
Meet Sang - Transferred in Undergraduate Fall 2025
In 2024, I served in Japan, and God planted a deep love for the Japanese people in my heart. I felt called to be a missionary there.
I began searching for a new path to prepare for missions in Japan. That’s when I discovered Tokyo Christian University. They offered a program where I could learn Japanese language while studying in English. I saw that TCU was uniquely aligned with my calling—with its Christ-centered evangelical foundation, all-Christian community, and its vision of “Standing in the Gap.”
Now, I believe this is God’s leading for the second chapter of my life. Through TCU, I want to be equipped in the Bible, grow in faith, and discover my role in serving the Japanese church and community.
I know God is not done with me yet—and that’s why I’m here.
Meet Crusoe - Transferred in Undergraduate Fall 2025
While working on a farm in Eswatini a year ago, I saw the shocking difference between that country—where over 85% of people are Christian—and Japan, where the number is around 1%. I learned why that is, and since then, my interest in Japan has steadily grown. I desperately want to see the Holy Spirit transform lives here, so I’ve come to TCU to pursue a formal education and follow the passion God has placed in my heart.
Meet Chase - Enrolled in Undergraduate Fall 2023
"My wife and I were called to Japan in 2021, but we needed help figuring out how to get there. When I came across TCU and immediately felt like this was the direction I needed to take. I made several connections with the faculty during my research, but the one thing that stuck out to me was their mention that TCU is home to many denominations; I loved the idea of being surrounded by others who have different perspectives than my own. My experience at TCU so far has been one filled with love from the community. Not only have I made impactful friendships with the students, but I have also considered some faculty members to be as close as family. My wife and I have been surrounded by loving individuals during some hardships. It isn't easy to imagine myself and my family outside of the caring individuals we are surrounded by. No matter where you are, it is essential to be surrounded by community - we have found community here at TCU.
Currently, my wife and I want to continue planting a church community in Japan. Of course, God can change our plans at any moment, but we love the Japanese people and feel called to help them grow into their calling as followers of Jesus."
Meet Sharon: Enrolled in Undergradaute Fall 2024
One specific reason which gravitated me to TCU was the idea of how people from different denominations co-exist in harmony.
What I expect out of TCU is to get to know people from diverse backgrounds and faith walks and perceive a new approach to Christian living. I enjoy indulging in the various customs and Japanese ways of life. I am certain that were I to be called to another nation for missions and be required to adopt the traditions and values whilst accustoming myself to a whole different family of believers, I believe I could do it without any difficulty thanks to my training here in Japan and at TCU. I strongly feel that this university will enable me to discern and engage in the right way of life, while equipping me to passionately obey the voice of God and pursue His call for my life. Most importantly, I hope to be better prepared and be thorough in response to the Great Commission and find ways to serve God and His people particularly through the church practicum. Every day, I look forward to seeing what God has instore for me here at TCU and in Japan.
Meet Jesse: Enrolled in Undergraduate 2024 Fall
Some of the things I love most about TCU are its small, close-knit community. Attending school here doesn't feel like you’re just another face in a crowd it’s more like being part of a family. I also enjoy being a 30- to 45-minute train ride from Tokyo!
I began learning Japanese about three years ago after feeling God's call to be a missionary here. Currently, I'm studying theology because I believe it's where God wants me to be. At the same time, I've been blessed with opportunities to practice filmmaking during my time at TCU, which aligns with my previous studies in film.
So far, my experience at TCU has been amazing. It feels like I've finally stepped onto solid ground after being lost in a storm at sea.
The classes are a fun challenge, and the professors and staff are incredibly kind and supportive. I'm a member of three clubs: the Tea Ceremony Club, TCU Dreamers (an entrepreneurial club), and I also serve as the president of TCU Studio, our film production club.
In the future, I plan to start a film ministry, combining my passion for storytelling with the skills I've developed in filmmaking. My hope is to use this ministry to creatively and meaningfully share God's love and message with others.
Voice of Graduates
Luis, class of 2026
Living and studying abroad for four years has changed me in ways I never imagined. It has helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a person. Being immersed in a different culture taught me to see the world from new perspectives. Of course, the journey was not always easy. Moving to a new country came with many challenges. There were language barriers, cultural differences, moments of uncertainty, and times when I felt completely outside of my comfort zone. There were days when even simple tasks felt difficult because everything around me was unfamiliar. However, each challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow. Little by little, what once seemed overwhelming became manageable, and what once felt foreign began to feel like home. But more importantly, it was an opportunity to seek God. The friendships I built here made the difficult moments easier and the good moments even more meaningful. Whether through a kind conversation, words of encouragement, or simply sharing experiences together, the people I met along the way played a huge role in shaping my university experience. Because of them, my time here was not only educational but also deeply memorable and enjoyable.
As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, I hope we remember that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown. The challenges we faced during these years have prepared us for the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead. We leave this university not only with degrees, but with experiences, friendships, and lessons that will continue to guide us.
Looking back, I can see His hand in every step of this journey, and I am deeply grateful for His faithfulness and blessings.
— Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
James, class of 2026
To simply describe my life at TCU, I would say that it has given me an amazing platform to grow. This cultural exposure goes beyond Christianity. Experiencing Japanese culture and making friends and acquaintances from different parts of the world has been one of the biggest privileges in my life. I am grateful for all the people who have made my four years here memorable and worthy. I would like to express sincere gratitude to my teachers who did not only play a big role in my intellectual development, but also offered guidance and support, and expressed patience and understanding even when they did not have to. Friends have been my biggest highlight of my time at TCU. Although there were times when I felt misunderstood or out of place, the friendships I formed here made the journey worthwhile.
Thank you all for being part of this chapter of my life. I pray that wherever God leads us next, we will continue to grow in faith, love, and service. God bless you.
Jason, class of 2024
I first heard about Tokyo Christian University during a mission trip to Japan when an OMF missionary introduced me to the university, planting the seed for my journey here. God led me to Japan, and as someone who didn’t grow up as a Christian, I longed to study the Bible deeply in a 100% Christian community. At TCU, my favorite class was Biblical Studies, especially when we explored the Kingdom of God; the discussions were engaging, and the professor’s thought-provoking questions—sometimes even controversial—pushed me to think critically. Beyond the classroom, my time at TCU shaped my faith and worldview by exposing me to different perspectives, both from professors who challenged my thinking and from international classmates who helped me grow in patience, tolerance, and respect for differing biblical interpretations. After graduating, I received a missionary visa and began working at my church with support from my home church, and in April 2025, I will start teaching English at a Christian school while also preaching in chapel. To future TCU students, I encourage you to immerse yourself in Japan, engage with Japanese track students, and take full advantage of this unique opportunity to experience Christianity in Japan firsthand. Studying at TCU is a rare and valuable experience, with excellent professors, a deeply committed Christian community, and the opportunity to grow both academically and spiritually while building lifelong friendships.
Chin, Class of 2025
Looking back, I see how faithful God has been.
He never let me starve—even when my family struggled or when I came to study at TCU. Somehow, He always provided.
He never left me alone. At TCU, God surrounded me with people who felt like family. My first roommate was one of His many blessings. Through classes, dorm life, and everyday interactions, I found deep, meaningful relationships. The community at TCU wasn’t perfect, but it was genuine—a place where I was encouraged, challenged, and loved. It became a home that shaped me in ways I’ll never forget.
He never made me feel worthless. Through nature, everyday moments, and the beauty of campus life—like cherry blossoms in spring or the laughter of students—God reminded me of my worth.
TCU was more than a school—it was a place where I saw God's faithfulness again and again.
Now, I’m excited to begin a new chapter working at a Christian organization in Japan—continuing to serve others with the love God has shown me.