Japan has risen to the challenge when it comes to data science. There are many higher education institutions dedicated to research and teaching about this ever expanding subject. . In addition, the need for data scientists to collect and analyze an expansive sum of information is immense - an opportunity for data scientists around the world.
Table of Contents
- The Progression of Data Science in Japan
- Study Data Science in Japan
- Careers in Data Science
- Summary
The Progression of Data Science in Japan
According to IBM, data science is the ability to apply meaning to a large amount of data using various extensive tools such as math, statistics, computer science, AI and so on. It “encompasses preparing data for analysis and processing, performing advanced data analysis, and presenting the results to reveal patterns and enable stakeholders to draw informed conclusions”, according to IBM. And with the amount of data growing every day at exponential rates, this field is incredibly important in this day and age.
※IBM, “Data Science”
And like in other countries, Japan also is tackling both the educational and research side of data science as well as the career aspect as both are in high demand.
On the educational front
To show commitment to the progress of data science studies in Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) designated 6 universities as schools to further enhance the mathematical and data science education in Japan in 2016. They focus on different aspects of data science. The 6 schools are as follows.
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Hokkaido University
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University of Tokyo
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Shiga University
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Kyoto University
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Osaka University
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Kyushu University
※Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “Strengthening the Education Regarding Mathematics and Data Science”
Other universities not on the list have also established centers for data science research and application, including the Tokyo Medical and Dental University whose Data Science Center was established in 2020 and will focus primarily on medical data garnered from the university’s research.
※Tokyo Medical and Dental University, “M&D Data Science Center”
On the career front
Students and research centers and universities are not the only focus on the expansion of data science education. As the world of IT and technology grows, Japan faces a need to fill the positions related to such areas, especially if it wants to keep up with the rest of the world.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Japan has opened a free online course called “Data Science Exercises for Working People” since 2015. Participants watch a number of short videos online for 4 weeks and take a test to get a certificate of completion.
※Statistics Bureau of Japan, “Data Science Exercises for Working People”
And Japan has started looking beyond its borders to find people who have the skill to interpret the data.
Writer's Pick
Study Data Science in Japan
So you want to study to be a data scientist in Japan?
First, it’s important to know that in order to study in Japanese universities for this, you will more than likely be required to have a certain level of Japanese knowledge, especially for an undergrad program.
If you do have at least N2 Japanese level, any of the schools designated to further data science education and research by MEXT listed above would be great places to start your search, although they are of course very competitive as they are the top-tier schools in the subject.
For programs in English, here are some options for a masters degree.
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Tohoku University - Program: AIQDS
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Shimane University - Information Systems Design and Data Science Course
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Hiroshima University - Informatics and Data Science Program
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Tokyo Medical and Dental University - TMDU Data Science Medicine Global Leader Program: DS-GLP
And while the degree might not be in data science itself, there are also universities offering courses in data science, or minors in data science - such as Tokyo Tech’s Progressive Graduate Minor in Data Science/Artificial Intelligence (DS/AI) - both in Japanese and English, so those are worth looking into as well.
Careers in Data Science
Here are just a few of the many professions utilizing data science:
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Data Scientist
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Data Science Analyst
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Business Data Analyst
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Product Analyst
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Product Manager
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Statistician
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Web Engineer
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Computer Programmer
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Machine Learning Engineer and Researcher
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Data Engineer and more
These can lead to steady jobs in a variety of firms, both big and small, in Japan. Of course, many jobs will still require you to speak Japanese - especially since data science involves the actual interpretation and presentation of the significance of the data to the client/company - so it’s a good skill to learn if you’re pursuing a job in Japan.
However, there are also job opportunities where Japanese may not be required. And as the internet has led to a large number of jobs worldwide, some remote positions may be available as well.
Salaries being offered
The average annual basic salary of a data scientist in Japan, specifically in Tokyo ranges from 4 million yen up to 9 million yen. This of course depends on your experience, the company and your years in the company, etc.
※ Heikinnenshu, "Data Scientist (SE) Annual Income"
Summary
Studying data science in Japan could be one of the best pathways to build a good career in the future. Tokyo provides world-class knowledge needed for the students to acquire excellent skills in the different fields of data science through its leading universities. At present, famous companies are looking for master and bachelor graduates of the said field to engage in the fundamentals of the study in an actual setting, and some even offer internship programs where students are prepared for the future.
