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Postgraduate study in Japan - A sleeping giant
One area of natural interest to international students looking to study in Japan is area studies – usually Asian Studies or Asia Pacific Studies. Originally a western discipline growing out of orientalism, many Japanese universities are now promoting the idea of ‘Asian Studies within Asia’. Japan is the perfect location to undertake such research, with significant scholarship support for talented students and boundless resources at hand for those wishing to pursue research into societies and cultures and international relations particularly in the North East Asian region. APU for example is promoting Asia Pacific Studies as a core field of interdisciplinary research, and offers both master’s and PhD programs in this area, overseen by experienced faculty gathered from throughout the region.
‘. . . it is an exciting time to become part of a higher education scene which is evolving much more rapidly than that in many other parts of the world.’
Management is another growth area. There is still a lot to learn from Japan and its way of doing business, and the country’s geographical proximity and close links to growing markets in Asia may possibly make Japan a new destination of choice for MBA candidates who wish to be prepared both theoretically and practically for a career in Asian business. Traditionally, MBA programs in Japan have been designed almost as replicas of their North American counterparts; however more and more universities here are waking up to the possibility of attracting students interested in engaging in business in North East Asia. Some schools such as APU’s Graduate School of Management are offering programs specializing in Asian business, combining universally accepted management theories with a sensitivity to Asian business cultures. Many universities are developing their own case material to support teaching in these programs. An MBA at a reputed Japanese university can provide a depth of local experience and rich networks which cannot be rivaled by western business schools operating short-term field studies and satellite programs in Asia.
The opportunities for degree-based study in Japan are still limited and the jury is still out on whether Japanese universities are capable of achieving genuine ‘international-ization’, but it is an exciting time to become part of a higher education scene which is evolving much more rapidly than that in many other parts of the world.
The internet is one of the best places to begin your search for a graduate school in Japan. Universities which are serious about welcoming international students will definitely have a presence on the web. Other options include graduate recruitment fairs and forums, your local Japanese embassy or consulate, and the international affairs division at your university. Another excellent source of general information about study in Japan is the government's Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO): www.jasso.go.jp.
In summary, higher study in Japan should not be dismissed simply as an option for Japanophiles. There is something here for any international student looking for a solid postgraduate degree in Asia and the chance to become part of something new.We hope you consider joining us here in Japan soon!
- Links:
Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO): www.jasso.go.jp
