Students Life
Cracking Japan’s University Exam & Grading System: A Guide for International Students
Landing a seat at a Japanese university is only the beginning; keeping it—and unlocking scholarships, internships, and long‑term career options—depends on how well you navigate a grading culture that can feel both familiar and entirely new. Unlike in many countries where continuous assessment dominates, Japan still relies heavily on high‑stakes final exams while blending modern […]
Winning the Course-Registration Race at Japanese Universities: A Playbook for International Students
Registering for classes at a Japanese university is equal parts strategy and speed run. Unlike many U.S. campuses that let you shop for weeks, Japanese portals open for only a few tightly timed days and then slam shut; add‑drop opportunities later are limited and the most coveted seminars evaporate in seconds. This guide distills what international students […]
Beyond Tokyo: Pros & Cons of Rural Living for International Students in Japan
Studying in Japan no longer means squeezing into a tiny Tokyo apartment. More universities are opening doors beyond the megacities, and an increasing number of international students are discovering a different rhythm of life in Japan’s countryside. Quiet towns surrounded by rice paddies or sea cliffs promise lower bills, cleaner air and tight‑knit communities—yet they […]
Beyond Your Campus: How Inter-University Collaboration Supercharges Your Study-in-Japan Experience
Moving to Japan for university can feel like stepping into a world full of opportunities. While lectures and labs will anchor your academic journey, many breakthroughs — academic, professional and personal — happen once you venture beyond your home campus. Japanese institutions nurture a rich ecosystem of inter‑campus clubs, research consortia and credit‑exchange schemes designed to break down walls […]
From Sakura to Snow: A Year-Round Event Guide for International Students in Japan
Japan is a country where the seasons are more than changes in temperature — they are national milestones that shape the academic calendar, train timetables, and even convenience‑store menus. For international students, this cyclical rhythm unlocks month‑after‑month of low‑cost, high‑impact cultural experiences. Whether your research focuses on robotics or Renaissance literature, stepping outside the lecture hall to […]
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Opening a Japanese Bank Account as an International Student
Moving to Japan for your studies is exciting, but life on campus quickly reminds you that cashless payments, rent transfers, and scholarship deposits all flow through the banking system. A local bank account is therefore one of the first practical tasks you will have to complete. This guide walks you through the process step by step, explains […]
Mastering Daily Life in Japan: Practical Rules & Etiquette for International Students
Moving to Japan for your degree is a leap into a world of spotless streets, precisely timed trains, and social rules that are easy to overlook if nobody spells them out. Dropping trash in the wrong bin, chatting loudly on a late‑night train, or ignoring the neighbourhood fire‑drill notice can brand you as the guest […]
Staying Safe in Japan: A Practical Guide for International Students
Japan is often described—accurately—as one of the safest nations on earth, yet “safe” never means “risk-free.” Random street assaults, bar-room fights and other violent incidents—though statistically uncommon—have gained media attention in recent years, while drink-spiking crews haunt neon nightlife districts and phone-scam rings keep refining their tricks. International students, who may not read Japanese or […]