Kyushu University was founded in 1911 as one of the seven imperial Universities and has grown into one of Japan's leading institutions. At present, there are 11 undergraduate schools, 17 graduate schools, 3 research institutes, and a hospital. Approximately 18,000 students and 4,400 faculty members are engaged in study and/or research at the University. Kyushu University is located in Fukuoka, gateway to Kyushu. Geographically and historically, the city is close to other parts of Asia, and this institution, nearly 100 years old, will soon celebrate the completion of its first century as the "University open to Asia".