The Kitasato Institute (Kitasato University) was restructured in 2008 through the merger of the former Kitasato Institute (an incorporated association) established by Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato in 1994, and the former Kitasato University (an academic organization), forming a new educational foundation.
The Philosophy of The Kitasato Institute is to contribute to society by dedicating itself to the quest for truth through the application of practical science with profound respect for the sanctity of life.
Holding Dr. KITASATO in high regard as its founding father, The Kitasato Institute manifests the Spirit of Kitasato, which he developed over a lifetime—"Use your ingenuity and creativity to be a pioneer in the world of science.”, “Be thankful to the people and society that fostered you, and repay your debt with your contribution to society.”, “Put your knowledge and skills into practice for the benefit of society.”, and “Tackle whatever challenge you may face with unwavering determination.”. The Institute includes nine faculties, eight graduate schools, three affiliated hospitals, two vocational schools, Omura Satoshi Memorial Institute—a cornerstone of infectious disease research—, and other organizations. These diverse organizations collaborate with one another to promote flexible, interdisciplinary education and practical education and research from multifaceted perspectives.
As a "University of Life Sciences", the Institute is dedicated to the scientific discovery of life phenomena that constitute the pressing, fundamental, and ongoing concerns of humanity. In tandem with this, its primary mission is to cultivate pre-eminent researchers, educators and professionals in the Life Sciences and related fields. The Kitasato Institute aims to return the results of its research to society by undertaking a variety of endeavors—chiefly preventive and medical activities based on an applied science approach—in order to broadly contribute to the development of society.