How Japanese University Campus Life Changes from Undergraduate to Graduate School
A practical comparison of undergraduate and graduate campus life in Japan, including classes, laboratories, research, supervision, schedules, and social life.
Articles
Guides organized by reader needs.
Articles are organized for students, researchers and academics, industry professionals, and readers who need practical explanations of finance, contracts, housing costs, salary, taxes, investing, and everyday systems in Japan.
Students
Students
Guides for international students, prospective graduate students, exchange students, and applicants who want to understand Japanese universities, scholarships, student life, and basic procedures before or after coming to Japan.
Japanese University Dormitory Life: Living On or Near Campus
A practical guide to Japanese university dormitory life, including dormitory applications, private apartments, commuting, shared facilities, and daily rules.
Part-Time Jobs and Campus Life in Japan: What International Students Should Know
A practical guide to part-time jobs and campus life in Japan for international students, including work-hour rules, study balance, Japanese ability, and realistic expectations.
Making Friends at a Japanese University: Practical Advice for International Students
Practical advice for international students on making friends at a Japanese university through classes, labs, circles, dormitories, language exchange, and daily routines.
Laboratory Life in Japanese Universities: What Science and Engineering Students Should Know
A practical guide to Japanese university laboratory life for science and engineering students, including seminars, meetings, supervisors, senior students, equipment, and lab culture.
Campus Facilities in Japanese Universities: Cafeterias, Libraries, Labs, and Student Spaces
A practical guide to campus facilities at Japanese universities, including cafeterias, libraries, labs, offices, co-op shops, health centers, and student spaces.
University Clubs and Circles in Japan: How Students Make Friends on Campus
A practical guide to Japanese university clubs and circles, including how they differ, how to join, and how international students can make friends on campus.
Classes and Seminars at Japanese Universities: What Makes Them Different?
A practical guide to classes, credits, seminars, attendance, reports, and classroom culture at Japanese universities for international students.
Tohoku University for Materials Science and Chemistry: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students
A practical guide for prospective international graduate students interested in materials science and chemistry at Tohoku University, including programs, research environment, and application preparation.
A Day in the Life of a University Student in Japan
A practical walk-through of a typical day for a university student in Japan, from commuting and classes to lunch, circles, part-time work, and evening study.
Japanese University Campus Life: What International Students Should Expect
A practical guide to Japanese university campus life for international students, covering classes, cafeterias, clubs, labs, dorms, commuting, and daily routines.
How to Prepare for an Online Interview with a Japanese Professor
A practical guide for international graduate applicants preparing for an online meeting or interview with a prospective professor in Japan.
How to Read a Japanese Lab Website Before Contacting a Professor
A practical guide for international graduate applicants on how to read Japanese laboratory websites, check research fit, and prepare a stronger first email to a professor.
Can Part-Time Work Cover Your Student Life in Japan?
A realistic guide for international students on whether part-time work can cover student life in Japan, including income examples, legal limits, living costs, and practical budgeting advice.
Easy Conversation Topics with Japanese Students in the Lab
A practical guide to specific conversation topics for international students talking with Japanese students in university laboratories in Japan.
How to Improve Your Japanese Through University Life in Japan
A practical guide for international students on how to improve Japanese through classes, campus life, laboratories, part-time work, clubs, and everyday routines at Japanese universities.
How to Present Yourself as a Strong Candidate Before Formal Application
A practical guide for international students on why informal pre-screening exists and how to present a clear CV, research interest, and personality before formal application to a Japanese laboratory.
How to Choose a Japanese University for Science and Engineering: Rankings vs. Labs
A practical guide for international science and engineering students on how to choose Japanese universities by comparing rankings with laboratory strength, research themes, publications, and supervisor fit.
Japan vs. Europe and the United States: Is Japan a Good Choice for Science and Engineering Students?
A practical comparison of Japanese, European, and U.S. universities for science and engineering students, focusing on living conditions, safety, research strengths, costs, and student fit rather than rankings alone.
Tokyo vs. Regional Universities in Japan: Living as an International Student
A practical guide for international students explaining why major regional university cities in Japan can offer a comfortable, functional, and affordable student life without being tied to Tokyo.
How to Check a Japanese Lab’s Funding and Scholarship Options Before Contacting a Professor
A practical guide for international students on how to evaluate a Japanese laboratory’s funding situation, scholarship options, and realistic support before contacting a professor.
Graduate School in Japan: What International Students Should Know
A practical guide for international students considering graduate school in Japan, covering master's programs, doctoral programs, research students, supervisors, admissions, and preparation.
MEXT Scholarship Basics for Prospective Graduate Students
A practical introduction to the MEXT Scholarship for prospective graduate students who are considering master's, doctoral, or research student pathways in Japan.
How to Contact a Japanese Professor Before Applying
A practical guide for international students on how to contact a Japanese professor before applying to a university, graduate school, or research program in Japan.
Academia
Researchers & Academics
Guides for PhD students, postdocs, researchers, faculty candidates, and academics navigating Japanese laboratories, universities, fellowships, research culture, academic careers, and university-industry collaboration.
Hiroshima University Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Higashi-Hiroshima and Saijo
A practical guide to Hiroshima University food life, including Higashi-Hiroshima campus cafeterias, Saijo restaurants, cafés, okonomiyaki, and student routines.
Kyushu University Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Ito Campus and Fukuoka
A practical guide to Kyushu University food life, including Ito Campus dining, co-op main dining, Fukuoka restaurants, Itoshima cafés, and student routines.
Osaka University Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Toyonaka, Suita, and Minoh
A practical guide to Osaka University food life, covering Toyonaka, Suita, and Minoh campus cafeterias, local restaurants, cafés, and student routines.
Nagoya University Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Higashiyama and Motoyama
A practical guide to Nagoya University food life, including Higashiyama campus cafeterias, Motoyama restaurants, cafés, and Nagoya-style local meals.
University of Tsukuba Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Japan’s Science City
A practical guide to food life at the University of Tsukuba, covering campus dining areas, cafés, halal-friendly options, Tsukuba Center, and student routines.
Science Tokyo Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Ookayama and Suzukakedai
A practical guide to Science Tokyo food life, covering Ookayama and Suzukakedai cafeterias, shops, cafés, takeout, and nearby student restaurants.
Tohoku University Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Kawauchi and Aobayama
A practical guide to Tohoku University food life, including Kawauchi and Aobayama cafeterias, Sendai restaurants, student meals, and campus planning.
Hokkaido University Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Sapporo Campus
A food-life guide to Hokkaido University, covering campus cafeterias, Sapporo Station access, soup curry, ramen, seafood, cafés, and student meal routines.
Kyoto University Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Yoshida and Hyakumanben
A practical guide to food life around Kyoto University, including Yoshida campus cafeterias, Hyakumanben restaurants, cafés, and student-friendly meal planning.
Campus Life Around Hiroshima University: Student Life in Higashi-Hiroshima and Beyond
An independent guide to student life around Hiroshima University, covering Higashi-Hiroshima, housing, international support, transportation, and access to Hiroshima city.
University of Tokyo Cafeterias and Restaurants Around Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa
An independent food guide to UTokyo student life, covering Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa cafeterias, nearby restaurants, meal habits, and practical lunch planning.
Campus Life Around the University of Tsukuba: Student Life in Japan’s Science City
An independent guide to student life around the University of Tsukuba, covering Tsukuba Campus, dormitories, bicycles, research-city life, and international-student support.
Campus Life Around Kyushu University: Student Life in Fukuoka and the Ito Campus Area
An independent guide to student life around Kyushu University, covering Ito Campus, Fukuoka city life, dormitories, counseling, transportation, and international-student routines.
Campus Life Around Osaka University: Student Life Across Toyonaka, Suita, and Minoh
An independent guide to student life around Osaka University, covering Toyonaka, Suita, Minoh, housing, shuttle buses, and Kansai-area student life.
Campus Life Around Nagoya University: Student Life in Central Japan’s Major Academic City
An independent guide to student life around Nagoya University, covering Higashiyama, Tsurumai, Daiko, housing, subway access, and daily life for international students.
Campus Life Around Tokyo Tech and Science Tokyo: Student Life in a Residential Area of Tokyo
An independent guide to student life around Tokyo Tech and Science Tokyo, covering Ookayama, Yokohama, Tamachi, residential Tokyo, and technical-student routines.
Campus Life Around Tohoku University: Student Life in Sendai for Science and Engineering Students
An independent guide to student life around Tohoku University, covering Sendai, Aobayama, Kawauchi, Katahira, Seiryo, commuting, and campus culture for international students.
Campus Life Around Hokkaido University: Student Life in Sapporo for International Students
An independent guide to student life around Hokkaido University, covering Sapporo Campus, dormitories, winter life, city access, and daily routines for international students.
Campus Life Around Kyoto University: Student Life in Japan’s Historic Academic City
An independent guide to student life around Kyoto University, covering Yoshida, Uji, Katsura, Kyoto neighborhoods, commuting, and daily routines for international students.
Campus Life Around the University of Tokyo: What Student Life in Japan’s Capital Is Really Like
An independent guide to campus life around the University of Tokyo, covering Hongo, Komaba, Kashiwa, housing, commuting, and daily life for international students.
What Is a KAKENHI Grant? A Practical Introduction for Foreign Researchers in Japan
A practical introduction to KAKENHI, Japan’s major competitive research grant system, for foreign researchers, postdocs, and faculty members working in Japanese universities.
Research Associate, Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor in Japan: Academic Titles Explained
A practical explanation of Japanese university titles, including professor, associate professor, lecturer, assistant professor, research associate, project researcher, and specially appointed positions.
Kyoto University Department of Chemistry: Research Fields, Labs, and Graduate Study
An independent practical guide to Kyoto University Department of Chemistry for prospective graduate students, covering research fields, historical strengths, laboratory choice, and application points.
What Is the Difference Between Science and Engineering Faculties in Japan?
A practical guide for international students comparing Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering in Japan, with advice on majors, research labs, graduate school, and careers.
The University of Tokyo Department of Physics: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students
A practical independent guide to the University of Tokyo Department of Physics for prospective graduate students, with research field overviews and lab-selection advice.
Ramen Around Japanese Universities: A Taste of Campus Life in Japan
A casual guide to ramen around Japanese universities, covering simple campus ramen, more distinctive ramen shops just outside campus, common ramen styles, and practical tips for enjoying them in Japan.
How Much English Is Actually Used in Japanese Research Labs?
A practical guide for international students, postdocs, and researchers explaining how much English is actually used in Japanese research labs and how to judge whether a specific lab can support English communication.
Is Japan Really Safe? A Practical Guide for International Students and Professionals
A practical guide for international students and professionals explaining why Japan is one of the safest choices among major study and work destinations, especially compared with the United States and many European alternatives, while also explaining Japan-specific risks objectively.
National vs. Private Universities in Japan: Which Is Better for Researchers?
A practical guide for researchers comparing national and private universities in Japan, covering research environment, funding, hiring conditions, teaching load, location, and career strategy.
Postdoc Life in Japan: What to Check Before Accepting a Position
A practical guide for postdoctoral researchers considering a position in Japan, covering contract type, salary, supervisor fit, research environment, visa, insurance, housing, and career planning.
Academic Careers in Japan: What Foreign Researchers Should Know
A practical guide for foreign researchers considering academic careers in Japan, covering postdoc positions, faculty roles, tenure-track systems, JREC-IN, Japanese language, funding, teaching, PI independence, and career planning.
University–Industry Collaboration in Japan: What Academic Researchers Should Know
A practical guide for academic researchers in Japan explaining university–industry collaboration, joint research, contracts, intellectual property, publication rules, student involvement, confidentiality, and university support offices.
Industry
Industry Professionals
Guides for engineers, R&D workers, manufacturing professionals, business professionals, and readers interested in Japanese companies, workplace communication, technical careers, and industry systems.
Japanese Company Interviews for Technical Positions: What Foreign Applicants Should Expect
A practical guide to technical interviews at Japanese companies for international students, engineers, and researchers applying for R&D or technical positions.
Job Hunting in Japan: How It Differs for Master’s and Doctoral Students
A practical guide for international master’s and doctoral students considering Japanese companies, with a focus on research-based careers, R&D positions, hiring routes, and Japanese-language expectations.
Japanese Business Emails for Technical Professionals
A practical guide for engineers, researchers, and technical professionals writing business emails in Japanese workplaces, covering tone, structure, common phrases, follow-ups, and mistakes to avoid.
Academia to Industry in Japan
A practical guide for researchers, PhD students, postdocs, and academics considering a transition from academia to industry in Japan.
Japanese R&D Culture: What Foreign Researchers Should Know
A practical guide for foreign researchers, engineers, and technical professionals who want to understand Japanese R&D culture, decision-making, quality expectations, communication, and industry collaboration.
Finance
Finance & Contracts
Plain-English explanations of salary, taxes, pensions, NISA, banking, credit cards, rental fees, housing costs, employment contracts, mobile contracts, and other practical systems that affect life and work in Japan.
Student Dormitory vs. Private Apartment in Japan: Costs and Practical Differences
A practical cost and lifestyle comparison of student dormitories and private apartments in Japan for international students and early-career researchers.
Hay Fever in Japan: Why Many People Wear Masks in Spring
A practical guide for international students and professionals explaining hay fever in Japan, why masks are common in spring, how to prepare, and what to buy or ask for at pharmacies and clinics.
Can You Keep a Pet in a Japanese Apartment?
A practical guide for foreign residents in Japan explaining pet-friendly apartments, rental contract rules, extra costs, pet deposits, restoration risks, and what to check before keeping a pet.
How to Avoid Overpaying for Your Phone Plan in Japan
A practical guide for international students, researchers, and professionals on choosing a mobile phone plan in Japan without overpaying for data, calls, device bundles, or unnecessary shop support.
Saving Money in Japan: How to Spend Less on Food and Drink
A practical guide for international students, researchers, and professionals on eating well in Japan on a limited budget, using supermarkets, frozen meals, online bulk buying, and everyday restaurants wisely.
Is Japan Becoming Less Welcoming to International Students? The JST SPRING Update Explained
A practical finance-focused explanation of recent JST SPRING changes, why their practical impact may be limited, and what applicants should check before relying on SPRING funding.
NISA for Foreign Residents in Japan
A practical guide for foreign residents in Japan explaining NISA basics, eligibility, tax benefits, annual limits, investment frameworks, account opening, risks, and points to check before leaving Japan.
Salary and Taxes in Japan: Basic Concepts for Foreign Professionals
A practical guide for foreign professionals in Japan explaining gross salary, take-home pay, income tax, resident tax, social insurance, year-end adjustment, and final tax returns.
Japanese Rental Terms Explained: Shikikin, Reikin, and Cleaning Fees
A practical guide to Japanese rental terms for foreign residents, explaining shikikin, reikin, cleaning fees, restoration costs, guarantor fees, and what to check before signing a lease.