Temple University’s Japan Campus (TUJ)—the oldest and largest foreign university in Japan—plans to relocate in the coming years to a brand-new building to be constructed on the campus perimeter of academic partner Showa Women’s University (SWU).

In addition to new academic collaborations, Temple Japan students, faculty and staff will enjoy significantly upgraded physical space. Founded in 1982, Temple Japan is currently housed in three commercial buildings in Minami-Azabu, a largely residential and business district in Minato City, Tokyo. With the expected move, Temple Japan will be the sole occupant of a six-story building at SWU, a traditional university campus in Tokyo’s Setagaya City.

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2018 with a goal for Temple Japan to open in the new building for the 2019-20 academic year. The lease term is 20 years.

“Temple Japan is one of the crown jewels of our university,” President Richard M. Englert said. “It is exciting to see that, with a 35-year history in the country, we are taking a tremendous step forward for students from across the world who want to study in Japan.”

Temple Japan Dean Bruce Stronach said joining a well-established campus—SWU is approaching its 100th anniversary—in a “purpose-built building for academics” will be of great benefit for Temple Japan’s approximately 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students.

Stronach said he envisions the first floor of the new building as an atrium with student-lounge space and dining options. The building will allow Temple Japan to have larger classrooms, better faculty offices and more private space for support services such as academic advising. Temple Japan will retain its library. Temple Japan students will have access to SWU facilities, including academic and recreation spaces.

“A primary practical benefit is no doubt the new building and campus environment, but the true importance of this collaboration are the academic opportunities for our students as well as theirs,” Stronach said. “We’ll really be creating a model for American university campuses overseas in working with their local counterparts to become truly global institutions.”

SWU, which is home to more than 5,500 students, also has a U.S. campus in Boston. Stronach developed the collaboration with SWU Chancellor Mariko Bando, a former president of the university and well-known author who holds the distinction of being the first woman to work in the prime minister’s office during her decades of government service.