Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU): A Practical Guide for International Students

Thinking about studying sports, health, or human performance in Japan? Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU)—often nicknamed “Nittaidai”—is one of the country’s best-known hubs for athletes, coaches, therapists, and sport professionals. With two main campuses in Tokyo (Setagaya) and Yokohama (Kenshidai), NSSU blends century‑plus tradition with hands‑on learning across sport science, sport culture, management, and medical fields like judo therapy and emergency medical science. This guide walks you through quick facts, signature programs, international support, campus life, study‑abroad options, climate and daily living, and what careers graduates pursue—so you can decide if NSSU fits your journey.

Setagaya (Fukasawa) Campus — Main entrance and core academic buildings. This view captures the Fukasawa Campus in Setagaya, Tokyo, home to NSSU’s flagship faculties and administration.

Setagaya Campus — Façade and forecourt. A classic exterior perspective showing the everyday approach students take to lecture halls and club activities.

NSSU Medical College (Yōga, Setagaya). The healthcare-focused college complements NSSU’s strength in sports science with clinical and medical training facilities.

Yokohama (Kenshidai) Campus — Central boulevard. A broad pedestrian spine connects teaching blocks, training gyms, and fields across NSSU’s expansive Yokohama site.

Yokohama Campus — Campus statue and plaza. A symbolic sculpture adjacent to student pathways, reflecting NSSU’s athletic heritage and campus culture.

Yokohama Campus — Academic core and circulation. A wide-angle view of classroom blocks and circulation spaces on the Kenshidai site.

Yokohama Campus — Aerial overview (orthophoto). A bird’s-eye look at the Kenshidai campus footprint within northern Yokohama’s green hills (2019 imagery).

Quick-Facts Table

Field	Detail
Type	Private University
Total Students	7,829 total (Undergrad 7,637; Graduate 192) [as of May 1, 2024]
Campuses	Setagaya (Tokyo); Yokohama Kenshidai (Kanagawa)
Faculties/Schools	5 Faculties & 1 School: Sport Science; Sport Culture; Sport Management; Medical Science; School of Childhood Sport Education; + Graduate Schools (Overview)
Tuition Fees (First Year)	¥1,598,000 (Sport Science / Sport Culture / Sport Management / Childhood Sport Education); ¥1,898,000 (Medical—Judo Therapy); ¥2,048,000 (Medical—Emergency Medical). See NSSU Tuition & Financial Aid (EN)
Gender Ratio	Male 62.4% / Female 37.6% (Official data)
Intl-Student %	36 students ≈ 0.46% (By country list)
Students per Staff	≈ 30.3 overall (Faculty data)
Official English Site	https://www.nittai.ac.jp/eng/ / Contact: Inquiry (EN)

 

Campus Maps

Tokyo Setagaya Campus (Main)

Address: 7-1-1 Fukasawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8508, Japan

Yokohama Kenshidai Campus (Kanagawa)

Address: 1221-1 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Nippon Sport Science University traces its roots to the late 19th century and has long been synonymous with Japanese physical education and sport. It has produced generations of PE teachers, coaches, trainers, and athletes. NSSU’s founding spirit is often phrased as promoting health and strength through physical education—an idea that evolved over time and underpins how the university connects sport, education, and society today. A quick look at NSSU’s official pages shows a mission tied to cultivating leaders who can contribute to communities through sport, advancing research in education and health, and sharing the Olympic & Paralympic spirit through outreach and excellence. For an overview, see University’s founding spirit (EN) and a historical timeline at History of NSSU (EN).

The university operates two main campuses: Setagaya (Tokyo), which hosts many core academic and athletic facilities, and Yokohama Kenshidai (Kanagawa), home to a range of training, medical, and student‑life resources. From university governance to student clubs, the structure emphasizes active learning and community contribution. See the President/Chairman messages for the leadership’s perspective: Messages from the Chairman & President (EN).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Hands‑On Sport Science & Outdoor Practicums

Across programs, NSSU emphasizes practical skill—on the field, in the gym, and in the community. Course designs often include labs, practicums, and fieldwork. The university even highlights dedicated practicum modules such as golf, water sports, winter sports, and outdoor leadership. Sample: Outdoor practicums (EN).

Flagship Areas in Medical & Health

NSSU’s Faculty of Medical Science includes two notable departments: Judo Therapy & Medical Science, and Emergency Medical Science. These programs mix medical fundamentals with sport‑linked clinical practice, often leveraging in‑house clinics, partner hospitals, and disaster‑medicine simulations. See overviews here: Faculty of Medical Science (EN), Department of Judo Therapy (EN)和 Department of Emergency Medical Science (EN).

Department of Emergency Medical Science (example highlights)

Expect ride‑along practicums at fire stations, hospital‑based training at emergency centers, and disaster‑response modules using VR/IT to simulate urgent scenarios. Instructors include active professionals and specialists in resuscitation and disaster medicine—reflecting Japan’s high standards for emergency care training. Details: Department page (EN).

Sport Culture & International Exchange

The Faculty of Sport Culture explores sport as society and culture—martial arts, community programs, international education, and more. One track, Sport Studies for International Community, focuses on cross‑border communication and practical teaching in Asia. See: Faculty of Sport Culture (EN) / Department of Sport Studies for International Community (EN).

Sport Management & Industry Pathways

The Faculty of Sport Management develops professionals for clubs, events, stadiums/arenas, sporting goods, media, and policy. The curriculum blends sport‑business theory with field projects and internships. Explore: Faculty of Sport Management (EN) and department pages (Sport Management, Sport Life Management).

Clubs, Circles & Performance Culture

From judo, wrestling, and gymnastics to cheer, dance, and lacrosse, campus life revolves around club activity—all supported by student services and athletic facilities. Browse clubs: Clubs & Circles (EN) / Videos: Clubs in Video (EN). NSSU’s mission also extends to social contribution (e.g., outreach and UNIVAS initiatives): Social Contribution Projects (EN), UNIVAS (EN).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that Welcome Overseas Students

International students can join most sport clubs and circles. The experience builds language skills, friendships, and teamwork. Start with the club directory: Clubs & Circles (EN).

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counselling)

NSSU’s International Center provides guidance on admissions, visas, daily life, and exchange programs, and often works with Student Support on housing and health. See: International Center (EN) / General student life hub: Student Life (EN).

Language Exchange & Buddy Programs

Language‑exchange and buddy‑style activities may be arranged through classes, clubs, or the International Center. Many students also improve Japanese by joining sport communities where communication is hands‑on and goal‑oriented.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

NSSU promotes outbound exchange so students gain global perspective through sport. The study‑abroad page explains year‑long exchange and leave‑of‑absence options to study at overseas universities and return with credits recognized: Study Abroad (EN). Partnerships vary by year. Example (Philippines): National University—Clark partnership news: NU Clark × NSSU global alliance.

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Tokyo’s climate features hot, humid summers (Jul–Aug daytime highs around mid‑ to upper‑20s °C, >30°C in heatwaves) and cool winters (Dec–Feb daytime highs ~5–10°C, nights near freezing). To check long‑term monthly means and highs/lows for Tokyo (WMO Station 47662), see the Japan Meteorological Agency’s monthly statistics page: JMA Monthly Climate Statistics (Tokyo) and the English climate portal: JMA Climate of Japan (EN).

Lifestyle‑wise, Tokyo is consistently ranked for safety and infrastructure. For a cross‑city safety benchmark, see the Economist Impact Safe Cities Index 2021 (Tokyo scored highly): Safe Cities Index 2021 (overview) / PDF. For broader national safety context, the Global Peace Index 2025 is also useful: GPI 2025 (PDF). As for cost of living, JASSO’s Study in Japan site summarizes typical student expenses by category and region: Living Costs (EN).

International Student Statistics

Japan’s international enrollment continues to rebound. For the latest national‑level breakdowns by region/country and institution type (updated annually), refer to JASSO’s official statistical release: International Student Survey in Japan 2024 (EN). While NSSU’s own international share is modest, outbound exchange and English‑supporting coursework are expanding through the International Center.

Career & Graduate Prospects

Typical pathways include PE teaching, coaching, trainer/athletic performance roles, sport‑club or event operations, media/marketing in sport, facility management, and health/medical professions (judo therapy clinics, rehabilitation support, EMS). Many departments explicitly list expected licenses and careers on their pages (see Sport Management; Judo Therapy; Emergency Medical Science). NSSU’s alumni networks and strong placement into schools, clubs, and agencies reflect its long sport‑education tradition.

Admissions & Exams Basics for Internationals

Admissions vary by faculty. International applicants should check English pages first and then move to faculty/department specifics: NSSU English Top. Budgeting tip: first‑year totals differ across faculties. Check current tables here: NSSU Tuition & Financial Aid (EN). On national exams and scholarships, see JASSO’s official pages: MEXT Scholarships (EN), plus program overviews and supports: JASSO Support Programs.

Useful Contacts

NSSU English site & inquiries: https://www.nittai.ac.jp/eng/ / Inquiry (EN). Student Life hubs: Student Life / Tuition & Aid / International Center.