Universities in Japan
- Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Japan

Latest ranking updates related to universities in Japan
  • 06 Mar, 2024: Latest Scimago Institutions Rankings from Scimago Institutions. 179 universities from Japan appear in this ranking.
  • 25 Jan, 2024: Publication of THE World’s Most International Universities. Tokyo Institute of Technology with highest ranking among universities in Japan ranked #157.
  • 19 Dec, 2023: New edition of URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance. 136 universities in Japan ranked.
  • 15 Dec, 2023: Publication of Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments - ShanghaiRanking (Sport Science). Waseda University with highest ranking among universities in Japan ranked #51.

Rankings of universities in Japan 2024

#401
Japan

Miyagi Gakuin Women's University

  • #235 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]
  • #337 
  • #8173 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#402
Japan

Yamaguchi Prefectural University

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (based on 27 student ratings)
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  • #250 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]
  • #350 
  • #8688 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#403
Japan

Otani University

  • #247 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]
  • #367 
  • #9495 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]


#404
Japan

Nishogakusha University

  • #242 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]
  • #418 
  • #11442 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#405
Japan

Notre Dame Seishin University

  • #243 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]

#406
Japan

Okayama Shoka University

  • #245 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]

#407
Japan

Shizuoka Eiwa Gakuin University

Student satisfaction: 3.3 / 5.0 (based on 36 student ratings)
  • #249 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]

#408
Japan

Hagoromo University of International Studies

  • #208 
  • #201 
THE Japan University Rankings
[Published 23 March, 2023]
  • #61 
  • #1001 
THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall
[Published 01 June, 2023]

#409
Japan

Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (based on 63 student ratings)
  • #64 
  • #1291 
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
[Published 25 April, 2022]
  • #155 
  • #3971 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#410
Japan

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

  • #134 
  • #3352 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#411
Japan

Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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  • #141 
  • #3568 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#412
Japan

Miyagi University of Education

Student satisfaction: 3.8 / 5.0 (based on 25 student ratings)
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  • #176 
  • #4678 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#413
Japan

Rissho University

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  • #188 
  • #4966 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#414
Japan

Osaka Sangyo University

Student satisfaction: 3.0 / 5.0 (based on 91 student ratings)
  • #196 
  • #5054 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#415
Japan

Osaka Kyoiku University

  • #200 
  • #5121 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#416
Japan

Osaka Dental University

Student satisfaction: 3.7 / 5.0 (based on 9 student ratings)
  • #212 
  • #5286 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#417
Japan

Nippon Sport Science University

  • #230 
  • #5564 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#418
Japan

Otsuma Women's University

  • #242 
  • #5809 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#419
Japan

Suzuka University of Medical Science

Student satisfaction: 3.4 / 5.0 (based on 18 student ratings)
  • #244 
  • #5862 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#420
Japan

Nara University of Education

Student satisfaction: 3.9 / 5.0 (based on 28 student ratings)
  • #245 
  • #5870 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#421
Japan

Matsuyama University

Student satisfaction: 4.0 / 5.0 (based on 76 student ratings)
  • #251 
  • #5939 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#422
Japan

Mejiro University

Student satisfaction: 3.3 / 5.0 (based on 63 student ratings)
  • #252 
  • #5951 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#423
Japan

Musashino Art University

  • #253 
  • #5970 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#424
Japan

Nippon Institute of Technology

  • #255 
  • #5997 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#425
Japan

Naruto University of Education

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (based on 63 student ratings)
  • #262 
  • #6108 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#426
Japan

Niigata Institute of Technology

  • #263 
  • #6164 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#427
Japan

Shonan Institute of Technology

Student satisfaction: 3.6 / 5.0 (based on 59 student ratings)
  • #266 
  • #6197 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#428
Japan

Otemon Gakuin University

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  • #270 
  • #6295 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#429
Japan

Osaka Ohtani University

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  • #272 
  • #6313 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#430

Saitama Prefectural University

  • #286 
  • #6628 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#431
Japan

Sapporo City University

  • #291 
  • #6724 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#432
Japan

Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences

  • #293 
  • #6775 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#433
Japan

Ryutsu Keizai University

  • #304 
  • #7031 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#434
Japan

National Fisheries University

  • #313 
  • #7282 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#435
Japan

Otaru University of Commerce

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  • #319 
  • #7569 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#436
Japan

Sapporo Gakuin University

  • #323 
  • #7713 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#437
Japan

Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology

Student satisfaction: 3.2 / 5.0 (based on 25 student ratings)
  • #325 
  • #7744 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#438
Japan

Nippon Bunri University

  • #345 
  • #8457 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#439
Japan

Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences

  • #348 
  • #8642 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#440
Japan

Osaka International University

  • #354 
  • #8897 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#441
Japan

Osaka University of Arts

Student satisfaction: 3.9 / 5.0 (based on 202 student ratings)
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  • #358 
  • #9026 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#442
Japan

Okinawa International University

Card image

  • #364 
  • #9259 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#443
Japan

Momoyama Gakuin University

  • #368 
  • #9509 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#444
Japan

Otemae University

Card image

  • #369 
  • #9542 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#445
Japan

Minami Kyushu University

  • #373 
  • #9594 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#446
Japan

Sugiyama Jogakuen University

Student satisfaction: 3.1 / 5.0 (based on 48 student ratings)
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  • #383 
  • #10057 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#447
Japan

University of the Sacred Heart

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (based on 39 student ratings)
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  • #391 
  • #10427 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#448
Japan

Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Student satisfaction: 2.4 / 5.0 (based on 9 student ratings)
  • #394 
  • #10540 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#449
Japan

National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (based on 41 student ratings)
  • #397 
  • #10662 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#450
Japan

Senzoku Gakuen College of Music

Student satisfaction: 3.8 / 5.0 (based on 43 student ratings)
  • #400 
  • #10742 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

Highest subject rankings of universities in Japan

Dentistry QS World University Rankings By Subject
#3 
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Physics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#5 
University of Tokyo
Geography QS World University Rankings By Subject
#16 
University of Tokyo
Law QS World University Rankings By Subject
#19 
University of Tokyo
Linguistics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#24 
University of Tokyo
Education THE World University Rankings by Subject
#25 
University of Tokyo
Mathematics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#28 
University of Tokyo
Engineering THE World University Rankings by Subject
#29 
University of Tokyo
Computer Science THE World University Rankings by Subject
#33 
University of Tokyo
Agriculture URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#84 
University of Tokyo

Japan Key Facts for International Students

459 out of 702 Universities in Japan Ranked in at least one ranking

36 Different Rankings list Universities in Japan (29 institution and 7 subject rankings)

33 Global Rankings rank Universities in Japan Among TOP 200

Time: GMT +9

Telephone country code: +81

  • Religion:
  • Buddhism, Shintoism  90%
  • Christianity  2%
  • Atheist, agnostic and unclassified  7%
  • Other religions: Islam, Baha'i Faith  1%
  • Largest cities in Japan:
  • 1. Tokyo: 8,300,000
  • 2. Yokohoma: 3,600,000
  • 3. Osaka: 2,600,000
  • 4. Nagoya: 2,200,000
  • 5. Sapporo: 1,900,000

Largest international airport in Japan:

Narita International Airport (NRT): 39.053.652 Passengers/Year; 3 Terminals; 63 km. from Tokyo city center

Nobel prize laureates:
Akira Yoshino (, 2019)
 
Akira Yoshino (, 2019)
 
Akira Yoshino (, 2019)
 
Tasuku Honjo (, 2018)
 
Yoshinori Ohsumi (, 2016)
 
Satoshi Ōmura (, 2015)
 
Takaaki Kajita (, 2015)
 
Isamu Akasaki (, 2014)
 
Isamu Akasaki (, 2014)
 
Isamu Akasaki (, 2014)
 

Map with location of universities in Japan

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FAQ

University of Tokyo ranks #1 in Japan in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.

Among all universities in Japan University of Tokyo is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 36 rankings where University of Tokyo is listed.

Tokyo Medical and Dental University is ranked best in Japan for Medicine & Health (Dentistry). See all rankings for the Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Natural Sciences (Physics). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Social Studies & Humanities (Geography). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Law (Law). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Education (Education). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Engineering (Engineering). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

University of Tokyo is ranked best in Japan for Architecture, Building & Planning (Architecture). See all rankings for the University of Tokyo.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS 50 under 50:

Based on the QS World University rankings methodology, the top 50 universities that are under 50 years old.

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS University Rankings: Asia:

Academic reputation 30% Employer reputation 20% Faculty/student ratio 10% International research network 10% Citations per paper 10%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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MONEY

Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE Japan University Rankings:

Resources 34% Engagement 30% (teaching) Environment 20% (diversity) Outcomes 16% (employability)

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:

Employability (survey) 100%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Asia University Ranking:

Research (volume, income and reputation) 30% Citations 30% Teaching 25% International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5% Industry income (knowledge transfer) 7.5%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:

Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Young University Rankings:

Teaching 30% Research (volume, income and reputation) 30% Citations 30% International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5% Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%

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Thomson Reuters

Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities:

Patent Volume 33% Patent Citations 34% Industry Article Citation Impact 11% Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11% Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11%

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Criteria used in ranking -Most Innovative Universities Asia Pacific:

Patent volume 11.11% Patent success 11.11% Global patents 11.11% Patent citations 11.11% Percent of patents cited/Patent citation impact 11.11% Patent to Article Citation Impact 11.11% Industry Article Citation Impact 11.11% Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11.11% Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11.11%

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Urap

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Us News

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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