Aichi University of Education Aichi University of Education began as the Aichi Prefectural Academy in 1873, later developing into several Normal Schools over the period of three quarters of a century. In 1949 it became one of the new National Universities consolidating under the name of Aichi Gakugei University all the Normal schools in the area. A period of sustained development began in 1966 when the name Aichi University of Education was adopted. The University's primary purpose has been to prepare elementary and junior high school teachers. Its expanded mission is to serve the needs of the region and of the nation in a variety of undergraduates and Master's level graduate programs through instruction; to advance learning through research; and to prepare people for professional service in all areas and levels. It now offers additional courses to train special education, health science and kindergarten as well as senior high school teachers. It also provides opportunities for one-year postgraduate study in selected areas. The University has seven Attached Schools; two elementary schools. two junior high schools, a senior high school, a kindergarten and a special education school for mentally retarded children. Since 1987 six new departments of integrated arts and sciences (International Cultural Studies, Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, Human and Social Sciences, Information and computer Science, Integrated Natural Sciences, and Arts and Crafts) were set up, reflecting the needs of the nation and to prepare people for a wide variety of professional fields beyond that of school teacher.