Future University Hakodate (FUN): Study Information Science in Japan — Guide for International Applicants

Thinking about studying in Japan but want something a bit different from the mega‑cities? Future University Hakodate (FUN) in Hokkaido blends cutting‑edge computing and design with a uniquely open, collaborative campus—literally. Designed by Pritzker laureate Riken Yamamoto, FUN’s transparent spaces were built to bring people together across majors. Below you’ll find clear facts, strengths, and practical tips (tuition, climate, support services, exchange options) to help you decide if FUN fits your study plan.

Quick‑Facts Table

Numbers reflect the latest public data (as of May 1, 2024) from Japan’s official university portrait database and FUN’s English pages. Primary sources are linked in blue.

Type (National/Public/Private)	Public (Public University Corporation) JPCUP profile
Total Students	1,207 (UG: 1,052; Grad: 155) — as of May 1, 2024 Source
Campuses	1 (Main: Kamedanakano, Hakodate) University site
Faculties/Schools	School of Systems Information Science (Departments: Media Architecture; Complex & Intelligent Systems). Graduate School of Systems Information Science. Faculty overview
ค่าธรรมเนียมการศึกษา	Undergraduate: ¥535,800/year + Admission Fee ~¥282,000 (standard guideline for public universities). Graduate: ¥535,800/year + Admission Fee (varies by status). See FUN/JPCUP fee pages. JPCUP
Gender Ratio	Not officially published in English (recent year). —
Intl‑Student %	≈ 1.7% (20 international students out of 1,207 total) Source
Students per Staff	≈ 18.6 : 1 (1,207 students / 65 full‑time faculty) Source

Campus Maps

Main Campus (Hakodate)

Address: 116-2 Kamedanakano-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8655, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Future University Hakodate (FUN) opened in 2000 with a fresh idea: build a university where information science meets design, and where the architecture itself invites collaboration. The motto—“Open space, open mind”—is not a slogan—it’s the floor plan. FUN’s main building is an expansive, light‑filled environment with glass partitions and shared studios that encourage students and faculty to see each other’s work and talk across specialties. The concept is explained on the university’s English site here.

That open environment was designed by architect Riken Yamamoto, the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, whose work often blurs the line between private and public realm. You can browse the official Pritzker profile here and see an architectural write‑up of FUN on ArchDaily here.

Academically, FUN started with a single school—Systems Information Science—split into two departments: Media Architecture and Complex & Intelligent Systems. A graduate school followed in 2003. The profile on Times Higher Education summarizes the background and focus here, and Japan’s official university portrait database (JPCUP) confirms basic facts and current figures here. Today, students join FUN to explore areas from HCI and data science to architecture‑informed media spaces, all within a culture that values project‑based learning, communication, and community collaboration (FUN English site).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship: School of Systems Information Science

FUN’s signature strength is its integrated approach to information science and design. The School of Systems Information Science houses two departments that reflect this blend: (1) Media Architecture (interface design, spatial media, ubiquitous computing) and (2) Complex & Intelligent Systems (AI, data, networks). Department descriptions are available in English here.

Project‑Based Learning (PBL) from Year One

PBL is core to the FUN curriculum: students regularly work in teams to solve real problems, present, and iterate. The university’s overview of PBL explains the pedagogy and shows examples of student work Introduction to Project‑Based Learning @ FUN. The open, glass‑walled layout supports this: classrooms and studios are visible and accessible, triggering spontaneous curiosity and cross‑pollination Open space, open mind.

Spaces & Facilities Built for Collaboration

Architecturally, FUN is a case study in learning design. ArchDaily’s feature highlights how the building fosters transparency and chance encounters project page. On campus, the Media Library provides English‑language collections, e‑resources, and study spaces supportive of international students Info. for International Students (Library), with e‑resources described here Licensed e‑resources.

Centers & Initiatives (e.g., Center for Meta‑Learning)

FUN’s Center for Meta‑Learning promotes learning sciences and innovative teaching—and has offered English‑language activities (e.g., Virtual English Program). See the center’s English page for initiatives and contact CML.

Global Links (Agreements for Study Abroad & Research)

If you’re interested in going from Japan to the world, check FUN’s list of exchange agreements with overseas universities and organizations. These formal links enable outbound study, research visits, and credit transfer Exchange Agreements.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs, Circles & Campus Culture

Students can join a broad mix of circles (music, culture, technology, sports). The English “Students” and “Life@FUN” sections are a good first look at campus culture and activities Students / Life@FUN.

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

Core services are coordinated via administrative divisions and the library/learning centers (IT, study skills, academic advising). The library’s English pages outline access rules, facilities, and off‑campus options Using the Library (EN) และ Library top (EN).

Language Exchange & Buddy Programs

Peer support, tutoring, and communication‑focused learning are baked into FUN’s philosophy. Look for notices through the Center for Meta‑Learning and the library for events and initiatives open to international students CML / Library for Intl. Students.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound)

FUN maintains exchange agreements enabling students to study abroad for a semester/year, pursue lab placements, or collaborate on research. Review current partners and fields of cooperation here: Exchange Agreements.

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Hakodate, Hokkaido)

Weather: Hakodate has cool summers and snowy winters. For the latest monthly averages (max/min temperatures, precipitation, sunshine) use Japan Meteorological Agency’s English “Monthly Climate Statistics,” selecting station HAKODATE (WMO 47430) JMA climate tables.

City life & transport: Hakodate is safe, compact, and tram‑friendly. Local transport info for visitors (trams, buses, shuttles) is summarized here Japan‑Guide: Getting there & around and on the official Hakodate tourism site’s transport page Hakodate Travel – Transportation. For municipal resources in Japanese (daily life, safety, procedures), see the city’s pages 函館市 生活情報.

Cost of living: Expect typical Hokkaido prices—generally lower than Tokyo. For a quick benchmark (rent, groceries, dining), see city‑level estimates on Numbeo Hakodate on Numbeo and national averages Japan totals. Always cross‑check with current listings in your language.

International Student Statistics

According to JPCUP (May 1, 2024), FUN has 1,207 students in total, including 20 international students (≈1.7%). Undergraduates: 1,052 (5 international). Graduates: 155 (15 international). Full‑time faculty count is 65. Details: JPCUP profile. Department structures are summarized on FUN’s faculty page Faculty.

Career & Graduate Prospects

Graduates typically move into software engineering, UX/UI, data/AI roles, product design, and research positions in Japan’s tech and manufacturing sectors, as well as startups. For current student services, internship info, and career support, browse the English “Students” section and related links Students (EN). JPCUP’s program tabs also summarize post‑graduate pathways in English JPCUP profile.

Admissions & Exams (Overview for Overseas Applicants)

Graduate admissions (international): FUN runs a dedicated selection for international graduate applicants. Check current guidelines and PDF downloads here: International Student Selection (Graduate). For overall admissions philosophy, see the English admission policy Admission Policy.

Undergraduate path via EJU: Many Japanese universities use the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). JASSO’s English pages explain “Pre‑arrival Admission” and list participating schools (updated periodically) Pre‑arrival Admission (overview) และ Schools offering Pre‑arrival Admission (lists). Always confirm with FUN directly for the latest requirements.

Why Choose Future University Hakodate?

If you want a community‑minded campus where design meets computing—and a city with clear seasons, great food, and plenty of nature—FUN is an excellent fit. Explore curricula, labs, and student voices on the official English site Future University Hakodate (EN).