With its economic prosperity, Japan takes pride in its business universities. Leading globally in terms of academic standards, these specialized educational institutions develop business professionals that could play key roles in various sectors. Take a glimpse into the merits of MBA programs of business universities in Japan.
Table of Contents
- Business education
- Japanese business education
- Why pursue an education at business schools in Japan?
- Summary
Business education
Business education is primarily an educational framework that focuses on various methods regarding business. From undergraduate degrees to MBA, such a framework provides salient models and theories for business practices. Apart from its given title, business education also encompasses different fields related to accounting, economics, and management. Many higher level and secondary level education institutions around the world offer related programs.
Having a background of business education preempts different career pathways for an individual. Positions in fields such as accounting, consultancy, finance, management, retail, and sales are the major opportunities for business school graduates. Moreover, these fields also expand the opportunities within their sectors including managerial positions, marketing roles, financial advising, strategic planning, etc.
Definitely, with all the major industries that drive the economy, positions for such jobs will never run out. Now, it is up to the student where to acquire a competitive business education. In this aspect, Japan has something to offer.
Writer's Pick
Japanese business education
Business education in Japan was introduced during the second half of the 19th century. The pioneering Tokyo Higher Commercial School, which is presently known as Hitotsubashi University, was founded in 1875. It served as the forerunner of business education in the country. The industrialization period of Japan during the Meiji Period boosted the sector to its relevant position. Business school graduates such as Shinji Tazaki and Teijirō Ueda contributed largely to the expansion of the economics discipline in the country by adopting some western models. This materialized to significant contributions to the economic progress of Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. Learning from the historical experience of a business education country, its importance should not be dismissed in the least.
※ JSTOR, "Business Education in Japan"
Top Business Schools in Japan
Japan is home to some of the top business schools in the world. Universities such as the University of Tokyo, Hitotsubashi University, Keio University, Kyoto University, and Waseda University lead globally in terms of accounting, finance, economics, and management. The programs offered in these universities and other universities in the country are structured within the mix of Asian and Western business models. Education curricula involve extensive review of previous and contemporary business models around the world, engaging students with established expertise on various levels.
Digging deep, postgraduate business courses in Japan such as MBA also enjoy an outstanding status. As a pathway towards executive roles, MBA has acquired its prestigious disposition for many people around the world. MBA programs in Japan are highly specialized. Most business schools in Japan that offer such postgraduate courses emphasize the regional aspect of business and economics. This means that they focus more on learning, theorizing, and applying business models within Asia. This heightens the credibility of the holder to practice inside the country and other countries on the continent.
Moreover, business schools in Japan apply Western models and structures in their educational system. Providing background in terms of connection and fundamentals regarding global trends gives graduates a competitive status on the global job market.
Here are some of the schools that offer the best MBA programs in Japan. Take note that these business schools conduct their MBA programs in the English language. However, having a certain level of Japanese language proficiency can be helpful for students too.
- Waseda Business School
- NUCB Business School
- International University of Japan
- Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy
- Keio Business School
- Kobe University
- Temple University
Requirements to enroll in a business school in Japan
Now, one may be interested to pursue business education in Japan and ask if it is possible? Definitely, yes, it is possible. There are eligibility requirements for studying business education in Japan that were designed specifically for international students. Especially for MBA programs, business universities in Japan may have minimum age requirements and 2-4 years of working experience. These are set to allow the student to effectively adjust and comply with the expectations of the business school. Moreover, it is important to have a relevant background with education since most of the programs would not be inclined to provide basic and introductory courses regarding business.
Here are the things to ensure before proceeding with the application:
· Formal education attainment (primary, secondary and bachelor’s degree)
· Certifications and transcript of records from previous schools
· Updated resume (for MBA applicants)
· Medical certificate
· Adequate English and Japanese language proficiency*
· Certificate of Eligibility
· Student Visa
· Passport
· Letter of recommendation from previous schools or employers for applicants with working experience
*To assess Japanese language proficiency, Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) should be taken. Various universities have their respective requirement for the Japanese as Foreign Language or JFL in the EJU. Exemptions may apply for applicants who scored at least 360 in the JFL or passed the JLPT N1 level.
The applicant can do the procedure through direct coordination with the chosen university. They will provide instructions on how to complete the process or best to check the university website directly for more details of the application process. Necessary processing such as a student visa can be done after being accepted into the program.
Why pursue an education at business schools in Japan?
With all the necessary background, asking why it is good to pursue business education in Japan would be relevant. There are many things to consider why it is a good thing to push for a business school education in Japan.
Japanese government committed huge funding to encourage foreign admission to Japanese business schools. Running with the spirit of globalization, the Japanese government recognized the importance of diverse business schools to the global trend. For instance, the ABE initiative or African Business Education for Youth was initiated by the Japanese government seeks to provide assistance for African business students and professionals to study business education. Under this program, African students will be given the support to study in some of Japan’s business schools and continue internship in Japan’s industries. In turn, participants of such program are expected to contribute to the development of their respective countries’ industries back in Africa. Graduates of business education in the country might pose a competitive disposition in the global job market.
※ United Nations Africa Renewal, "Africa welcomes new trade initiatives from Japanese investors" ※ Japan International Cooperation Agency, "Master's Degree and Internship Program of African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative)"
Furthermore, the program in Japan is extremely diverse. Business education graduates from the country acquire their knowledge and skills from diverse faculty members that are specialized in distinct business models. This gives the students a holistic learning experience from esteemed experts.
In addition, acquiring business education in Japan could serve as a ticket for employment in the country. Japan ranks as among the highest salary rates for MBA in the world. This in itself may suffice a possible career pathway for business-related course graduates. Having enough background with the economic or business scene in the country through education will ensure a smooth transition to professional practice.
※ QS Top MBA, "Top 10 Countries for MBA Salaries 2019"
Summary
Pursuing business education in Japan opens a door for future prosperity. With the topnotch and promising quality of education, business schools in the country will prepare any student for global competition in business fields. Obtaining a business degree in Japan would be one of a kind as it exerts outstanding education in global standards. Now the choice would be for the student to choose what’s the best university for him or her.
