how to apply to Japanese universities

Career & Employment
Gaishikei Advantage: How International Students Can Secure High-Impact Careers at Foreign-Affiliated Companies in Japan

For many international students in Japan, the typical image of “shūshoku katsudō” (job‑hunting) revolves around rows of identical black suits, strictly scheduled spring interviews, and heaps of handwritten entry sheets aimed at domestic conglomerates. Yet a parallel universe exists just beyond that well‑trodden path: more than 7,300 foreign‑affiliated companies—known locally as “gaishikei” firms—operate in the […]

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Career & Employment
Navigating Japan’s Domestic Companies: Job-Hunting Calendar, Culture, and Skills for International Students

Japan’s white-collar employers value long-term commitment, advance planning, and polished communication. International students therefore need a strategy that blends cultural awareness with proven job-search tactics. Designed especially for new graduates and soon-to-be graduates, the following guide walks you through every critical step—from understanding Japan’s unique recruiting calendar to securing the correct work visa—so you can […]

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Career & Employment
Landing Your First White-Collar Job in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide for International Graduates

As you prepare to launch your career in Japan, choosing where to apply can feel overwhelming. Beyond the sleek high‑rises of well‑known foreign affiliates like Google or Goldman Sachs lies a broad landscape of Japanese domestic companies—firms founded in Japan, headquartered here, and largely run on Japanese capital. They range from century‑old conglomerates (sōgō shōsha) to […]

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For Parents & Educators
Money-Saving Tips for Parents Visiting Children in Japan

Many parents flying to Japan to visit their children find that their money disappears faster than they expected. Air‑fare, hotel nights, bullet‑train tickets, and the endless trips between campus, sightseeing spots, and the airport quickly stack up. The good news: Japan’s tourism ecosystem is overflowing with passes, memberships, and little‑known services purposely designed to lighten that […]

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For Parents & Educators
Parent’s Guide to Japan’s University Academic Calendar: Ceremonies, Breaks, and Ideal Family Visit Windows

Japanese universities follow an academic calendar that runs from April‑to‑March academic year, a rhythm that may feel unfamiliar if you are used to an August or September start. Understanding this calendar helps parents plan visits, budget flights, and cheer on their sons and daughters at the biggest milestones. Below you’ll find a parent‑focused tour of the year—complete […]

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News & Trends
Japan’s New Salary Surge: Why Rising Graduate Pay Makes Working Here a Smart Move for International Students

Japan’s biggest corporations are rewriting the national pay book, rolling out the largest starting‑salary hikes in more than three decades. For international students dreaming of a career here, that means bigger paychecks, stronger career trajectories, and—thanks to a still‑weak yen—purchasing power that stretches further in Japan than in many other developed economies. Below we unpack […]

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Career & Employment
From Campus to Career: Fast-Tracking Your Future with Japan’s Advanced Graduate Visas

Japan’s doors have never been more open to global talent. Over the past decade the national government has eased immigration rules so that international students can glide from lecture hall to paycheck with less red‑tape, more autonomy, and a faster route to permanent residency. Officials openly say why: foreign graduates can plug labor shortages and […]

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Career & Employment
Beyond Tokyo: How Japan’s Local Governments Invest in International Graduates

Japan’s regions are rolling out the red carpet for international graduates. From renovated apartments at student‑friendly rents to start‑up money that helps you launch a business without a Tokyo address, local officials see you as the future engine of their towns. This article unpacks what municipalities expect from you—and what you can expect in return—under […]

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Scholarship
Beyond Yoneyama: Rotary Global Grant, Peace Fellowship & District Scholarships for Studying in Japan

Thinking about a degree in Japan but already reading our separate deep‑dive on the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship? Great—this post focuses on every other Rotary funding route that can take you to Tokyo, Kyoto, or beyond. From big‑ticket Global Grants to the world‑famous Peace Fellowship and district‑level awards, here is your streamlined playbook. Rotary Foundation Scholarships at a […]

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