5 Best Business Schools in Japan

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Whether it is the amazing cuisine, traditional arts, or innovative technological gadgets, Japan strives to excel in everything they do, and this country continues to attract investors, immigrants, and students.

With its ground-breaking technological and medical advancements, it is not difficult to see that Japan’s pursuit of excellence extends to its academic scene as well. 150,000 international students currently study in Japan, and they have good reasons for doing so.

Being the third biggest economy in the world, Japan is brimming with opportunities of every sort for skilled graduates. Its cultural heritage, natural wonders, and vibrant cities are also perfect for having new and unforgettable experiences. Tempted to study in this country? In this article, we will be looking at top business schools in Japan.

Best Business Schools in Japan

1. Graduate School of Economics at the University of Tokyo

The Graduate School of Economics at the University of Tokyo is ranked #25 in the world by QS and the best business school in Japan. Being a vital contributor to excellent research and a provider of world-class education, the school is proud to be the nurturer of many outstanding economists, academics, and politicians.

Economics and management are the focus of the faculty and graduate school of economics, and heavy importance is placed on research and academic learning. The main language of instruction is Japanese, but the University of Tokyo International Program in Economics (UTIPE) is taught in English to promote international collaborations and knowledge exchange.

Located in Tokyo, a busy metropolis full of energy and distinct culture, the opportunities for graduates are endless. With its mission in pursuing academic excellence, the Graduate School of Economics at the University of Tokyo continues to contribute to the education of economics and the creation of business professionals.

2. Waseda Business School (WBS) at Waseda University

  • Waseda Business School Page
  • Degrees offered: master’s degree (English), MBA (English, Japanese)
  • Language of instruction: Bachelor’s degree (Japanese), master’s degree (Japanese, English), Ph.D. (Japanese)

Starting from 1973, WBS’ mission has been to create knowledge with practical value and educate knowledgeable leaders with a global mindset. With almost 8,000 international students, WBS has the highest number of English courses offered and is the most globalized university in Japan.

WBS embraces diversity and international knowledge exchange, and this is reflected in every aspect of the school. Career support is offered in Japanese and English for both its local and international students, and WBS Business School offers 3 programs in English, which is rare in Japan.

WBS combines knowledge and real-world practice and trains its students into skilled professionals. Having been ranked as the #1 business school in Japan by QS Global MBA Rankings in 2020, WBS is certainly a business school that guarantees academic excellence and quality education.

3. Hitotsubashi University Business School (HUB) at Hitotsubashi University

  • Hitotsubashi University Business School Page
  • Degrees offered: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, MBA, Ph.D.
  • Language of instruction: Bachelor’s degree (Japanese), master’s degree (Japanese), MBA (English, Japanese), Ph.D. (Japanese)

With the School of International Corporate Strategy (ICS) and the School of Business Management (SBM), the Hitotsubashi University Business School (HUB) is a vital contributor to academic research and professional training.

As one of the best business schools in Japan, SBM provides Japanese programs and uses past experiences and knowledge as a foundation for future development. With an international mindset, the ICS was established to provide English programs as an endeavor to connect Japan with the world. Its excellence in education and training is reflected in the statistics, as 96% of its students get a job offer or a placement after only graduating for 3 months.

HUB puts tremendous effort into producing outstanding research and providing high-quality education. Never stopping in its quest for excellence, HUB evaluates its programs and courses constantly to ensure that the best is provided to students and that the school will continue to improve in the future.

4. Keio Business School (KBS) at Keio University

Being the oldest business school in Japan, KBS has a great track record of being an excellent provider of knowledge and real-life training. At KBS, huge importance is placed on practical training and real-world application of theories. Using the case method, students are required to present new ideas, debate issues, and reflect, instead of learning passively.

KBS is comprised of 2 schools. The Keio University Graduate School of Business Administration offers MBA and Ph.D. programs, and the Keio Business School offers executive education. To be an active participant in international collaborations and knowledge exchange, KBS offers double degree programs with leading business schools like ESSEC Business School, HEC Paris, and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Equipping its students with the ability to solve problems, create business ideas, and apply theories to practice, KBS ensures that its graduates are ready to lead responsibly and face challenges in the real world.

5. Graduate School of Economics at Kyoto University

  • Graduate School of Economics Page
  • Degrees offered: Master’s degree, Ph.D.
  • Language of instruction: Master’s degree (English, Japanese), Ph.D. (English, Japanese)

The only school on this list located outside of Tokyo, the Graduate School of Economics at Kyoto University is a great choice for those looking for an academic career, and it has been developing knowledgeable professionals who can apply theories to practice ever since 1953.

Going global is highly promoted within Kyoto University, so the Graduate School of Economics maintains close academic relationships with institutions overseas for research collaborations and international fieldwork. Furthermore, this top business school in Japan also offers a double Ph.D. degree program with the University of Glasgow, and it is actively developing new joint degree programs with Southeast Asian universities.

Continuing its tradition of academic excellence, the Graduate School of Economics keeps on, providing first-class education, developing outstanding programs, and recruiting the brightest minds in the field of business to develop responsible leaders of tomorrow.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page.