Showa Women’s University Guide for International Students: Admissions, Tuition, Student Life, Exchanges & Careers

Thinking about studying in Japan, but not sure where to begin? Showa Women’s University (SWU) in central Tokyo offers a rare mix of tradition and modern global learning—on a single, compact campus in Setagaya. With an overseas campus in Boston and Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) right next door, SWU gives you multiple English-friendly pathways without losing the benefits of a Japanese university experience. This guide walks you through mission and history, flagship strengths, study‑abroad options, student life, climate and costs, and career outcomes so you can decide if SWU fits your goals.

Quick‑Facts Table

Type (National/Public/Private)	Private (Women’s University)
Total Students	≈ 6,500–7,400 (incl. undergraduate & graduate; see disclosure and recent updates) SWU Official (EN) / Information Disclosure (JP)
Campuses	Setagaya (Main), Showa Boston (U.S.) Setagaya Campus (EN) / Showa Boston – Our Story (EN)
Faculties/Schools	International Studies; Global Business; Humanities & Culture; Humanities & Social Sciences; Environmental Science & Design; Food & Health Sciences Undergraduate – Faculties (EN)
Tasse scolastiche	Typical annual tuition falls in the ¥1.2M–¥1.8M range depending on faculty (plus admission/other fees). See official pages: University Tuition (EN) / Tuition Q&A (EN)
Gender Ratio	Women‑only undergraduate (essentially 100% female; excludes partner institutions on campus) About SWU – Promise (EN)
Intl‑Student %	≈ 2–3% (recent years; see institutional stats for the latest) International Students (PDF, JP)
Students per Staff	≈ 25–30 : 1 (reference from annual statistical tables) C‑3ST 2025 (PDF, JP)

Campus Maps

Setagaya Campus (Tokyo) — Main Campus

Address: 1-7-57 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-8533, Japan

Showa Boston (Boston, MA, USA)

Address: 420 Pond St, Boston, MA 02130, USA

Mission, History & Founding Story

SWU’s founding idea—often summarized as “Be a Light to the World”—dates to 1920, when poet and educator Enkichi Hitomi and his wife Midori opened the forerunner to today’s university for the purpose of nurturing women who would contribute to a peaceful, forward‑looking society. That founding vision is still visible across campus life and curricula today, emphasized in university messaging and policy documents and echoed in international programming through Showa Boston in the United States. For a concise statement of this mission as presented today, see the official overview and “Promise of a Comprehensive University.” SWU Promise (EN) / Founding Spirit (JP) / Showa Boston – Our Story.

Historically, SWU has expanded alongside Tokyo’s development, settling into Setagaya—two stations from Shibuya—where it now shares a vibrant academic zone with Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) and hosts The British School in Tokyo (BST) Showa Campus. These neighbors form a daily, living laboratory for global interaction: language, business, culture, media, and design circulate on and around campus, and SWU students regularly move between Japanese‑medium classes and English‑medium opportunities next door. About the New TUJ Campus / BST Showa Campus.

The university’s message to applicants connects this mission to concrete offerings: a campus embedded in the city, multiple routes to overseas study (notably via Showa Boston), and close student–staff guidance that supports career preparation. The admissions and global pages provide updated details in English for international candidates. Global @ Setagaya (EN) / Tuition Q&A.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

A Truly Global Neighborhood: TUJ Next Door & Showa Boston Abroad

Few Japanese universities place an American campus next door. TUJ moved into SWU’s Setagaya grounds in 2019, creating daily cross‑registration possibilities, language exchange, and shared events—including on‑campus career fairs held at SWU’s West Gym. New TUJ Campus / TUJ Career Fair @ SWU (2025) / TUJ Access (Tokyo).

Global Liberal‑Arts Core (S‑GLAP) & Structured Study‑Abroad

The university‑wide “Showa Global Liberal Arts Program (S‑GLAP)” helps students in departments without mandatory study‑abroad to develop global competencies via four‑year coursework and designated programs; completers earn a certificate. Separately, departments such as English Language & Communication and International Studies include study‑abroad windows—often in the second or third year—at Showa Boston or partner universities. S‑GLAP (EN) / Dept. of English – Study Abroad (EN news) / International Studies – 2025 Fall Departure.

Flagship Strengths in Food & Health Sciences

Department of Health Science

Study the science of “food & health”—from human physiology to nutrition and exercise—and build toward qualifications such as certified nutritionist. Health Science (EN) / FAQ.

Department of Food Science & Nutrition

A registered‑dietitian‑training track with strong clinical and community practice, lab‑based training, and a wide range of career routes. Food Science & Nutrition (EN) / Curriculum.

Department of Food Safety Management

An interdisciplinary “science + business” approach to the entire food system—from production and logistics to retail—grounded in risk‑assessment and data‑driven decision‑making. Food Safety Management (EN).

Project‑Based Learning & Industry Connections

SWU runs numerous campus‑wide projects and departmental initiatives that connect students to real clients and communities—examples include nutrition outreach, product development with food companies, or global joint classes. Project Activities (EN) / Dept. Blog – Training/Fieldwork / Colorado Univ. Joint Class (JP).

Student–Staff Support & Career Guidance

SWU’s career office provides early planning and one‑to‑one guidance, with strong placement track records each year. Students also benefit from TUJ’s career fairs and multinational employer presence on the shared campus. Career Support (EN) / TUJ Career Development (EN).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that Welcome Overseas Students

More than 40 student clubs and circles operate on campus—from sports to culture, volunteering, and media. Circles are student‑run and often open to collaboration with international students. Clubs & Circles (EN).

Dedicated Support (Visa, Housing, Counselling)

International students can access Japanese‑language academic support, study consultation, and general guidance via the “International Student Support & Exchange Program.” The page also outlines scholarship options and short‑term programs. International Student Support (EN) / Scholarships (EN) / SWU Summer International Program (EN).

Language‑Exchange & Buddy Programs

Student‑led initiatives like “CHAWA” host monthly exchange events for international and Japanese students—think seasonal culture, workshops, and language meetups. CHAWA & Cross‑Cultural Programs (EN).

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound Focus)

Beyond Showa Boston, students can explore partner universities through departmental programs or TUJ’s domestic partner credit‑exchange scheme (for TUJ students). If you plan a double‑track experience—studying at SWU while taking a course at TUJ—check the credit‑exchange details and semester calendars in advance. TUJ×SWU Credit Exchange (EN) / TUJ Academic Calendar (EN).

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather Patterns (last ~5 years)

Tokyo (station ID 47662) experiences warm‑humid summers and mild‑cool winters. JMA monthly tables show typical mean daily maximums peaking in July–August and lowest in January–February; daily minimums follow the same pattern. For planning dorm/apartment life and clothing, consult the monthly temperature tables. JMA Monthly Max (EN).

Safety & Neighborhood Vibe

Tokyo consistently ranks highly in global safety assessments. While methodologies vary, the Safe Cities Index 2021 is a widely cited benchmark across personal, health, digital, and environmental security. Safe Cities Index (EIU). Setagaya’s Sangenjaya area has a relaxed city‑center feel with easy access to Shibuya and extensive student amenities.

Cost of Living (Tokyo Benchmarks)

• Reference estimates place monthly living costs for students higher in Tokyo than the national average; government/official portals are a good starting point. Study in Japan – Living Costs / UTokyo – Living Expenses
• Private‑market rents vary widely by ward and layout; annual surveys show higher rents near central hubs. Tokyo Rent Benchmarks (2023/24). Crowdsourced snapshots can give quick ballparks (use with caution). Numbeo – Tokyo

International Student Statistics

SWU publishes annual statistics (in Japanese) that include the number of international students. Recent figures suggest international students make up roughly a few percent of the total student body; consult the latest PDF for the exact counts by program and year. International Students (PDF, JP) / Disclosure Hub (JP).

Career & Graduate Prospects

SWU’s Career Center focuses on early planning and “career design” through advising, seminars, and company networking. The proximity of TUJ adds further English‑language employer touchpoints via on‑campus career fairs. Check the current‑student career portal and public pages for employer lists and outcome data per faculty. SWU Career Support (EN) / TUJ Career Development (EN) / TUJ Career Fair @ SWU.