Law Schools
15 Best Law Schools in Japan | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
Success in law school is difficult to achieve. To complete this legal rite of passage, one must work hard and be determined. A lot of preparation needs to be done before attending law school, starting with selecting the finest institution.
The world recognizes Japan as a centre for innovation and technology. There are many options for law schools in Japan for students, which is one of the benefits of studying in this developed country. The nation itself has technological roots embedded throughout, reinforcing its top ranking.
Discovering the best law schools in Japan that deliver advanced degree programs in law is difficult because there aren’t many options accessible. Both Japanese and international legal scholars teach at these graduate law schools in Japan. Therefore, the best law schools in Japan 2024that provide in-depth knowledge of the law are listed in this article for students who desire to get admitted to the field.
Are There Law Schools In Japan?
Although there aren’t as many law schools in Japan as in some other countries, such as the US, there are still many of them where you can get all the training you need for a career in law.
Because of its outstanding legal curriculum and the success of its graduates, the University of Tokyo is considered one of the best law schools in Japan 2024 that offer professional law courses. Its primary campuses are in Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa, and the rest of its facilities are spread out around the nation.
Helping others, battling injustice, and standing up for the innocent all contribute to a deep sense of purpose and significance that comes with the practice of law. You can avoid grave judicial errors. Regardless if you are correct, you won’t be capable of winning every case because it is a great burden. However, you’ll do every effort to improve civilization.
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How Long Is A Law School In Japan?
A law allowing the establishment of graduate-level law schools awarding Juris Doctor degrees was passed by the Japanese government in 2004.
In Japan today, a legal degree can be obtained in five to seven years. Since 2006, candidates for the Japanese bar examination must hold a degree from a law school. In general, a law degree requires three years, however, individuals having a foundation in legal studies can complete it in two.
Additionally, since the old bar test was revised, passage rates increased to around 50%. The exam can only be taken three times in five years, though.
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How Much Does A Law School In Japan Cost?
The cost of acquiring a degree in law from law schools in Japan is more expensive per semester than it is in the United States and Europe. A Japanese institution typically charges roughly 600,000 yen in tuition (4500 euros, or USD 6000).
If international students like to study law in Japan, they need to budget USD 60,000 (45,000 euros) for tuition alone. Additionally, Japan’s cost of living is higher than that of other Western nations, particularly in Tokyo as well as other big cities. Universities offer scholarships, however, only the best students are eligible due to the fierce competition.
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What Are Law Schools In Japan Ranked For?
Through the training of future public employees and the production of lawyers for other spheres of society, particularly corporations, law schools in Japan support socio-economic development.
This method can be compared to that of Europe or the United States, where legal education has traditionally been more concentrated on preparing students for the bar test and career goals as legal professionals.
What Are The Requirements For Getting Into Law Schools In Japan 2024?
Some of the most typical forms of documentation that applicants to law schools in Japan must present include the following:
- Filled out application
- Evidence that the application cost was paid (if applicable)
- Undergraduate degree
- Transcript of results
- English proficiency test for international students
- A passport-size photograph (s)
- A copy of a current passport or another form of identification
- An explanation letter
- Recommendation letter or letters
- Individual statement
Each candidate is evaluated based on an analysis of all of the supporting documentation they have provided. In Japan, there is no examination test that the applicant must take.
During the screening process, some applicants could be asked to submit extra paperwork or take part in a videoconference interview (this determination is made on a case-by-case basis). In both application seasons, they intend to use the same admissions criteria. You may reapply during a subsequent application period if your initial application is denied (even during the same year).
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What Are The Best Law Schools In Japan 2024?
Japan formerly faced difficulties with a dearth of attorneys to resolve many conflicts. Additionally, the previous Japanese bar test was extremely difficult, which caused the majority of students to fail. Because of this, the country’s government has worked to update the exams and put in place a new system for legal education.
Law schools in Japan now provide their students with a variety of law-related programs, scholarships, and other opportunities.
For students who desire to study law, Japan has a good selection of academic fields. More importantly, studying there can be crucial if you want to advance your profession in the nation. Now let’s look at the numerous law schools in Japan that are reputable for obtaining a law degree.
#1. The University of Tokyo
Another moniker in Japan’s educational community is The University of Tokyo. Since its founding, the top-notch research and education institution has collaborated with other international universities to further human knowledge. Additionally, the institution fosters in its students a strong sense of civic duty and an innovative spirit, both of which contribute to increasing their access to knowledge. Tokyo University has the best law schools in Japan.
The institution currently includes 10 faculties, 15 graduate programs, and 11 linked research centres for higher education. Numerous University facilities are conveniently accessible around the nation in addition to the three main campuses in the major cities of Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa.
The tuition fee (annual) is ¥804,000.
#2. Nagoya University
Since its founding in 1871, Nagoya University has emerged as a leader in the field of education. Nagoya University has survived the years since it was founded while retaining a thriving academic environment.
The curriculum is taught in English to make it easier for students to understand the teachings, and the university has also produced six Nobel Laureates since 2000. The multidisciplinary curriculum aids in the proper delivery of education and has more than 20 research institutes under its wing. The international setting at Nagoya University is ideal for all students who aspire to become moral leaders of the future.
Nagoya University Law tuition is ¥402,000 per semester.
#3. Kyushu University
Kyushu University is a significant university where students can pursue advanced degrees including those in law in Japan. The school of education’s autonomous reforms, which make it among the top institutions for both creative research and education, are one of its most important features.
The university is one of Japan’s seven national universities and is situated in the city of Fukuoka. The institution offers a research institute for the students in addition to having good teaching ethics. Kyushu University is the top option for any student who wishes to pursue a career in the legal field.
270,000 yen is the cost of tuition.
#4. Law School at Keio University
The Keio University Law School is ranked among the best in Japan. The university didn’t create a master’s degree program for all LL.M graduates until recently. To help students better focus on the content, the program is instructed in English.
Keio University has grown to be one of the top law schools in the nation by relying on the fundamental ideas of pioneering, international, and diversified approaches to the curriculum. KLS has a solid reputation for its courses, accepts about 20 exchange students, and annually produces a crop of bright legal professionals.
890,000 Yen is the required tuition fee, annually.
#5. Waseda University
Since 1882, this prestigious institution has been offering top-notch education in the center of Tokyo. The university has three guiding concepts that serve as its cornerstone. Innovation, academic freedom, and shaping the minds of citizens are these things.
Additionally, the university has collaborations with 599 institutions in 88 nations, which is a remarkable achievement in and of itself. The school of education has become a top choice for students all around the world thanks to its delivery of education in a variety of subjects, including law, political science, and economics.
875,000 JPY is the annual tuition cost.
#6. Chuo University
If you wish to specialize in the legal sector, Chuo University must be at the top of your choice. Since its founding, the institution has established partnerships with more than 160 schools and universities in more than 30 countries.
Both domestic and foreign students can enrol in graduate programs at the university’s law school. The university’s accredited programs, degrees, facilities, and policies set it apart from similar institutions. Along with expanding its global partnerships, the institute also provides exchange programs with tremendous advantages for both Japanese and international students.
You are required to pay an annual tuition fee of 823,400 yen.
#7. University of Keio
Yukichi Fukuzawa founded Keio University in 1858, which at the time was a modest institution for Western studies. There are eleven campuses on this private research university’s Tokyo and Kanagawa campuses in Japan. The university’s mission statement, “jitsugaku,” which translates to “empirical science,” states thus
One of Japan’s top law schools, Keio University’s Law School opened its doors in 2004. “Internationalism, multi-disciplinarity, and pioneering” are its guiding ideals. The program offers a large number of English-taught courses. Additionally, 20 exchange students are accepted each year.
Please be aware that after courses begin, you will be required to pay 552,500yen for tuition and other fees if you are coming from a school that is not a Partner Institution (1,105,000yen each year) (for 2022AY).
#8. Doshisha University Law School
It is extremely different from what we are used to at the University of Zurich or from living in Zurich to studying and living in Japan. Doshisha’s classes are exceedingly intimate, and chances are that you are one of the Graduate School of Law’s few international students.
You will most likely receive excellent care and a lot of attention. However, the culture of Japan is very dissimilar from that of Europe and can be challenging for Westerners to comprehend. But each of these contributes to what makes a year in Japan so exceptional.
The tuition fee is 753,000 Yen each year. Students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate program at Doshisha University pay a half-price admission fee.
#9. Hitotsubashi University
Jurisprudence and international relations (master’s and doctoral degrees) and legal affairs are the two majors offered by the Graduate School of Law (professional degree course at the Hitotsubashi University School of Law).
Producing top academics who will lead the disciplines of law and international relations not only in Japan but also globally is the primary goal of the major in law and international relations at the Graduate School of Law. Additionally, a unique admissions quota for mature-aged students is available for this major, allowing them to continue their study of contemporary challenges in the real world. International students can enter as well.
The tuition for the Spring-Summer Semester, the Autumn-Winter Semester, the Spring-Summer Semester, and the Autumn-Winter Semester is 267,900, 402,000, and 402,000, respectively.
#10. Osaka University Law School (OULS)
The goal of Osaka University Law School (OULS) is to train practising attorneys. OULS educates its students not only in the fundamentals of the law but also in larger societal and cultural attainments, rigid morality, and deep humanism.
OULS places a strong emphasis on preparing business attorneys who have a thorough understanding of culture, society, ethics, and humanity.
One of the Educational Institutions at the Center of Japan’s Judicial Reform. The rise in litigation in Japan demonstrates that both Japanese and Americans now rely on the legal system to resolve disagreements. Additionally, the complexity and variety of these activities make it necessary for legal experts to play a significant role.
Graduate student; tuition; entrance examination fees. ¥535,800. ¥267,900. ¥282,000.
#11. Sophia University Law School
The Faculty of Law has outstanding professors with expertise and specialization in a wide range of fields, including the Department of Law, the Department of International Legal Studies, and the Department of Legal Studies of the Global Environment.
In addition to learning the fundamentals, students also get knowledge of how and where the law is used. We put equal emphasis on teaching the abilities needed to function well in a global society as we do on teaching the skills necessary for functioning in a firm.
A lot of teaching on international legal issues, foreign law, and international politics is provided, and prominent practitioners are asked to speak as guest lecturers.
Tuition per year is 780,000 yen for the 2022 school year.
#12. Rikkyo University Law School
The school’s faculty consists of gifted researchers and practising attorneys who are engaged in their disciplines’ cutting-edge work in an endeavour to foster a legal profession with caring, well-rounded persons. Together, they provide thorough teaching in small groups to develop the kind of legal experts that society needs.
The institution equips students with the skills they will need to succeed in today’s complex systems, organizations, and global-scale developments, including the capacity to analyze a situation, trace a problem’s origin, and suggest remedies from legal and political vantage points.
The enrollment fee of 120,000 yen is included in the tuition (60,000 yen per semester). The fees for experiments and practical training include those for seminars, practical training, research, and orientation.
#13. Hiroshima University Law School
The School of Law at Hiroshima University dates back to 1949 (Showa 24), the same year that its predecessor, the School of Politics and Economics, was founded. The second branch of the School of Politics and Economics (a five-year evening program), which is affiliated with it, was established in 1950 (Showa 25).
Since then, they have provided options for working students to continue their education. After that, in 1977 (Showa 52), the School of Law and the School of Economics were divided and restructured, resulting in their independence.
As the first school of law of a national university in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, they have thereby taken the lead in instruction and research in these areas during the period the 50 years following the War, producing exceptional talent.
The application fee is 9,800 yen, the admissions fee is 84,600 yen, and the research fee every semester is 178,200 yen (356,400 yen per year).
#14. Chiba University-Faculty of Law
Chibadai is another way to refer to Chiba University. It is a national university located in the Japanese city of Chiba.
In 1949, Chiba University was established. One of the best law schools in Japan is this one. The law school of Chiba University confers undergraduate degrees in jurisprudence and other legal topics. Chiba University Law School, on the other hand, grants graduate degrees.
The Law School is a two- to a three-year professional graduate program that provides training. In addition, it is distinct from the University’s other existing faculties and graduate schools.
It provides a specialized education devoted to linking jurisprudence or legal theory with the practice of law. However, the goal of law school is to prepare students to become flexible and creative thinkers who will work as legal professionals. It offers not just specialist legal knowledge but also a deeper comprehension of people.
The law school’s yearly tuition is 804,000yen.
#15. Aichi University Law School
Private Aichi University is located in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture. Its campuses are situated in Nagoya’s Nakamura-Ku, Toyohashi, and Higashi-Ku districts. One of Japan’s top law schools, the Graduate School of Law is located on the Nakamura campus. In 1901, Aichi University was established. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in law are available from Aichi University’s Graduate School of Law.
The faculty at the law school is made up of both Japanese and international educators. They are adept at navigating the political and legal processes. General political theory, Japanese politics, and comparative politics with an emphasis on Asia are all topics covered in the politics courses available in the G30 program.
Two degrees in Public Law and Private Law are available from the Graduate School of Law. The duration of both graduate programs is four years.
The tuition fee for law school is 535,800 per year.
How To Apply For Law Schools In Japan
Take a look at the university application procedures first if you wish to study at any of the law schools in Japan. They are comparable to what you would typically anticipate from any worldwide higher education school, with a few minor exceptions.
1. Find a Japanese university to apply to
2. then find out where to send your application (on the website).
3. Meet the requirements for entering a university.
4. Find out what language restrictions there are.
5. Submit your application before the deadlines
There isn’t a single online application platform, therefore foreign students must go to the website of the Japanese university they want to attend to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your level of skill should be equal to or higher than N1 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test because you will be expected to read and comprehend material written in Japanese.
Yes. You will, however, need expertise roughly equivalent to that of a university graduate.
The Law School offers a sizable number of English-taught legal courses each semester, offered by both regular and adjunct teachers.
Two places in Japan offer the LSAT: Kyoto’s Doshisha Law School and Tokyo’s Temple University Japan Campus. They administer it in February, June, September/October, and December at the Tokyo facility. In Kyoto, exams are given in September and October.
The international community’s efforts to build the rule of law have seen major and positive contributions from Japan. First, Japan has prioritized the peaceful resolution of international conflicts
Conclusion
We trust that this page has provided you with enough knowledge on law schools in Japan. It is a fantastic starting point!
Visit the school website as soon as possible to learn more about any updates and to stay up to date on the application deadline.
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