If you are looking for an exciting, innovative, and opportunity-packed country to earn your MBA in, then Japan is a wonderful place to do so. Japan’s thriving business sector in areas such as finance, IT, and international business relations guarantees a bright future ahead for those who wish to study in this field. In this article, we will highlight the best MBA programs that Japan has to offer so that you can decide which one is most aligned with your goals and aspirations. But first, let’s answer a few questions that you likely have before diving into your studies here in Japan.
Are there English MBA Programs in Japan?
If you are concerned that the only MBAs available in Japan will be taught entirely in Japanese, then worry not. There are many universities across Japan that offer MBAs taught in English, especially in major urban hubs such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto.
Is Japan a Good Place to do an MBA?
Deciding on where you will study your MBA is a major decision. Studying in Japan offers a great deal of career potential, networking opportunities, and a guaranteed high-quality form of education.
The last count of foreign students in Japan was totalled at approximately 336,000 students in 2024, which is projected to increase even more once the statistics for 2025 are available. Of those 336,000, around 58,000 were in the process of completing their postgraduate degrees.
Additionally, Japan is recognized internationally for amazing universities and as a hub for global business, with many major companies having branches located across Japan. Additionally, there is a wide range of Japanese brands and companies that are renowned worldwide and possess a great deal of influence, such as Toyota, Sony, Softbank, Nintendo, and Uniqlo, to name a few. The number of avenues in which pursuing an MBA in Japan can open up is almost endless, and there is no shortage of available opportunities right at your doorstep if you choose to pursue a degree here.
Japan is an industry leader when it comes to fields such as technology and automobiles, in particular, so utilizing an MBA to work in either of these fields would be a great opportunity. Automobile companies such as Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Subaru are all accredited and highly-recognized Japanese employers, while Sony, Panasonic, Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, and the LY Corporation are all domineering companies within the tech spheres. Not to mention, there are many international companies with offices in Japan, making it an ideal location for business, especially if you can speak multiple languages.
Interested in finding a job that requires bilingual talent? Check out our article on the top bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan.
Now, let’s dive into the best MBA programs in Japan so that you can find the best fit for you!
1. Hitotsubashi University School of International Corporate Strategy
- Location: 2 Chome-1-2 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-8439
- Date Founded: 1998
- Tuition: ¥321,480/per semester + ¥282,000 admission fee + ¥30,000 entrance exam fee
- Acceptance Rate: ~33%
- Website: www.ics.hub.hit-u.ac.jp
Hitotsubashi University’s MBA program relates to their school of International Corporate Strategy, which is designed as a postgraduate degree for those studying business administration. Hitotsubashi University’s business program is widely respected, having been voted the best MBA program in Japan for 2023. The university has been praised for its attentive staff, of which there is a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, guaranteeing that each student receives proper attention and guidance to succeed in their studies. Additionally, Hitotsubashi University offers MBAs in English for both one-year and two-year postgraduate MBA programs, making it an accessible program for those who do not speak Japanese.
Hitotsubashi University’s MBA program is also renowned for the networking connections and opportunities that it gives students. The Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM) is offered to students at the university and allows them to connect with students from other business schools across the world. Hitotsubashi’s MBA program also focuses on local/regional expertise, as well as its emphasis on global connectivity, with certain courses that are specifically targeted at doing business in Asian countries, and what makes the business environments and cultures in these countries unique when compared to others.
Hitotsubashi also offers a very hands-on approach with learning, frequently hosting out-of-classroom trips and out-of-school activities that take knowledge learned in the classroom and force students to apply it in a practical setting outside of it.
Hitotsubashi University is also one of the few universities in Japan where students can receive the prestigious Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) scholarship, which significantly alleviates debt for students who exhibit qualities of great leadership.
2. Waseda University School of Business
- Location: 1 Chome-6-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 161-8050
- Date Founded: 1882
- Tuition: ¥4.176M for 2 year program inc. fees
- Acceptance Rate: ~17%
- Website: www.waseda.jp
The Waseda University School of Business is located in the heart of Shinjuku, making it an optimal location for business leaders as it is within proximity to high-rise corporate offices and the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s urban sprawl. Waseda University’s MBA at their business school is a highly-distinguished program that offers students
Waseda University’s School of Business was ranked the second-best school for business in all of Japan for the 2024 academic year, making its MBA program not only one of the best in all of the country but also one of the top programs in the world. The university is also one of only two schools in Japan that is accredited by both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
The AACSB measures business and accounting standards in a school’s program, as well as its ability to constantly improve its courses. With only 6% of business schools receiving this recognition, it is a highly prestigious accreditation. Similarly, the EQUIS accreditation signifies that a school has met its strict standards in terms of course material and university staff, as well as its obligations for ethics, sustainability, and international focus.
Waseda University also admits the most international students compared to any other university in Japan, with its student body representing over one hundred different countries. Additionally, Waseda’s MBA program can be taught entirely in English. The school has a wide range of English options for students to choose from, with over 50 programs and 2,4000 courses that can be taught in English.
Interested in kick-starting your practical knowledge of the Japanese business environment by learning the relevant language? Learn more about our business Japanese language course here at Coto Academy!
3. NUCB Business School
- Location:
- 9F Marunouchi Build, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
- 1-20-1 Naka-ku Nishiki : Nagoya-shi, Aichi 460-0003 Japan
- 7F Grand Front Osaka Knowledge Capital 3-1 Ofuka Kita, Osaka, Japan
- Date Founded: 1990
- Tuition: ¥3,370,000 for 2 year program inc. fees
- Acceptance Rate: Unpublished but competitive
- Website: https://mba.nucba.ac.jp
NUCB Business School has three campus locations located in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Each campus provides students with the necessary high-quality resources and staff needed for them to succeed in their academic studies, with NUCB being accredited by both the AACSB as well as the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).
The JUAA routinely evaluates a university’s performance in terms of its academic quality, research, and operations, and is conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). Their rigorous standards ensure that each university that has earned this accreditation provides students with top-notch services, resources, and programs.
NUCB is also very well-connected internationally, with the university being a member of the Association of Asia-Pacific Business Schools (AAPBS), the Partnership in International Management (PIM), and the Business Graduates Association (BGA). AAPBS, for example, allows member schools to convene with one another and discuss the current business spheres as well as tips and tricks for succeeding in this field by professionals with industry experience. PIM supports collaboration between schools within its network for research purposes, in addition to offering exchange programs between universities. BGA focuses on continuous learning and advancement, with a specific focus on positive impact and management.
Students can enroll in their English-taught MBA program at one of the world’s most renowned business schools. Additionally, NUCB offers a wide range of study abroad options for students as they are partnered with over 170 business schools located all over the world, with scholarships being offered for their study abroad programs as well. NUCB Business School also offers the advanced Double Degree Program, in which students can earn an MBA from both NUCB as well as one of their partner universities by spending one year of their two-year program at each university.
If students do not want to fully commit to studying abroad for a long period of time, NUCB also offers its “Support System for the Overseas Training of Working Professionals” program, which offers 3-7 day exchange programs with partner schools such as Harvard, MIT, IMD, and Kellogg business schools. This offers students with full-time commitments and work obligations the opportunity to study abroad without having to sacrifice their jobs to do so.
Looking for a new job during your studies here in Japan? Take a look at our ultimate guide to find a job in Japan.
4. GLOBIS University
- Location: 〒102-0084 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Nibancho, 5-1 住友不動産麹町ビル
- Date Founded: 2006
- Tuition: ¥4,425,000 for 2 year program inc. fees
- Acceptance Rate: Unpublished
- Website: https://www.globis.ac.jp
GLOBIS University is another top school to consider when searching for a strong MBA program and is the largest business school in all of Japan. Unlike similar universities specializing in the business field, GLOBIS has a distinct focus on entrepreneurial startups and utilizes an MBA to successfully run a business.
This master’s program in Japan connects students with staff who are all highly experienced in the business field and have practical knowledge, which translates into the assigned coursework and learning materials. GLOBIS places an emphasis on case-study-based learning and interactive activities rather than simply listening to a lecture and taking notes. These hands-on activities are designed to put students into the perspective of a CEO or manager, and have them make educated decisions according to what they would do if they were in these positions. This method of teaching not only allows for increased levels of engagement but also applies the learned material in a way that is both career-relevant and practical.
GLOBIS University has over 11,200 current students and graduates for their MBA program spanning across 83 different nationalities. Combined with its prime location in Tokyo, GLOBIS is a very well-connected university both within and outside of Japan.
GLOBIS University also has a robust network of startup support. Their G-Startup program assists businesses that are in their infancy and that have strong potential for growth and expansion in Japan. G-Startup grants access to lectures by leading industry professionals and mentorship by those who are already experienced and have practical knowledge within the entrepreneurial field.
Additionally, GLOBIS’s G-Growth program is an investment program designed specifically for students and graduates who are launching their own businesses. The number of students who have received funding, which can reach upwards of ¥100 million, has continued to increase. This program clearly demonstrates the university’s commitment to student success, both in terms of their academics inside its walls and their business pursuits outside of the classroom.
5. Kyoto University Graduate School of Management
- Location: Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8317
- Date Founded: 1897
- Tuition: ¥1,383,600 for 2 years inc. fees
- Acceptance Rate: ~28%
- Website: https://www.gsm.kyoto-u.ac.jp
The Kyoto University Graduate School of Management offers an impressive curriculum aimed at furthering its students’ fundamental and practical knowledge of the business world, with a specific focus on how their knowledge applies internationally.
Kyoto University has connections with many Japanese companies, ranging from smaller businesses to large corporations. Additionally, many of the courses provided at the university feature figureheads from these companies to speak directly to students during lectures. The well-connected environment of Kyoto University creates a great environment for students to network with other industry professionals and build meaningful connections before they even graduate.
Kyoto University also has a “points system” implemented into its curriculum, with a student needing to earn 20 points to graduate in addition to their courses. Points are earned by attending seminars, workshops, or participating in an internship. This forces students to apply what they learn inside the classroom in a practical setting or further their knowledge by listening to prominent and distinguished guest speakers talk about their respective fields and expertise.
Kyoto’s MBA program also offers the opportunity to network and gain experience internationally, as the university is involved in exchange agreements as well as dual-degree programs with the National Taiwan University and the University of Hamburg. This grants students an invaluable opportunity to gain experience both inside and outside of Japan.
CONCLUSION:
Japan offers a wide range of excellent MBA programs, each with its own strengths, industry connections, and international focus. Choosing the right university is a big decision, and the best option will ultimately depend on your career goals, background, and the kind of learning environment you’re looking for.
If you need help navigating your study options in Japan, Coto School Finder is here to support you. We provide personalized guidance, help you compare programs, and assist with the application and visa process, making your journey to studying in Japan clearer, smoother, and more accessible.
What university is best for an MBA in Japan?
There are many amazing universities in Japan that offer MBAs. The universities of Hitotsubashi, Waseda, NUCB, GLOBIS, and Kyoto are all renowned for their MBA programs and have highly respected and acclaimed academic credibility.
Is Japan good for an MBA?
Yes, Japan is a great country to get your MBA in due to the country’s business power and influence, with many international companies having offices in Japan and national companies having headquarters here. There is no shortage of opportunities to pursue a career in business in Japan, especially if it is in regard to international business.
Which MBA is highest in demand?
Some of the most in-demand MBAs are in finance, business analytics, technology management, marketing, IT, and international business. All of these fields offer rewarding careers, so it is important to choose one that aligns most with your particular skill sets and career ambitions.
Which country has the best salary for an MBA?
Switzerland offers the highest pay for MBA graduates, with these degrees earning average salaries of ¥19 million to ¥23 million.
How long is the MBA program in Japan?
An MBA program in Japan is typically 1-2 years long, depending on the school and personal preference. A one-year MBA is typically more intensive and accelerated, while a two-year MBA is often preferred and can be completed at a less rushed pace and with less stress.
