A World Away
Studying in Southwest Japan
島根
兵庫
岡山
広島
香川
徳島
Yamaguchi
愛媛
Fukuoka
Saga
Oita
Tokyo
Kumamoto
Nagasaki
Kyushu
京都 滋賀
高知
神奈川
愛知
静岡
大阪
三重
奈良
和歌山
The warm-hearted southwest of Japan is an attractive
contrast to the rest of Japan: it is relaxed,
uncomplicated and has its own distinctive character.
It’s perhaps natural that foreigners in Japan should gravitate towards the big cities like Tokyo
and Kyoto, Yokohama and Osaka that everybody has heard of. In the same way,
the young person who is thinking about studying in Japan may also at first consider those more
Miyazaki
Kagoshima
Southwest Japan is made up of the
familiar locations. But there are very good reasons to take a look at other options.
Life at times in the metropolis can seem just a bit too claustrophobic and frenetic, too overwhelming,
just a little too anonymous. By contrast, places in southwest Japan—Kyushu, Okinawa and
large island of Kyushu,
Yamaguchi Prefecture—offer all the advantages of life in the bigger cities, but they manage to
the neighboring prefecture of Yamaguchi
do so in a much more easygoing setting among friendlier, outgoing, hospitable locals.
and the semitropical island chain of
Okinawa, stretching almost to Taiwan.
Okinawa
3
The What and Where of Kyushu
Kyushu Personality
For Japanese, the significance of Kyushu goes back beyond the dawn of history. Kyushu
Kyushu is Japan’s third-largest island, and a strait just 600 meters across at its narrowest
is a center of myth and legend: it is the place where the fabled ancestors of the Japanese
point separates Kyushu from the largest island of Honshu. But that has been sufficient to
people are said to have touched down after descending from heaven. This part of the
allow Kyushu to mold its individual character.
country can be regarded as the cradle of Japanese culture and civilization.
Kyushu is different from the rest of Japan: it’s older, warmer, more authentic. It is an area of
Geography has done much to shape the character of Kyushu. The proximity of this
spectacular active volcanoes and mountains soaring to 1,700 meters. It is a land rich in deep
island to Korea and China meant that until the twentieth century, Kyushu was the most
forests, beautiful coastlines and abundant hot-spring resorts. The bountiful seas surrounding
international part of Japan. Since very ancient times, it was through this part of Japan
Kyushu are scattered with smaller islands, each bearing a distinctive nature all of its own.
that the products and ideas of the outside world entered the country. Kyushu encouraged
foreign trade and was a pioneer in accepting technologies, artifacts and residents from
Kyushu enjoys a balmy climate. And some might argue that the warmth of this southern
the West.
locale has spread to the warmth of its people. The Kyushu city of Kagoshima is often called
the “Naples of the East”—not just because it is a port whose skyline is dominated by the cone
That international character has certainly extended into the modern era. Kyushu today
of a brooding volcano. As its Italian counterpart, Kagoshima, like other parts of Kyushu, has a
utilizes its prime geographic position to support a burgeoning trade with mainland Asia.
more Mediterranean temperament than other regions of the country.
And that helps Kyushu account for almost 10% of Japan’s GDP. Kyushu boasts the fourth-
4
largest economic zone in the country after the metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka and
The influence of the climate on the local character might be disputed; but beyond question
Nagoya, and the size of Kyushu’s gross regional product puts its economy at about the
is the fact that the people of Kyushu have been used to accommodating visitors from
same level as Belgium’s, which ranks 20th in the world.
distant lands since ancient times.
5
Cultural Crossroads
Kyushu’s international character finds delightful expression
Japanese porcelain begins here. The area of Arita in Saga
in its cuisine, which has more exotic leanings than the fare
Prefecture has for centuries produced its perfectly exquisite
in other parts of the country. It was in Kyushu that tempura
Kakiemon and Nabeshima ware. A number of foreign potters
was first served. Though many people think of tempura as a
consider the techniques used in Kyushu for making ceramics
standard Japanese dish, it was in fact introduced by Europeans
to be the best anywhere and so choose to come here to
to the people of Kyushu in the seventeenth century.
refine their craft.
The international nature of Kyushu’s cuisine is richly displayed
For some people, though, the region’s modern contributions to
in Nagasaki’s shippoku ryori—a fascinating fusion of Japanese
culture are much more interesting than the traditional ones.
and Chinese cuisines with some European influences thrown
Known as the “Empress of Pop” because of her enormous
in for good measure. The Kyushu city of Fukuoka is home to
influence and popularity in Japan and the rest of Asia is
Hakata ramen, one of the most highly regarded kinds of ramen
recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki, who was born and raised
(a Japanese version of Chinese-style noodles) in the country.
in Fukuoka and is one of the best-selling Japanese singers
of all time. In a different pop cultural vein, Kagoshima-born
6
Wonderful though it is, there is more to the culture of
Takehiko Inoue is the creator of the sports-themed manga
Kyushu than food. Kyushu also happens to be one of the
series Slam Dunk, which is one of the most successful-ever
world’s foremost ceramic centers, and the history of
such series.
7
Kyushu up Close
Atmospheric Yamaguchi
Though the name literally means “Nine Provinces,” Kyushu
volcano Sakurajima, one of many in this fiery prefecture.
Japan’s various regions all have their own distinctive
At the western tip of Japan’s biggest island of Honshu is
today is made up of seven prefectures. Northernmost of the
Notable among the subtropical chain of islands belonging to
characteristics, but Okinawa is the most exotic part of the
situated the prefecture of Yamaguchi. Separated from the
seven on the Kyushu mainland is Fukuoka Prefecture. With
Kagoshima and reaching towards Okinawa is Yakushima, long
country. This long island chain between the Pacific Ocean and
island of Kyushu by a narrow strait, Yamaguchi Prefecture acts
its proximity to the Asian mainland, this prefecture was one
a World Heritage Site. North of Kagoshima lies Kumamoto
the East China Sea extends down from the Japanese mainland
as a gateway to both Kyushu and nearby Korea. With the Sea
of the first areas in Japan to undergo cultural development.
Prefecture, also known for its volcanoes, notably Mt. Aso,
almost to Taiwan. The islands are characterized by stunning coral
of Japan to the north and Inland Sea to the south, Yamaguchi
Today, the prefecture is a major industrial center. Southeast
which has one of the world’s largest calderas. The attractive,
reefs, pristine white-sand beaches, lush semitropical vegetation,
Prefecture has a rocky, indented coastline that is one of its
of Fukuoka is mountainous Oita Prefecture, which is
green prefectural capital, Kumamoto, has at its heart the fine
colorful marine life and transparent turquoise waters.
more attractive features, and its coast makes up part of the
characterized more by agriculture and forestry. For visitors,
castle that is one of Japan’s most illustrious.
Setonaikai National Park.
Okinawa is home to its own unique mystical culture. This
Oita is a prime spot because of its hot-spring resorts, among
8
The Spell of Okinawa
which Beppu is arguably Japan’s most famous spa. South
Northwest of Kumamoto is Nagasaki Prefecture. Its main
can be traced back to the days when the islands formed the
Likewise attractive with its old-world character is the
of Oita is Miyazaki Prefecture, renowned for unspoiled
city, Nagasaki, was for centuries the only the port open for
independent Ryukyu Kingdom, which as a result of extensive
prefectural capital, also called Yamaguchi, which at one time
mountainous scenery and beautiful seascapes. But Miyazaki is
foreign trade, and so it was the sole point of contact between
foreign trade combined influences from China, Japan and
because of its flourishing culture gained through trade with
also a land of legend, many key scenes of Japanese mythology
Japan and the West. Nestled between Nagasaki and Fukuoka
Southeast Asia to forge its own entrancing identity. That
China and Korea became known as the “Kyoto of the West.”
having had Miyazaki’s Takachiho as their setting.
is Saga Prefecture. This prefecture is one of Japan’s major
cultural identity is ever present on the islands today. Okinawans
Education has long been stressed in Yamaguchi Prefecture, as
pottery centers, but part of Saga points to a longer history:
are known as warm, friendly, fun-loving people, and their
evident in the fact that some of the men of talent it produced
Southernmost of Kyushu’s prefectures is Kagoshima, whose
the archeological site and historical park of Yoshinogari sheds
positive attitude towards life finds expression in the fact that
were a driving force in shaping the modern nation of Japan
capital of the same name is dominated by the very active
fascinating light on life in this country a couple of millennia ago.
Okinawa is home to the longest-lived people in the world.
towards the end of the nineteenth century.
9
Old Meets New
Kyushu is a place where fine aspects of the past live quite
is Japan’s seventh-largest metropolis and it is one of the
happily in the present. The Japanese have a great love for
country’s most cosmopolitan and internationalized urban areas.
festivals, and some of the most famous festivals in the
Having the rest of Asia on its doorstep, Fukuoka is very keen to
country take place in Kyushu. Notable among them is the
encourage global exchange and use its position as the major
exuberant Hakata Dontaku, which dates back over 800 years
cultural center and international gateway in southwest Japan.
and sees the whole of Fukuoka join in the street party fun
of its parades; there is the Dai Himonjiyaki fire festival on
This strikingly modern city has the atmosphere of Tokyo or
volcanic Mt. Aso, in which part of a mountainside is set
Osaka though it achieves this with much more manageable
ablaze in the form of a giant Chinese character; there is the
proportions, and Fukuoka has an attractive foreign flavor.
spectacular 400-year-old Karatsu Kunchi Festival in Saga,
In recent years, Fukuoka has carved out a name for itself as
where the gigantic festival floats are hauled along the beach
a hub for contemporary world-class architecture. The city
to the festive sound of flutes and drums.
is now one of the best places in the world to view works by
outstanding architects side by side. But as well, with its easy
10
But there is of course far more to Kyushu than its older
proximity to both the sea and the mountains, Fukuoka is a
culture. Kyushu is also home to the thoroughly energetic
green, spacious and very safe city. In addition, Fukuoka and
city of Fukuoka—a place distinguished by its superb modern
other parts of Kyushu have the advantage of not being as prone
architecture, tremendous vitality and vibrant nightlife. Fukuoka
to the earthquakes that strike other parts of Japan.
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12
Japan’s Educational System
International Students in Japan
Ranking by QS
The school system in Japan essentially consists of a 6-3-3-4 structure: there are six years of
Over the past 20 years, but particularly in the last decade, the number of international
Among all the regions in the country, southwest Japan has a great deal to offer in the field of
The QS World University Rankings is a listing of the world’s top 700 places of higher education
elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of high school and four years
students studying in Japan has undergone an incredible leap. And that number is on the rise.
education. In recent years, such institutions as Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), which
that has been published annually since 2004. The universities of Southwest Japan have achieved
of university. Education is compulsory at elementary and junior high schools. Instead of going
There are now close to 140,000 students from different countries around the world currently
is in the Kyushu city of Beppu, have introduced dramatic changes to the programs and courses
good positions among institutions in Asia.
on to high school at the age of 15 or 16, some students study at colleges of technology, usually
undertaking courses in Japan at various institutions. For the majority of those students
they run for international students. Notable in this region is Kyushu University, located in Fukuoka
focusing on marine mercantile studies or engineering. Instead of university, many students study
taking undergraduate courses, the tuition language is Japanese. Typically, those students
and one of Japan’s most prestigious seats of higher education. The Japanese government has
QS Ranking of Southwest Japan Universities in All Asia in 2012–13
at community colleges or vocational schools.
come to Japan and spend one to two years learning the Japanese language before entering
selected the 13 best universities in the country to participate in the Global 30 Project, offering
Kyushu University
22
an undergraduate program (see pages 16-17). However, in recent years, there has been great
a range of courses in a great variety of fields in English. Kyushu University is one of those 13
Nagasaki University
72
Japan’s school year begins in April, though to meet the needs of international students, many
growth in the number of programs for students without advanced-level Japanese, and now
institutions, and it is in fact the third-most popular choice for foreign students—and the most
Kumamoto University
88
English-taught programs start in September or October. Classes are held from Monday to
English-speaking students have considerable access to academic life in Japan. The number
popular university outside Tokyo. As of May 2011, there were 138,075 international students in
Yamaguchi University
125
Friday or Saturday. Each school year is made up of two or three terms, which are separated
of first-class schools and colleges offering a diversity of courses to meet the needs of non-
Japan, of whom 20,265 were resident in southwest Japan. In 2008, Japan’s Ministry of Education,
Kagoshima University
151–160
by short holidays, usually in December and at the end of March. There is also a six-week-long
Japanese students is expanding. Exciting options are available in the range of degree-granting
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) set the target of achieving the admission of over
Saga University
161–170
summer break.
programs that are taught entirely in English.
300,000 international students to Japanese universities by 2020.
Kyushu Institute of Technology
191–200
Yamaguchi Prefectural University
201–250
13
The Living Experience
Beyond the academic aspects, the great appeal in studying in Japan is of
polite in practically every social situation. All customers, both Japanese
course the experience of Japan itself—spending the time in a country and a
and non-Japanese, quickly become used to expecting first-rate service
culture that are somehow both familiar and completely unknown, a place in
wherever they go—yet tipping is practically unheard of. Trains run
many ways rather near yet also somehow so remote.
fastidiously on schedule. Even the biggest cities in Japan have a level of
safety and security with respect to crime that is arguably unmatched by
Japan has its own beguiling charm: so many people from overseas
anywhere else of a similar size in the world.
come here intending to stay for only a short time, but they end up finding
themselves unable to leave. For many young people who studied in Japan,
For the student, the time spent studying in Japan can offer enormous
the initial interest may have been something as casual as being intrigued
benefits beyond those gained directly in the class or lecture room. As well
by the dazzling pop culture that Japan has unleashed on the world—but
as building new friendships, enjoying life in a wholly different environment
then they find that the country has so much more to offer.
and getting to grips with a new culture, the student who becomes
conversant with that Japanese culture will find that their experience helps
14
A frequently heard comment from both short-term and long-term foreign
them see things with a wholly different perspective. And in addition to
residents of Japan is that it is a very, very easy country to live in. The
the gains in personal development, they will also find that they have now
Japanese people have a well-deserved reputation for being inordinately
become a much more attractive commodity on the job market.
15
Programs for International Students
Non-degree Programs
Programs for International Students
Degree Programs
University Programs for Learning Japanese
Short-Term Programs
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Many students wish to study Japanese with a view to later taking an undergraduate or
Short-term study usually involves studying abroad while still being enrolled at a university
There are almost 800 universities in Japan, and they include national, public and private
The length of study in graduate school depends on whether the student matriculated in a master’s
postgraduate course at a Japanese university. Those who wish to do so typically study the
in the student’s home country. This kind of study is based on exchange agreements between
institutions. The length of study in an undergraduate university is four years with the exception of
or doctoral program. Master’s programs last two years, doctor’s programs five years. Generally,
language and perhaps related subjects for one or two years before sitting the entrance
universities in different countries, and almost all Japanese universities have an inter-university
medicine, dentistry and veterinary science department, which require six years of study.
the doctoral program is divided into the first period (two years; applicable to the above master’s
examination for the university.
exchange agreement with a university overseas. The objective is not necessarily obtaining a
program) and the latter period (three years). The length of study for the doctor’s program in
degree but acquiring a new language and gaining experience in a different culture. Usually,
Higher educational institutions in Japan conduct almost all their lessons in Japanese with a few
medicine, dentistry and veterinary science (after completing six-year undergraduate courses
Such preparatory Japanese-language courses for foreign students are offered by private
the student receives education for a semester or several semesters within an academic year,
exceptions. Some universities offer special courses aimed at obtaining degrees or short-term
in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science) is four years. Some universities offer doctor’s
universities as regular courses within the curriculum. These courses, which often include
acquiring credits, or receives research guidance. However, some universities also offer summer
study programs in English. In particular, the 13 universities selected by the Japanese government
programs covering the full five years, others only the final three years.
Japanese society and culture among the subjects, are usually taught in Japanese, though some
programs lasting perhaps six weeks (though some are as short as two) aimed at undergraduate
to take part in the Global 30 Project have established degree courses that are taught in English.
universities do offer courses in English. With some schools, students who later wish to enter
and graduate students from abroad.
These courses provide international students with a high quality of education and an environment
Eligibility to enroll in a master’s program normally requires that the student is one of the
that makes it easy for them to study in Japan. At the graduate level, especially in science-related
following: university graduate (four-year undergraduate program) or student with equivalent
fields, the number of courses being conducted in English is on the rise.
academic abilities to university graduates; student who has completed 16 years of school
undergraduate or postgraduate courses at the same university—rather than elsewhere—may
receive special benefits and procedures, such as waiver of the admissions selection process.
In the case of exchange programs in Japan, it is generally the case that credits acquired at the
Other institutes, such as specialized training schools and various language schools, also offer
Japanese university are calculated into the credits earned at the exchange student’s home
preparatory Japanese-language courses, but prospective students are advised to check whether
university. Depending on the number of credits earned, the student graduates from their home
To qualify for admission to a Japanese university, students usually need to have completed 12 years
excellent results in graduate-level credits; student with academic abilities equivalent to
a school has been officially designated by the Ministry of Justice.
university once the standard number of years necessary for acquiring a degree has been reached. of school curriculum in their home country. Or they may qualify if they possess such an international
university graduates in an independent admission eligibility assessment conducted by the
qualification as the International Baccalaureate, the German Abitur and the French Baccalaureate
graduate school and who is 22 years or over.
education overseas; student who has completed 15 years of school education overseas with
To assess proficiency in Japanese for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, some
Students wanting to become an exchange student at a Japanese university need to select an
and have reached 18 years of age. Many schools have special entrance exams for international
universities use the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is designed for people
institution from the Japanese universities with which their university has an exchange agreement.
students. This exam is a combination of several of the following tests: application screening; tests
To qualify for enrollment in a doctorate program usually requires that the student is one of the
whose first language is not Japanese to measure and certify their proficiency. This test is
They then apply for student exchange at their home university. After going through screening at
of academic ability; an interview; a short essay; other competence and aptitude tests; and National
following: student with a master’s degree or having an academic level equivalent to a master’s
conducted both in Japan and overseas during the months of July and December.
their home university, an application is made through that university to the university in Japan.
Center Test for University Entrance Admissions. Students wishing to enroll in programs held in
degree; student who has been awarded an overseas degree equivalent to a master’s degree;
Going abroad to study as an exchange student becomes possible once agreement has been
the Japanese language would also need to take either the Examination for Japanese University
student having an academic level equivalent to a master’s degree in an independent admission
obtained from the selected university in Japan.
Admission for International Students or the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (see page 16).
eligibility assessment conducted by the graduate school and who is 24 years or over.
For more information about Programs for International Students in Southwest Japan, please visit A World Away: Studying in Southwest Japan web site at www.swjapan.jp.
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17
Support for International Students
Scholarships
Local Support
Accommodations
Living Costs
There are various scholarships for international students wanting to study in Japan, but most cover
Depending on where they study, international students can often obtain support in various ways
The accommodations used by international students are very diverse. Though accommodations
Although Tokyo is one of the world’s most expensive cities, the cost of living is much lower in
only part of a student’s daily expenses or tuition fees. Very few provide full coverage of expenses. It is
from their university or local government. So that students can make the most of their time in
are offered by local governments and universities, around four-fifths of international students
southwest Japan. Even in Fukuoka, monthly living expenses are well under the national average,
usual, therefore, to think primarily in terms of self-financing. A limited number of scholarships may
Japan, some universities provide free Japanese lessons for international students.
stay in private housing. Many universities have very reasonably priced dormitories, and they make
and it is over 25% cheaper to live in Fukuoka than in Tokyo. For international students resident in
special provisions for students from overseas. Rooms in most dormitories accommodate just
Fukuoka and other parts of Kyushu, monthly living expenses (including tuition) amount to around
be applied for before arriving in Japan, but most scholarships can be applied for only after arrival in
the country. Scholarship programs in Japan are mostly run by these four organizations:
In addition, universities and prefectural or municipal governments usually offer a range of social
one person, though some dormitories do offer larger rooms for couples and families. The Japan
114,000 yen (data from 2011), whereas the equivalent figure for Tokyo and the surrounding area is
(1) the Japanese government; (2) the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO); (3) municipalities
events and activities for international students and their families, and there are other forms of
Student Services Organization (JASSO) also operates dormitories for international students.
about 154,000 yen.
and international exchange promotion organizations; and (4) private businesses and organizations.
support. As an example, the Fukuoka International Association, which is sponsored by the city
government, runs Rainbow Plaza, which, among other functions, offers assistance and provides
In Fukuoka Prefecture, about 33% of foreign students live in dormitories run by schools and
What many international students do to help ease their financial situation while studying in Japan
(1) Seven types of scholarships are available under the Japanese Government Scholarship
information to foreigners. In addition to having a small library and producing a number of its
nonprofit foundations, which is higher than the national average of 24%. As an example of the
is undertake part-time work. As long as the work doesn’t interfere with their studies, students
program (run by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology—
own publications, Rainbow Plaza coordinates free counseling, legal and other services for non-
accommodation offered, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Kyushu has an on-campus
from overseas are allowed to work up to 28 hours a week or up to eight hours a day during long
Monbukagakusho). Applications should be made through Japanese embassies or consulates-
Japanese residents.
student dormitory called AP House. Housing around 1,200 students, this large dormitory has
school vacations. Over three-quarters of international students do in fact work part-time to help
general abroad or through Japanese universities.
resident assistants in each building, and various events take place in the common rooms. For
support themselves. According to JASSO, the national average of monthly income earned by
basketball enthusiasts, AP House also features a small court for playing the game.
these students is 72,000 yen.
(2) JASSO offers scholarships for privately financed international students that have been accepted
by a Japanese university or college as well as offering scholarships for short-term study in Japan
under student exchange programs. Applications should be made through Japanese universities.
Though rents in Japan may be higher than in some countries, there are large regional
(3) A large number of local governments and local international associations across Japan offer various
differences. Fukuoka is the largest city in southwest Japan, but rents there are conspicuously
lower than in Tokyo. While the rent for private housing per 25 m2 in Tokyo comes to an average of
scholarships to international students living in their district or those attending school in their district.
(4) Foundation scholarships are provided by private companies and organizations. They usually
69,826 yen, the figure for Fukuoka is only 35,856 yen (data from 2006).
reflect the objectives and character of the company or organization and are granted to students
attending school in a particular district, are limited to special subjects related to the enterprise,
or are provided to students from a country or region with which the enterprise has relations.
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19
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much Japanese do you need to get by in Japan?
Status of Residence (If already issued).
Consulate-General of Japan in your country for specific
Q: Is there any other paperwork related to residence
Registration for National Health Insurance is made at the
Q: W hat is the danger from earthquakes and other natural
A:It is possible to get by in Japan knowing hardly any
The process for applying for visas differs according to whether
requirements. The contact addresses of the Japanese
nearest municipal office of the city ward, city, town or village,
Japanese—and there are in fact more than a few very long-
the student has a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of
missions overseas can be found at
A:A Resident Card is issued to mid- to long-term residents,
where the insurance premium is paid. After the registration
A:Southwest Japan was unaffected by the great earthquake
term foreign residents in Japan who manage to survive with
Residence or not. Students with a Certificate of Eligibility for a
www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html
including international students, who are allowed to stay in
is completed, the insurance premium has to be paid monthly.
and tsunami of March 2011. The chances for this part of Japan
just tiny Japanese ability. However, it is beyond doubt that
Status of Residence apply personally at the Japanese Embassy
Japan for a period of three months or longer, when granted
The premium varies according to local councils and personal
being hit by a major earthquake are quite low.
the experience in Japan will grow richer with increasing
or Consulate in their home country. It can take some time to
permission related to residence, such as permission for
income, but in most cases it is about 20,000 yen a year.
proficiency in the language. International graduate programs
process this application since the application documents have
Q: How high are academic fees in Japan?
change of resident status and permission for extension of the
are taught entirely in English and do not assume any
to be sent back and forth between the student’s home country
A:The fees at Japan’s universities and colleges are not as
period of stay. It is compulsory for mid- to long-term residents
familiarity with Japanese. However, learning Japanese is
and Japan.
expensive as those in the United States and Britain. This is
to carry and present the Resident Card.
a university?
language classes. In addition to making the stay in Japan a
To obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence,
fees in those countries. In addition, tuition fee exemption and
more valuable experience, proficiency in Japanese will add
students intending to study in Japan or their proxies apply
scholarship systems are quite common in Japan. Academic
Q: W hat do I do about medical insurance?
a wide range of cultural and sporting activities. Clubs at
greatly to the graduate’s value in the job market.
and have it issued to them at Regional Immigration Bureaus
fees in Japan consist of an admission fee (paid only the first
A:With the Japanese medical insurance system, foreigners
universities specialize in such diverse areas as classical music,
in Japan. With this Certificate of Eligibility, students then
year), a tuition fee, and a facility and equipment usage fee.
staying in the country for over three months have to subscribe
archery, swimming and volleyball as well as in more Japanese
A:Universities typically have a great many clubs, which cover
to the National Health Insurance. With this system, the patient
activities, such as the tea ceremony, kendo and karate. These
Q: W hat is the situation regarding visas for students?
Consulate in their home country. Unlike visa application
As an example, at a national university, the average tuition
pays 30% of the total medical costs covered by the insurance,
clubs are of course an excellent way to make Japanese friends.
A:Students need the following:
without the Certificate of Eligibility, this alternative has a
fee for undergraduate programs in 2010 was 535,800
with the remaining 70% being paid by the National Health
(1) admission approval from the Japanese educational
shorter processing time.
yen (US$5,785), and the admission fee was 282,000 yen
Insurance. Non-insured individuals have to pay the full costs
personally apply for visas at the Japanese Embassy or
(US$3,044). At a local public university, the average tuition
of medical treatment. When receiving treatment for injuries
institution, junior college, university or others); (2) a valid
For more information about visas, please visit
fee was 535,962 yen (US$5,624) and the admission fee was
or illnesses, it is necessary to present one’s insurance card in
passport; (3) a visa from a Japanese Embassy or Consulate
www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
397,149 yen (US$4,166).
order to be eligible for the discounted payment.
from their home country; and (4) Certificate of Eligibility for
You may wish to contact the Embassy of Japan or the
institution they have been accepted into (Japanese-language
disasters?
Q: W hat kind of extracurricular activities might I expect at
largely because foreign students tend to pay higher tuition
encouraged, and a number of universities offer Japanese-
20
in Japan?
21
Messages for Prospective Students
Monte Cassim
Robert Campbell
Sri Lanka
United States
I invite you to consider Kyushu as a study abroad destination because
you can still find much of the cultural ethos that made Japan the
second-largest economy, and you can be a part of the extended family
of the local community. Japanese education also has many virtues.
First, they don’t see students as a market. They see them as future
leaders. Their commitment to someone’s life as a whole is evident all
across the board. Second, Japanese education revolves around tightlyknit “seminars” which often lead to a life-long friendship. In deciding
what and where to study, you must not be fearful of breaking the mold.
You must also recognize, however, that with breaking the mold comes
the responsibility to create something better. You must see it through
the end.
What’s really important is not to think that you can do everything at the
same time. Take one step at a time when you’re plotting out where and
what you want to study. Of course, you have to investigate and decide
what’s the best place to go. But I think it is also really important to be
adventurous and not really regard everything in career terms. Allow
yourself a 40-60% deviation. Spend half a year or a year in a foreign
environment, and you’ll come out a different person. Kyushu is a great
place to study for a number of reasons. Kyushu is full of incredible
sorts of variety, different sorts of places. Geographically, and climate
wise, but also very different from Tokyo because you can travel 30
minutes on a train, and people will speak differently, eat different
things, interact in different ways. There’s a very rich local culture that
not just survives, but thrives. You can not only enjoy incredibly varied
and aesthetically stunning landscapes; Kyushu is also culturally
stimulating, and the people there are very welcoming, and inclusive.
Special Aide to the Chancellor,
The Ritsumeikan Trust
Former President,
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Director,
Japan Office,
University of Oxford
22
Southwest Japan in Numbers
Professor, Department of
Comparative Literature and Culture,
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences,
the University of Tokyo
2
Number of World Heritage Sites
17,470,000
5
Number of professional soccer teams
90
Number of universities
29
Number of airports
20,265
Alison Beale
José Ortiz
United Kingdom
Dominican Republic
As a former JET [participant in the Japan Exchange and Teaching
Programme] assigned to Oita, I love Kyushu. In a big city like Tokyo,
you are just another stranger, and people sometimes ignore you. It is
easy to end up hanging around with foreign people. People in Kyushu
are more laid-back, more tolerant of differences, and more open to
foreigners. Kyushu also has an exceptional environment both naturally
and culturally. I would definitely recommend that you consider studying
in Kyushu. The region offers a good opportunity to see and experience
authentic Japan, and to integrate yourself into a very Japanese
environment in a way you won’t be able to in big cities. It has everything
that you want and yet it’s manageable. You can actually become part of
the community, whereas in a bigger city you’ll never really become a
part–you will always be a little bit of an outsider.
I lived in Kyushu for three years from 2009 through 2012 when I played
for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. I played for two different Japanese
baseball clubs before joining the Hawks, and I knew how great a city
Fukuoka was. Fukuoka still is my number-one city. The food is great.
People there are more laid-back, open and calm. And what’s more,
they go out of their way to help out others. It really is a good place for
foreigners to live. I think Kyushu is a great place to study. I personally
pray for you and hope you’ll have fun, and achieve your goal of getting
degrees from universities in Kyushu.
6
Number of international students
Number of national parks
159.91
Population
Average monthly hours of sunshine (Kagoshima)
Baseball player,
Saitama Seibu Lions
(formerly of Fukuoka Softbank Hawks)
Number of international students as of 2011; population estimated in 2010; all other figures 2013
www.swjapan.jp
Southwest Japan Branding Project: Produced by Kyushu University; Designed by Yuit Inc.