The greatest appeal for students to study in Japan is its academic environment where one can study state-of-the-art technology and acquire the knowledge that enabled Japan's phenomenal postwar economic growth. Whether it is electronics, Japanese literature, medicine or international business administration, universities and colleges in Japan offer courses to study or research programs in virtually any field.

The ratio of students in Japan who go on to universities (undergraduate level) and junior colleges (regular courses) is also very high. This figure is indicative of the high standard of education in Japan. Many universities and colleges in Japan are well equipped with fine research, computer, and library facilities and enable students to carry out their research and continue their study in an excellent environment.

Japan has produced many outstanding researchers in diverse fields. In 2002 two Japanese scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize. Mr. Masatoshi Koshiba, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, received the prize in physics for the detection of cosmic neutrinos, a "mystery" elementary particle. This discovery had a major impact on the elementary particle theory. Meanwhile, Mr. Koichi Tanaka was awarded the prize in chemistry for the development of ionization methods that became the basis for the analysis of the structure of protein molecules, opening a way to the development of new pharmaceutical drugs as well as the early diagnosis of cancers.

Many leading figures that are playing an active role in the world today have benefitted from studying in Japan. The network of course-mates that you can build in Japan will undoubtedly become an invaluable asset for your future career.

Japanese Culture

Modern Japanese culture and society consist of a diverse mix of the old and new, the East and West, and the natural and artificial. These seemingly contradictory elements coexist in harmony in Japan. For example, it is not unusual to see an old Buddhist temple and a modern skyscraper standing next to each other.

With age-old Japanese traditions - as typified by those nurtured from the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (late 16th to early 17th century) to the Edo Period, which lasted nearly 300 years - at its foundation, Japan flexibly assimilated the culture of Western civilization later introduced to its soil. However, even with the rapid growth of Japanese economy and the development of advanced technology after World War II, Japan continued to retain its original culture as well. That is to say, the old and new have coexisted until today. This is what brought about Japan's diversity and fascination which still attracts many foreigners.

Japan is also a country with rich nature, diverse topography, and beautiful turns of the seasons. Haiku verse which has blossomed by absorbing the natural essence of each season is an example of a very unique Japanese literary culture. The country's rich variety of local festivals, annual events, and folk entertainment are also most likely the result of Japan's nature and topography.

If you have been in Japan, you might say that you are a big fan of hot spring resorts, "Onsen", a unique Japanese version of the spas. Others may know about J-Pop, Japanese films, or even the nail arts. Even those who have never been in Japan may be interested in the beauty and delicacy of Japanese cuisine - some say that it must be enjoyed with both the eye and palate - as well as Japanese culture represented by in Kimono, tea ceremony and Ikebana flower arrangement, or traditional sports such as Judo, Kendo and Naginata.

There are many other attractions that will only add to the hugely rewarding experience for any student choosing to study in Japan, such as

Arts and crafts

Japan boasts extraordinary skills and techniques in the production of arts and crafts. For example, Japanese lacquer is known around the world as "japan," the very name of the country in which it originated. Characterized by its unique texture and gloss, Japanese lacquer ware gives forth an air of sublime beauty.

There were times when Japanese arts and crafts were so popular that it had a substantial influence on Western art. For example, the influence of Japanese porcelain was indispensable for development of the now world-famous Meissen chinaware. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Japanese Imari porcelain (Arita ware), like Chinese porcelain, was greatly adored and treasured, especially by European royalty and the nobility, who valued it as much as gold and silver. At that time, Europeans did not possess the skills to make pure white, thin and hard porcelain. The desire and the passion to manufacture porcelain emerged from the admiration for Japanese porcelain, which resulted in the development of Meissen china. The decoration of Meissen china was styled after Imari porcelain, a trend that continues to this day.

From the late 19th to the early 20th century, a vogue for Japanese culture called "Japonisme" appeared in Europe and the United States. Japanese arts and crafts heavily influenced the Art Nouveau movement, and impressionist artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre Auguste Renoir, who created many masterpieces, were strongly influenced by Japanese Ukiyo-e wood prints.

Japanese arts and crafts have a very long history and are highly appreciated for fine technical qualities and beauty. They continue to be loved around the world.

In conclusion then, any international student that chooses to study in Japan will receive a high quality education, gain experience of a culture that is fascinating and has been established for centuries whilst remaining at the pinnacle of modernity and, just as importantly will be made to feel very welcome!

Universities and colleges in Japan welcome applicants from any country in the world to come and study in Japan. With their world class facilities and excellent reputation they provide an ideal environment for international students to study in Japan.