Students Life
Japan’s University Academic Calendar: What to Expect

Before you highlight any dates, remember this: Japan’s academic rhythm differs from most Western systems. By mastering the key milestones ahead of time, you can schedule entrance exams, scholarship deadlines, and even flights with confidence. April–March: The Standard Academic Year Nearly all universities welcome new students in early April and hold graduation in late March […]

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Admissions & Exams
Study Routes: Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD Programs in Japan

Dreaming of studying in Japan but not sure which road to take? Below we unpack the two popular routes — Direct Admission and the Language-School Pathway — and how each one suits undergraduate, master’s, and PhD goals. Route 1: Direct Admission Apply directly to a Japanese university if you have already finished 12 years of […]

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Students Life
Budgeting for University Life in Japan: A Guide for International Students

Before diving into the numbers, remember this: having a clear budget is the first step toward a stress-free study-abroad experience. Set a realistic monthly target—around ¥120,000 to ¥150,000 (not including tuition)—especially if you’ll live in a major city. Tracking your spending from day one helps you focus on study, friendships, and your future. 1. Tuition […]

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University Profile
National vs. Private Universities in Japan: Cost, Culture, and Strategy

First, let’s look at what almost every applicant asks first: money. 1. Funding & Tuition — Government vs. Market National universities charge a uniform annual tuition of about ¥535,800, plus a ¥282,000 admission fee set by the Japanese government.Private universities, by contrast, operate on market pricing: humanities programs start around ¥1.2 – 1.6 million for […]

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Admissions & Exams
Five Key Requirements for Undergraduate Admission to Japanese Universities

Before you dive into application forms, make sure you can tick all five boxes below. Clear requirements save time and reduce costly surprises. I myself have experienced studying abroad, and I found that it requires more detailed and long-term preparation compared to entering a school in one’s own country. That’s why understanding the requirements correctly […]

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Career & Employment
How Japan’s Work Culture Is Becoming More Friendly for Foreigners

In recent years, Japan’s corporate environment has begun to change—slowly but surely. What used to be known for long hours and strict office rules is now transforming into a more flexible and performance-based system. These changes are especially good news for foreign professionals considering a career in Japan. A Shift from Long Hours to Performance-Based […]

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Admissions & Exams
【Undergraduate】 Your Roadmap to Studying at a Japanese University

Above all, the key to success is to begin your university application process as early as possible. For international students aiming to study abroad, the road to admission includes many steps. When I applied for a master’s program in the U.S., even though it was a relatively fast case, it still took around 10 months […]

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Admissions & Exams
【Part 2】Why Study in Japan? Discover the Unique Value of Japanese Education

Study in Japan As I mentioned in Part 1, studying in Japan is a valuable opportunity for many people. In Part 2, I'd like to share three more reasons why it's worth considering. 1. Strong job opportunities According to The Japan Times, the effective job‑to‑applicant ratio has stayed above 1.25 since 2023 and hit 1.26 […]

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Admissions & Exams
【Part 1】Why Study in Japan? Discover the Unique Value of Japanese Education

Study in Japan As shown on the homepage of Isami Dojo, there are many advantages to studying in Japan. In fact, the number of international students in Japan has exceeded 330,000—nearly double the figure from ten years ago—marking a record high, and attention toward them is increasing. Having studied abroad on my own for a […]

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