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The top 10 universities in Japan determined by 2021 World University Rankings

Krista Rogers Apr 21, 2021
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Top ten universities in the overall ranking are situated in nine different Japanese prefectures.

The World University Rankings is an annual publication by Times Higher Education (THE). The Japan-specific edition of the rankings was first released in March 2017, so this year marks its fifth iteration. In contrast to THE’s World University Rankings, which are largely focused on the research power of individual institutions of higher education, the Japan-specific rankings are more focused on the quality of education and growth potential for students–taking teaching practices and unique characteristics of each school into account as well.

Continuing from last year, the 2021 index ranks 278 Japanese universities based on a number of performance metrics grouped into four main pillars: Resources, Engagement, Outcomes, and Environment.

Let’s begin with the 2021 Overall Ranking. Numbers in parentheses denote each university’s ranking on the 2020 list.

Overall Ranking
10. Hiroshima University, Hiroshima Prefecture (12)
9. University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture (9)
8. Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture (5)
7. Nagoya University, Aichi Prefecture (7)
6. Hokkaido University, Hokkaido Prefecture (6)
5. Osaka University, Osaka Prefecture (8)
4. Kyoto University, Kyoto Prefecture (2)
3. University of Tokyo, Tokyo (3–tie)
2. Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo (3–tie)
1. Tohoku University, Miyagi Prefecture (1)

▼ Tohoku University consists of four main campuses spread around Sendai–the political, economic, and cultural heart of northeastern Japan.

Welcome to #spring!
Welcome to a new academic year at Tohoku University! pic.twitter.com/wrkzFLMO66

— Tohoku University (@TohokuUniPR) April 1, 2021

Next, let’s take a look at the top three universities according to each of the four pillars.

Resources

“Does the university have the capacity to deliver teaching effectively? The resources area represents 34 percent of the overall rankings.”

3. Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto Prefecture
2. Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo Prefecture
1. Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo

▼ TMDU is located in the heart of Tokyo and not that far from Akihabara.

We have issued "TMDU Research Activities 2020-2021" to make our cutting-edge research activities widely known to the world and enhance international collaboration with researchers all over the world.

Please check it out!

Brochurehttps://t.co/6Ks9iyHm5t #東京医科歯科大 #tmdu pic.twitter.com/9E3yETqPO7

— TMDU - Tokyo Medical and Dental University (@TMDUniversity) April 16, 2021

Engagement

“Does the university engage with its students effectively? The data in this area are gathered through the High School Advisors Survey and the Japan Student Survey. The engagement area represents 30 percent of the overall rankings.”

3. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Oita Prefecture
2. International Christian University, Tokyo
1. Akita International University, Akita Prefecture

▼ Bibliophiles are sure to be enchanted by the stunning library at Akita International University.

Dream library at Akita International University! #collegetour pic.twitter.com/87JS2bUC77

— Suzanne Kamata (@shikokusue) November 24, 2017

Outcomes

“Does the university produce graduates that the market wants? How strong is the university’s reputation nationally? The outcomes area represents 16 percent of the overall rankings.”

3. Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture
2. Tohoku University, Miyagi Prefecture
1. Kyoto University, Kyoto Prefecture

▼ Kyoto University was founded in 1897 and has produced the most Nobel laureates of all universities in Asia.

Graduation under the cherries! Congratulations to all who have made it this far under these trying times. Enjoy the fine day!#graduation #kyotouniversity #kyoto #japan #sakura #cherries #clocktower pic.twitter.com/5pdxLiLVpl

— Kyoto University (@KyotoU_News) March 24, 2021

Environment

“Does the university make efforts to attract an international student body and faculty? Does it prepare students for the global market? The environment area represents 20 percent of the overall rankings.”

3. International Christian University, Tokyo
2. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Oita Prefecture
1. Akita International University, Akita Prefecture

THE stresses a need to highlight the appeal of Japanese universities from multiple angles to degree-seeking students from around the world due to Japan’s shrinking population (and in turn, those pursuing higher education). The organization also hopes that the rankings can be used internally by universities to focus on targeted areas of educational reform.

While we’re always pleased to see the off-the-beaten-path Tohoku region get a little recognition, we’re also somewhat conflicted that THE hasn’t added a fifth pillar centered on “Cosplay” to its evaluation processes yet. Then again, Kyoto University would undoubtedly take the cake for that pillar year after year.

Source: Times Higher Education via PR Times
Top image: Pakutaso
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