Rich Legal Tradition: Japan has a well-established legal system influenced by various legal traditions, including civil law, which provides a comprehensive understanding of different legal frameworks.
Global Perspective: Japanese universities often emphasize comparative law, allowing students to study both Japanese law and international legal principles, offering a broader perspective.
Quality Education: Japan is home to several prestigious universities with strong law programs, offering high-quality education and research opportunities.
Career Opportunities: Graduates from Japanese law schools can pursue careers in international law, corporate law, and diplomacy, among others, both in Japan and globally.
Cultural Experience: Studying in Japan also provides an enriching cultural experience, offering exposure to a unique blend of traditional and modern societal values.
Networking: Japan’s legal education system often includes opportunities for internships and networking with professionals in the legal field, which can be beneficial for future career prospects.
Language Skills: Studying in Japan also offers the opportunity to learn or improve Japanese language skills, which is valuable in the global job market, especially in Asia.
University Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
General Law, International Law, Civil Law |
|
Kyoto University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law |
|
Keio University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Business Law, Public Law, Private Law |
|
Waseda University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
International Law, Corporate Law, Legal Theory |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Economic Law, Commercial Law, Public Law |
|
Nagoya University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
International Law, Human Rights Law, Civil Law |
|
Kyushu University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Comparative Law, Environmental Law, Tax Law |
|
Osaka University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Intellectual Property Law, Criminal Law |
|
Tohoku University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
International Law, Constitutional Law, Labor Law |
|
Chuo University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Civil Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Procedure |
University Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Program Language |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Japanese Law, Civil Law |
English |
|
Kyoto University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Business Law, Comparative Law |
English |
|
Keio University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Business Law, International Legal Studies |
English |
|
Waseda University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Corporate Law |
English |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Economic Law, International Law, Public Law |
English |
|
Nagoya University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Comparative Law |
English |
|
Kyushu University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Economic and Business Law |
English |
|
Osaka University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Intellectual Property Law |
English |
|
Tohoku University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Global Legal Studies, International Law |
English |
|
Chuo University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Business Law, Japanese Law |
English |
University Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Program Language |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
General Law, International Law, Civil Law |
Japanese |
|
Kyoto University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law |
Japanese |
|
Keio University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Business Law, Public Law, Private Law |
Japanese |
|
Waseda University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
International Law, Corporate Law, Legal Theory |
Japanese |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Economic Law, Commercial Law, Public Law |
Japanese |
|
Nagoya University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
International Law, Human Rights Law, Civil Law |
Japanese |
|
Kyushu University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Comparative Law, Environmental Law, Tax Law |
Japanese |
|
Osaka University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Intellectual Property Law, Criminal Law |
Japanese |
|
Tohoku University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
International Law, Constitutional Law, Labor Law |
Japanese |
|
Chuo University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Civil Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Procedure |
Japanese |
University Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Program Language |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Japanese Law, Civil Law |
English |
|
Kyoto University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Business Law, Comparative Law |
English |
|
Keio University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Business Law, International Legal Studies |
English |
|
Waseda University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Corporate Law |
English |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Economic Law, International Law, Public Law |
English |
|
Nagoya University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Comparative Law |
English |
|
Kyushu University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Economic and Business Law |
English |
|
Osaka University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Intellectual Property Law |
English |
|
Tohoku University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Global Legal Studies, International Law |
English |
|
Chuo University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Business Law, Japanese Law |
English |
University Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Program Language |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
Ph.D. in Law |
International Law, Civil Law, Comparative Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Kyoto University |
Ph.D. in Law |
Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Keio University |
Ph.D. in Law |
Business Law, Public Law, Private Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Waseda University |
Ph.D. in Law |
Corporate Law, International Law, Legal Theory |
Japanese/English |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
Ph.D. in Law |
Economic Law, Commercial Law, Public Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Nagoya University |
Ph.D. in Law |
International Law, Human Rights Law, Comparative Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Kyushu University |
Ph.D. in Law |
International Economic and Business Law, Comparative Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Osaka University |
Ph.D. in Law |
Intellectual Property Law, Criminal Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Tohoku University |
Ph.D. in Law |
Global Legal Studies, International Law |
Japanese/English |
|
Chuo University |
Ph.D. in Law |
Civil Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Procedure |
Japanese/English |
Institution Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Program Language |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Temple University, Japan Campus |
Diploma in Law |
International Law, Japanese Law |
English |
|
Kyoto University (Continuing Education) |
Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies |
Business Law, Civil Law, International Law |
Japanese |
|
Ritsumeikan University |
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice |
Japanese Legal Practice, Corporate Law |
Japanese |
|
Nagoya University |
Graduate Diploma in International Law |
International Law, Human Rights Law |
English |
|
Hitotsubashi University (Extension Program) |
Diploma in Legal Studies |
Comparative Law, Public Law |
Japanese |
|
Chuo Law School (Professional Development) |
Legal Executive Diploma |
Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law |
Japanese |
|
Waseda University (Open Education Center) |
Certificate in Legal Studies |
Legal Ethics, Constitutional Law, Public Law |
Japanese |
Institution Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
Duration |
Program Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Temple University, Japan Campus |
Short-Term Legal Studies Program |
International Law, Japanese Law |
3-6 months |
English |
|
Kyoto University (Continuing Education) |
Intensive Course in Japanese Law |
Japanese Law, Business Law |
1-3 months |
Japanese |
|
Waseda University (Summer School) |
Summer Course in International Law |
International Law, Human Rights Law |
2-4 weeks |
English |
|
Nagoya University |
Short-Term Program in International Law |
International Law, Comparative Law |
2-6 weeks |
English |
|
Hitotsubashi University (Extension Program) |
Intensive Legal Studies Course |
Public Law, Civil Law |
1-3 months |
Japanese |
|
Osaka University (Open Education) |
Short Course in Legal Practice |
Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law |
1-3 months |
Japanese |
|
Ritsumeikan University |
Legal Studies Workshop |
Japanese Legal Practice, Legal Ethics |
2-4 weeks |
Japanese |
|
Chuo Law School (Professional Development) |
Executive Legal Program |
Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law |
1-3 months |
Japanese |
|
Sophia University |
Short-Term Law Program |
International Business Law, Human Rights Law |
2-6 weeks |
English |
|
Doshisha University |
Intensive Course in Law and Society |
Legal Sociology, Public Law |
1-2 months |
Japanese |
University Name |
Course Programs |
Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Kyoto University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Keio University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Waseda University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Nagoya University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Kyushu University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Osaka University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Tohoku University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
|
Chuo University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
University Name |
Course Program |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
|
Kyoto University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
|
Keio University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), September (Fall) |
|
Waseda University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), September (Fall) |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
|
Nagoya University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
|
Kyushu University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
|
Osaka University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
|
Tohoku University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
|
Chuo University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
April (Spring), October (Fall) |
University Name |
Course Program |
Degree Level |
Tuition Fees (Approx. per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$4,800 - $5,500 USD |
|
The University of Tokyo |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$5,500 - $6,000 USD |
|
Kyoto University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$4,800 - $5,500 USD |
|
Kyoto University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$5,500 - $6,000 USD |
|
Keio University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$11,000 - $12,000 USD |
|
Keio University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$12,000 - $13,000 USD |
|
Waseda University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$11,000 - $12,000 USD |
|
Waseda University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$12,000 - $13,000 USD |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$4,800 - $5,500 USD |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$5,500 - $6,000 USD |
|
Nagoya University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$4,800 - $5,500 USD |
|
Nagoya University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$5,500 - $6,000 USD |
|
Kyushu University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$4,800 - $5,500 USD |
|
Kyushu University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$5,500 - $6,000 USD |
|
Osaka University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$4,800 - $5,500 USD |
|
Osaka University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$5,500 - $6,000 USD |
|
Tohoku University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$4,800 - $5,500 USD |
|
Tohoku University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$5,500 - $6,000 USD |
|
Chuo University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
$8,000 - $10,000 USD |
|
Chuo University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
$10,000 - $12,000 USD |
University Name |
Course Program |
Degree Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
The University of Tokyo |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Kyoto University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Kyoto University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Keio University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Keio University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Waseda University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Waseda University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Hitotsubashi University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Nagoya University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Nagoya University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Kyushu University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Kyushu University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Osaka University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Osaka University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Tohoku University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Tohoku University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
|
Chuo University |
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
Undergraduate |
Completion of 12 years of education, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent), entrance exam |
|
Chuo University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws), Ph.D. in Law |
Graduate |
Bachelor’s degree in law or related field, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programs, entrance exam |
Scholarship Name |
Applicable Universities |
Degree Level |
Scholarship Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship |
All national and some private universities |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
Full tuition coverage, monthly stipend, travel expenses |
|
JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) |
All universities |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
Monthly stipend (¥48,000 per month) |
|
University-Specific Scholarships |
University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, etc. |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
Varies by university, includes full or partial tuition waivers |
|
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) |
Selected universities including the University of Tokyo |
Master's |
Full tuition, monthly stipend, housing allowance, travel expenses |
|
Waseda University Scholarships |
Waseda University |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
Tuition waivers, partial scholarships based on merit |
|
Keio University International Student Scholarships |
Keio University |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
Full or partial tuition waivers, monthly stipends |
|
Hitotsubashi University Graduate School Scholarships |
Hitotsubashi University |
Master's, Ph.D. |
Tuition waivers, monthly stipend, research grants |
|
Kyushu University Friendship Scholarship |
Kyushu University |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
Tuition reduction or exemption, monthly stipend |
|
Nagoya University Global 30 International Program |
Nagoya University |
Undergraduate, Master's |
Tuition reduction, monthly living allowance |
|
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship |
All universities |
Undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. |
Monthly stipend (¥140,000 for Master's, ¥150,000 for Ph.D.) |
Career Path |
Description |
Average Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
|
Lawyer (Bengoshi) |
Represents clients in legal matters, including civil and criminal cases. |
$70,000 - $150,000 USD |
|
Corporate Legal Advisor |
Provides legal advice to corporations on contracts, mergers, compliance, etc. |
$80,000 - $130,000 USD |
|
Judge (Saibankan) |
Presides over court proceedings and makes legal judgments. |
$100,000 - $180,000 USD |
|
Prosecutor (Kensatsu-kan) |
Represents the state in prosecuting criminal cases. |
$90,000 - $150,000 USD |
|
Legal Consultant |
Offers specialized legal advice in areas like international law, tax law, etc. |
$60,000 - $120,000 USD |
|
Diplomat/International Relations Expert |
Works in international law or diplomacy, often for the government. |
$70,000 - $120,000 USD |
|
Academician/Professor |
Engages in teaching and research in law at universities or research institutes. |
$60,000 - $100,000 USD |
|
In-House Counsel |
Provides legal support and compliance guidance within a specific company. |
$70,000 - $120,000 USD |
|
Patent Attorney |
Specializes in intellectual property law, particularly patents. |
$80,000 - $140,000 USD |
|
Public Policy Advisor |
Advises government agencies or NGOs on legal aspects of public policy. |
$60,000 - $110,000 USD |
|
Legal Journalist |
Covers legal issues and developments for media outlets. |
$40,000 - $80,000 USD |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
Works with NGOs or international organizations on human rights law. |
$50,000 - $100,000 USD |