Top 10 Renowned Universities in Japan

Tohoku University, formerly known as Tohoku Pharmaceutical College, was established in the city of Sendai in 1736. In 1907, the college was renamed Tohoku University, becoming the third Imperial University in Japan.

Today, Tohoku is one of the oldest and largest universities in Japan with 5 campuses in Sendai. It is a popular choice for international students worldwide. Tohoku University is ranked 4th among Japanese universities after the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University, and 112th globally. The university produces around 500 doctoral graduates annually, making it one of the leading institutions in Japan.

Not only known for its long history, Tohoku has achieved high rankings globally. The university provides modern facilities for students, well-equipped classrooms, and a library with extensive resources to support research and study.

The university's accommodation system includes 8 dormitory areas with complete amenities, segregated for male and female students, and 2 areas specifically built for international students and researchers. Regular extracurricular activities are organized to enhance interaction for international students, aligning with their open-door philosophy.

Website: http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/TohokuUniversityPR

University of Tokyo is a public research university located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, established in 1877 as the first imperial university and one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. The university has ten faculties, 15 graduate schools, and around 30,000 students, including 2,100 international students. The campuses are situated in Hongo, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane, and Nakano.

It ranks among the top universities in Japan with additional funding from the national project for global university development by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to enhance Japan's global education competitiveness. As of 2018, University of Tokyo alumni, professors, and researchers have 17 Cabinet Ministers, 16 Nobel laureates, three Pritzker Prize winners, three astronauts, and one Fields Medalist.

University of Tokyo is considered a leading research institution in Japan, receiving the largest national research grant for scientific research, 40% more than the second-largest funded university and 90% more than the third-largest funded university. The financial investment from the Japanese government directly influences Tōdai's research outcomes. According to Thomson Reuters, Tōdai is the best research university in Japan, particularly in physics (first in Japan, second in the world), biology and biochemistry (first in Japan, third in the world), pharmacology and toxicology (first in Japan, fifth in the world), materials science (third in Japan, 19th in the world), chemistry (second in Japan, fifth in the world), and immunology (second in Japan, 20th in the world).

Website: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/index.html
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/UTokyo.News

Tokyo Institute of Technology is the dream of many students in Japan and around the world who share a passion for technology research. At Tokyo Tech, laboratories outnumber classrooms, and it's a birthplace for many renowned applications and technological projects in Japan and globally.

Especially in 2021, Tokyo Institute of Technology ranked 2nd in the list of the top 150 universities in Japan (according to Times Higher Education, one of the three reputable university ranking organizations worldwide). Tokyo Institute of Technology is considered the largest university in Japan for science and technology education. The institute allows students to engage in research freely from their early years and offers opportunities to work closely with top researchers worldwide.

Tokyo Institute of Technology also consistently ranks high in the post-graduation employment rate in Japan. As one of the prestigious universities in Japan, the institute provides comprehensive facilities for both students and international students. The institute currently has 2 campuses in Tokyo and 1 in Yokohama.

All are systematically invested in, with modern teaching and learning equipment, befitting a leading university in science and technology both in the country and internationally, with numerous advanced scientific achievements. Tokyo Tech offers a diverse teaching program, encompassing various disciplines and multiple affiliated colleges like the College of Science; College of Engineering; College of Biological Science and Biotechnology; Graduate School of Biological Science and Biotechnology.

Website: https://www.titech.ac.jp/en/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/tokyotech.jp

Osaka University is a national university in Japan with campuses in Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh, Osaka. It is the sixth ancient university in Japan. Initially named the Osaka Prefecture Medical School, Osaka University was established in 1988, succeeding the long-standing Osaka Prefecture Medical College.

Being the sixth ancient university in Japan, the university has consistently been at the forefront of teaching and learning quality since its establishment. Graduates from here meet the stringent criteria of top global employers. Osaka University highly values international student collaboration and exchange. By 2014, the university gained trust and confidence by establishing partnerships with over 30 high-quality universities worldwide, including the UK, France, Germany, Vietnam, and China.

Osaka University is well-equipped with additional learning facilities, a sophisticated library system with valuable teaching materials, and state-of-the-art lecture halls, international meeting rooms, and functional rooms regularly updated with advanced modern equipment. Additionally, the university's dormitory system for students provides all necessary facilities with fast and efficient procedures.

Furthermore, the university continually enhances and strengthens the connection between the quality of facilities and ensures that the output meets the demands of the technological age. Notably, the university has three leading technology and engineering research organizations in Japan: the Nuclear Physics Research Center, the Digital Communication Service Center, and the Laser Engineering Institute. It was also at this university that physicist Hideki Yukawa conducted research leading to a Nobel Prize in Physics.

Website: https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/OsakaUniversity

Kyoto University is a national university located in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the oldest universities in Japan, ranking second only to the University of Tokyo. According to the Top University Ranking of The, the university always alternates with the University of Tokyo for the number one position in education quality. The university has around 22,000 students enrolled in various programs. Kyoto University has a motto of free spirit in the activities of the institution. It is one of Japan's leading research centers, with ten Nobel laureates and medals in various fields.

Throughout its history, the university has consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia and is a world-class educational institution in Japan today. Renowned for its liberal education style, the university aims to provide an environment suitable for students with aspirations or a desire to satisfy their curiosity about lesser-known knowledge in the unexplored treasure trove of human intellect. That is also the reason why the university has the most Nobel laureates in all of Asia.

With the conditions befitting prestigious Western universities, students at the university are always compared to the University of Tokyo, always competing for the number one position in Japan on the world rankings. Dominating most programs on Genius topics on television, the university demonstrates the diversity or strengths of outstanding students in the institution.

Website: https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/Kyoto.Univ

Nagoya University is a Japanese National University located in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya. It is the last Imperial University in Japan and is one of the Seven National Universities of Japan. The university is the third-highest ranked higher education institution in Japan.

As of 2021, six Nobel laureates have studied at Nagoya University, ranking third in Japan after Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo. The university boasts many successful alumni, including the former president of Toyota Motor Corporation, Shoichiro Toyoda.

Nagoya University traces its roots back to 1871 when it was a temporary medical school. In 1939, the school became Nagoya Imperial University. In 1947, it was renamed Nagoya University and became a Japanese national university. The ideal expressed in Nagoya University's academic charter is to encourage intellectual courage by providing an education that respects independent thought.

The university is located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Nagoya is the third-largest industrial city in Japan. Through the Pacific-side Shinkansen railway, you can easily and conveniently travel from this city to other cities in Japan without much time.

Alongside its strong economic development, Nagoya also preserves a rich cultural and historical heritage. You can visit many beautiful landmarks such as Nagoya Castle (from the 17th century), the renowned Atsuta Shrine, or the Botanical Garden and Higashiyama Sky Tower. Studying in Japan at Nagoya University is undoubtedly a wonderful experience of the unique culture of this country.

Website: https://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/Nagoya.Univ.info

Hokkaido University is a leading national university in Japan and is part of the Group of Seven National Universities. The university is located in the center of Sapporo, approximately 2.4 km north of Sapporo Station. Hokkaido University was founded by William S. Clark in 1876 under the name Sapporo Agricultural College with 5 departments and an inaugural class of 24 students.

On April 11, 1918, during the Taishō era, it became the Imperial University of Hokkaido and was one of the nine Imperial Universities. The Faculty of Medicine was established in 1919, and at the same time, the Agricultural College changed to the Faculty of Agriculture. In 1947, the university established the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Law and Letters, and it was renamed Hokkaido University. In 1953, the Graduate School was established. Since 2004, the university has been merged into a National University under new laws applying to all national universities.

Despite the merger for increased independence and financial autonomy, Hokkaido University is still under the management of the Japanese Ministry of Education. Currently, the university has 12 undergraduate schools, 19 graduate schools, and 26 research institutes, making it a comprehensive research university.

In addition to conducting high-level research in various fields such as catalysis or infectious disease research, Hokkaido University is also considered the only national comprehensive university in northern Japan that has long been engaged in characteristic research and education in areas related to snow studies or historical fieldwork using vast research forests, achieving many leading achievements compared to other universities.

Website: https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/en
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/HokkaidoUniversity

Established in 1973, University of Tsukuba aims for free exchange and close collaboration with educational research institutions in Japan and abroad. In 1872, the predecessor of the University of Tsukuba, Tokyo Shihan Gakko, began its activities in Bunkyo, Tokyo.

In 1959, the school was renamed Tokyo University of Education, initiating a policy of expansion at home and abroad, admitting international students. In 1973, Tokyo University of Education moved to Ibaraki and changed its name to the University of Tsukuba. The University of Tsukuba has two main campuses in Tsukuba and Tokyo. In addition, it has built the Tsukuba Science City with hospitals and research institutes to support students in practical skills.

The university is currently teaching over 16,500 students, including more than 2,500 international students, and has experienced faculty both domestically and internationally. The university is currently ranked 9th in the top universities in Japan according to THE rankings. The University of Tsukuba has also produced Nobel laureates in chemistry and physics. Three graduates from the University of Tsukuba have received Nobel Prizes. There are around 2,500 international students from 110 countries around the world among more than 20,000 students studying at the university.

Website: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/univ.tsukuba.en

Kyushu University is the largest public university on Kyūshū Island, located in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Despite the merger increasing independence and financial autonomy, Kyushu University is still partially managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.

There are approximately 1,292 international students studying at the university, making it one of the top 3 universities with the highest number of international students in Japan, following the University of Tokyo and Osaka University. Established in 1903 as Fukuoka Medical College, a branch of Kyoto Imperial University, Kyushu Imperial University was separated in 1911. In 1947, Kyushu Imperial University was renamed Kyushu University. In October 2003, Kyushu University and the Kyūshū Institute of Design officially merged, and the Kyushu Institute of Design became a campus of the university in Ohashi. In 2004, Kyushu University became a national university under the new law applied to all national universities.

Kyushu University has 16 undergraduate schools, 12 graduate schools, 18 postgraduate schools, 17 faculties, 5 research institutes, and 1 hospital with nearly 20,000 students from around 100 countries and over 2,000 faculty members. Kyushu University is the largest public university on Kyushu Island, located in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Fukuoka is renowned as Japan's gateway to Asia, promoting economic and cultural exchanges.

Kyushu University is one of Japan's seven national universities. The university is ranked 401-500 among the world's best universities and 8th in Japan in THE World University Rankings 2021. The university is currently educating over 2,300 international students, accounting for 1/10 of the total student population. Kyushu University is the 3rd-ranked university in Japan in terms of the number of international students, following the University of Tokyo and Osaka University.

Website: https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/KyushuUniv

Hiroshima University is one of the first national universities in Japan with a long history and extensive experience in educating both domestic and international students. In 2021, Hiroshima University ranks among the top 10 universities in Japan.

Established in 1949, Hiroshima University has been steadily developing to reach out internationally. The university aims to contribute to creating a peaceful, free, and diverse society by nurturing individuals with the capacity to pursue peace with international perspectives and a challenging spirit in all aspects of social life. Currently, Hiroshima University has 12 undergraduate schools, 4 graduate schools, 1 research institute, research facilities, and affiliated hospitals.

The university has approximately 11,000 undergraduate students and 4,500 postgraduate students, including around 1,750 international students from 63 different countries. Hiroshima University is located in the city of Hiroshima with a cost of living that is not excessively high, making it suitable for international students who want to live and study in a less stressful area.

Currently, Hiroshima University is steadily developing as an international institution, strengthening its global education network by signing international exchange agreements with universities worldwide and establishing overseas offices at strategic locations.

Website: https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/HiroshimaUniv