The university was based on the principles of "love, compassion, and harmony" (Japanese: 清き気品, 篤き至誠, 高き識見)[1][5] according teachings of Leo Tolstoy.

The university's education system was inspired by Tolstoy's teaching style at his estate in Yasnaya Polyana.

[8] The university aimed to create a new Japanese culture that supported the well-being of humanity by educating the next generation of women, who would lead the way towards progress.

[8] In his work Opening Remarks (開講の詞, Kaikō no kotoba), Hitomi encouraged students to "be a Light to the World," (世の光となろう, yo no hikari ni narou)[9], which later became the university's official motto.

The Showa Senior High School (日本女子高等学校, Nihon Joshi Kōtō Gakkō) was established soon after in 1922 as a five-year institution.

[11] He opposed schools at the time as "exclud[ing] the possibility of all progress"[12] and focusing too much on rote memorization of knowledge.

"[14] In his work Memoirs from a Half-Century at the University (学園の半世紀, Gakuen no Hanseiki), Hitomi Enkichi discussed his impressions of the Tolstoyan education and noted: "How happy it would be if there were such a school that strived for the perfect balance between love and reason.

For example, the university administration is currently pursuing eco-friendly policies that preserve the environment on the local and global level and "reflect Tolstoy's teachings on the importance of balancing humans and nature.