Established in 1875, Hitotsubashi University is a national university corporation, and is the only university in Japan to specialize exclusively in the humanities and social sciences. Since its foundation, Hitotsubashi has been at the forefront of Japan's innovation. It has been a powerhouse for generations of Japan’s globally active business leaders as well as a research hub producing cutting-edge research in the global academic network of the social sciences. Hitotsubashi University is made up of 12 principal academic units – four faculties, seven graduate schools and one institute.

The main teaching and research activities take place at Kunitachi Campus in western Tokyo. Kodaira Kokusai (International) Campus has residence halls for both domestic and international students along with excellent sports facilities. Chiyoda Campus is located in the birthplace of Hitotsubashi, Kanda-Hitotsubashi in central Tokyo, and offers courses for the Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy.