Universities

 Introduction to Japanese Universities

Hitotsubashi is a highly regarded social sciences university located in the relaxed leafy suburb of Kunitachi, about 30 minutes by train west of central Tokyo (Shinjuku). Compared to other universities it quite small with approximately 5000 students, and only five faculties (Commerce, Economics, Law, Social Data Science and Social Sciences), giving it a more friendly and intimate nature than some of the other larger institutions. It has a particularly high reputation in business related disciplines and is often known as the “Captains of Industry”. As well as this it invests a lot in foreign students and has a purpose built dormitory on campus for foreign students.

Nick Wall (Undergrad, Law, 93-97) Updated May 2023

Kyushu University, a former Imperial university, is well respected throughout Japan. It is highly regarded in many academic fields, particularly Agriculture, Engineering, and in Law. The host city for Kyudai (abbreviated term) is Fukuoka, which was voted best Asian city 2 years running by Asia Week magazine. In short, Kyudai offers sound academic training whilst at the same time students can enjoy the pleasures of living Asia`s most up and coming city! For lawyers (my discipline) there is also an internship programme run by the law faculty which provides visiting postgraduates the opportunity to experience life working for a Bengoshi (lawyer). Overall the legal training here is second to none in that it provides substantive as well as practical training.

Damon Dean – Kyushu University

My research at Kyoto University spans three periods punctuated by returns to the UK. First, as a MEXT scholar in the Department of Sociology. Second, as a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow in the Institute for Research in the Humanities. Third, again in the Institute for Research in the Humanities as a part-time JSPS Kakenhi researcher in conjunction with my position as tenured faculty at Kyoto Notre Dame University. The description and opinions below speak mainly to my experiences as a MEXT scholar, though nearly all of it holds true in my other positions. 

Kyoto University: commonly referred to as Kyodai, is one of Japan’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious universities. A public research university, Kyodai attracts large numbers of foreign students including MEXT scholars. 

The university boasts excellent resources and has a strong reputation in most academic fields. It is often referred to colloquially by the general Japanese population as 'the second best university in Japan' (after Tokyo University). Kyoto University arguably has the best overall record in Japan for notable achievements in academia evidenced partly by it having been awarded more Nobel prizes than any other Japanese university. The university regularly figures near the top in lists compiled of the best universities in Asia and has steadily moved up worldwide rankings.

As a MEXT scholar you will usually, at the discretion of your academic supervisor, spend your first six months studying the Japanese language intensively. This may not be as 'intensive' as it sounds since there is surprisingly little tuition. This is especially so if you arrive in April since nearly two of your six months are lesson-free due to the summer holidays. It is, however, an excellent way to make lots of friends and to ease into your life in Japan. After the Japanese course, you will find that your success both in continuing to study Japanese and in your research depends almost directly upon your own motivation. Kyoto the city is a very good balance between a big city with all its attendant attractions and the more quaint, slower, traditional image that it is often associated with. Accommodation at university dormitories is usually an option for your first year, thereafter securing suitable digs is usually neither cumbersome nor expensive. Kyoto is very conveniently placed for travel elsewhere in Japan or to neighbouring Asian countries. Overall, Kyodai comes highly recommended and you cannot really go wrong if you secure a MEXT scholarship for here.

Lyle De Souza - Kyoto University