July 23, 2025

12 Best Courses to Study in Japan – Hardford

Japan, more than a study destination, is a culture of precision, innovation, and silent strength. For decades, this island nation has stood at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge progress. It’s a place where tradition meets technology, and learning is both disciplined and forward-looking with a dozen of leading courses.

For international students, Japan offers a chance to live, learn, and grow while earning a degree in one of the world’s most advanced and respectful societies.

With global strengths in tech, business, design, and research, Japan attracts ambitious learners from Nepal and beyond.

But what makes studying in Japan truly worthwhile is choosing the right course, one that aligns with your passion, interests, and the industries Japan excels in.

Explore these 12 best courses to study in Japan in 2025, which are the top popular choices for diligent international students wishing to build a spectacular career in their field of interest.

Table of Contents

Why Some Courses Are More Rewarding in Japan

Some courses stand out because they align closely with Japan’s strongest industries, offering better learning experiences and long-term career advantages.

Closely tied to Japan’s leading sectors like robotics, animation, and automotive engineering
Integrated with internships, research, and real industry projects
Higher employment potential in Japan and internationally
Strong global reputation in technology, healthcare, and design-related fields
Access to advanced labs, tools, and research infrastructure
Programs focus on innovation, practical skills, and real-world application
English-taught options and scholarships available for many high-demand courses

Top 12 Best Courses in Japan for International Students

1. Engineering and Technology

Japan has long been a global leader in engineering, known for its cutting-edge robotics, bullet trains, space tech, and precision manufacturing. The country’s strong industrial backbone creates real-world demand for engineers, which reflects in the way universities shape their engineering programs; rooted in innovation, accuracy, and a futuristic vision.

Why Japan for Engineering?

From infrastructure to automation, Japan’s engineering excellence is a national identity. Students learn in state-of-the-art labs, work on live industry projects, and get exposed to some of the most disciplined approaches in design, efficiency, and problem-solving.

Engineering Subjects in Japan

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Civil and Structural Engineering
Robotics and Mechatronics
Automotive Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Artificial Intelligence and Systems Engineering

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Widely available
Postgraduate & PhD – Strong research programs across institutions
Diploma & Vocational – Available for specific specializations

Language of Instruction

English: Available mostly at postgraduate level; limited but growing undergrad programs
Japanese: Still dominant for local undergraduate courses

What You’ll Learn in an Engineering Program

The curriculum widely varies based on your specialisation, but the core subjects include:

Physics and mathematics foundations
Computer-aided design (CAD)
Systems and process engineering
Robotics, AI integration
Sustainable engineering practices

Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineer, civil engineer, electrical engineer, robotics specialist, systems engineer, automation engineer, industrial product designer, automotive engineer, infrastructure consultant, transport systems analyst, R&D associate.

2. Business and Management

Japan’s economic influence spans across all industries from automobiles and finance to global consumer brands. Studying business in Japan gives students access to a unique blend of traditional business ethics and innovative practices rooted in continuous improvement (Kaizen).

Why Japan for Business?

Students gain exposure to Japan’s distinctive corporate culture, strategic global positioning, and refined management philosophies. Business schools often collaborate with global firms, opening opportunities for internships and job placements.

Business-Related Courses in Japan

International Business
Marketing and Brand Management
Finance and Accounting
Global MBA
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Human Resource Management
Japanese Business Practices and Ethics

Course Availability

Undergraduate – many courses available with scholarships
MBA & Postgraduate – Wide selection, including international MBA
Diploma/Short-term – Executive programs and management certifications

Language of Instruction

English: Broadly available, especially in business schools for all program levels
Japanese: Still common in traditional programs

What You’ll Learn in a Japanese Business School

Core subjects include:

Business strategy and operations
Leadership and organizational behavior
International finance and trade
Consumer behavior and marketing analytics
Japanese work culture and ethics

Career Opportunities

Business analyst, marketing manager, brand strategist, international trade specialist, financial analyst, HR executive, project manager, startup founder, business consultant.

3. Information Technology and Computer Science

As a country that introduced the world to digital cameras, portable gaming, and humanoid robots, Japan is a prime destination for students interested in computer science and IT. The country’s hunger for innovation translates into demand for skilled tech graduates.

Why Japan for IT?

Studying IT in Japan means learning from a society that thrives on digital solutions. There’s a growing ecosystem of startups, government tech initiatives, and global tech firms operating within Japan, making it a super dynamic space for learning and career growth.

IT Specialisation Options

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Data Science and Big Data Analytics
Information Systems and Network Engineering
Game Development and Interactive Systems

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Offered in Japanese and limited English
Postgraduate – Many universities offer full English programs
Research & Vocational – Available in fields like AI, gaming, network security

Language of Instruction

English: Available, especially for postgraduate students
Japanese: Still the medium for most undergrad programs

What You’ll Learn in Japan’s IT Degree

Students generally cover the following, but your skillset will vary based on your chosen specialisation:

Programming languages and software development
Data structures and algorithms
Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Cybersecurity frameworks
Mobile and web app development
Ethics in computing and data protection

Career Opportunities

Software developer, data analyst, data scientist, cybersecurity specialist, AI engineer, machine learning developer, systems architect, game developer, mobile app designer, IT project manager.

You Might Be Interested In: IT University in Japan for Nepali Students: 2025 Guide

4. Healthcare and Medicine

Japan has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, with remarkable achievements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and public health. Its disciplined medical education system and access to cutting-edge research make it an attractive choice for students who aim to build careers in healthcare.

Why Japan for Healthcare and Medicine?

Japan is a global leader in medical innovation and research, particularly in fields like regenerative medicine, elderly care, and healthcare robotics. Students benefit from advanced labs, practical clinical exposure, and access to a strong public health infrastructure.

Medical Course Specialisations

General Medicine
Nursing and Midwifery
Public Health and Epidemiology
Biotechnology
Medical Technology and Biomedical Engineering
Healthcare Management

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Medicine and Nursing in Japanese
Postgraduate – Public health, biotech, and healthcare research in English
Diploma/Short Programs – Nursing, elderly care, and biomedical tech

Language of Instruction

English: Limited to certain master’s programs in public health and biotech
Japanese: Required for clinical and undergraduate medical courses

What You’ll Generally Learn in Medicine

Again, your specialised study will vary by your chosen major, but the general topics for all include:

Human anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology
Global and Japanese public health systems
Biotech lab practices and medical imaging
Ethics in medicine and clinical research
Community-based health management

Career Opportunities

Registered nurse, care worker, public health officer, biomedical researcher, health policy analyst, medical technologist, biotech researcher, elder care specialist.

5. Energy and Sustainability

As a resource-scarce country, Japan has long focused on clean energy innovation and environmental planning. For students interested in sustainability, Japan offers future-focused programs in energy science, renewable systems, and environmental policy.

Why Japan for Energy and Sustainability?

Japan is a front-runner in green energy technologies, particularly solar, hydrogen, and smart grid systems. Students benefit from Japan’s blend of advanced research, industrial application, and real commitment to sustainability goals.

Course Variations

Renewable Energy Engineering
Environmental Policy and Management
Sustainable Urban Planning
Climate Science and Environmental Studies
Energy Systems and Smart Technology
Environmental Chemistry and Waste Management

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Available in Japanese, some international streams
Postgraduate – Diverse English programs in environmental fields
Diplomas & Certificates – Renewable energy, waste management

What You’ll Learn

Students explore:

Renewable technologies and power systems
Environmental impact assessment
Energy policy and global sustainability frameworks
Urban and rural energy planning
Fieldwork in environmental conservation

Career Opportunities

Renewable energy engineer, environmental consultant, sustainability planner, energy policy advisor, climate researcher, green construction analyst, building energy auditor, smart grid developer.

6. Animation and Game Design

Japan’s global influence in animation, manga, and gaming is unmatched. From Studio Ghibli to Nintendo, Japan’s creative industries have shaped popular culture across continents. For students passionate about design, art, and interactivity, there’s no better place to learn than Japan.

Why Japan for Animation and Game Design?

Studying in the birthplace of anime and gaming allows students to absorb the industry’s culture, techniques, and evolving digital standards firsthand. Courses often emphasize traditional hand-drawn methods alongside 3D design and immersive storytelling.

Course Variations

2D & 3D Animation
Game Development and Programming
Visual Effects and CGI
Character Design and Storyboarding
Interactive Media and UI Design
Manga Art and Concept Illustration

Course Availability

Diploma and Certificate – Widely available, industry-specific
Undergraduate – Full-time animation and game development degrees
Postgraduate – Limited but growing in digital design and game theory

Language of Instruction

English: Selective vocational and diploma programs
Japanese: Widely available, especially for story-driven disciplines

What You’ll Learn

Curriculum highlights:

Animation principles and motion graphics
Game engines and level design
Character concept, development, and 3D modeling
Visual storytelling and production pipeline
Audio design, scripting, and game mechanics

Career Opportunities

2D animator, 3D animator, game designer, game developer, concept artist, character designer, storyboard artist, layout artist, VFX designer, manga illustrator, visual storyteller, interactive media producer.

7. Japanese Language and Culture

For students interested in languages, literature, history, or simply building a deeper connection with Japan, studying the Japanese language and culture is a natural entry point. More than an academic subject, it is the key to living, working, and thriving in Japan, while not only experiencing but studying the country in depth.

Why Japan for Language and Cultural Studies?

Learning Japanese in Japan allows students to immerse themselves in real-life contexts like conversations, festivals, customs, and community life in an academic and a professional level. Language institutes and universities offer a variety of courses that go beyond grammar to include society, philosophy, history, and pop culture.

Course Variations

Literature and Classical Japanese
Japanese History and Society
Pop Culture and Contemporary Japan
Translation and Interpretation
Religion and Philosophy in Japan

Course Availability

Certificate & Diploma – Common and widely flexible
Undergraduate – Full programs in language and cultural studies
Postgraduate – Research in linguistics, philosophy, and East Asian studies

Language of Instruction

Japanese: For immersive learning
English: Available in cultural studies and comparative literature tracks, but you will need a good understanding of Japanese language for this field

What You’ll Learn

Typical course themes:

Reading, writing, and speaking Japanese across JLPT levels
Cultural practices, etiquette, and communication styles
Classical literature and folklore
Modern media, anime, and pop culture as cultural texts
Field trips, language exchange, and cultural immersion sessions

Career Opportunities

Translator, interpreter, language instructor, cultural liaison, tourism specialist, international relations officer, localization expert, diplomatic assistant, cross-cultural trainer.

8. Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Japan’s harmony with nature is reflected not only in its traditions but also in its academic offerings. As the world battles climate change, students in this field will find Japan an inspiring place to study how nature and modernity can coexist.

Why Japan for Environmental Studies?

Japan’s environmental consciousness stems from both cultural roots and necessity. Faced with natural disasters and resource challenges, it has developed some of the world’s most advanced sustainability policies, urban designs, and conservation strategies.

Course Variations for Environment Studies

Environmental Science and Ecology
Natural Disaster Management
Waste Reduction and Recycling Technologies
Global Environmental Policy
Marine and Forest Ecosystems
Environmental Education and Ethics

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Offered in environmental sciences and natural systems
Postgraduate – Advanced research programs in English
Short Courses & Certificates – Focused on environmental education and policy

Language of Instruction

English: Common at postgraduate level
Japanese: Used in many undergrad and local-focused programs

What You’ll Learn

Course modules include:

Climate science and impact analysis
Disaster preparedness and mitigation
Urban sustainability and smart cities
Environmental law and policy
Community-driven conservation models

Career Opportunities

Environmental analyst, climate policy advisor, eco-tourism planner, sustainability coordinator, wildlife conservationist, marine biologist, disaster risk officer, environmental educator.

9. Arts and Design

Rooted in centuries of aesthetics, minimalism, and attention to form, Japan’s design philosophy offers an exclusive learning experience to aspiring artists. From traditional fine arts to modern visual communication, Japan blends old and new like no other.

Why Japan for Arts and Design?

Students gain more than artistic skill. They engage with a design culture that prioritizes meaning, harmony, and function. All the way from product design, digital media, or ceramics, Japanese institutions nurture a creative mindset grounded in purpose.

Art Specialisations in Japan

Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture)
Graphic and Communication Design
Fashion and Textile Design
Industrial and Product Design
Visual Arts and Media Studies
Calligraphy and Traditional Crafts

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Comprehensive programs with studio-based training
Postgraduate – Research and portfolio-driven degrees
Diploma & Workshop Courses – Short programs in crafts, photography, and digital design

Language of Instruction

Japanese: Predominantly for full-time programs
English: Available in some interdisciplinary art programs and short-term workshops

What You’ll Learn

Creative modules include:

Drawing, sculpture, and studio techniques
Design theory, branding, and visual storytelling
Japanese aesthetics and contemporary styles
UI/UX and digital design platforms
Exhibition preparation and portfolio development

Career Opportunities

Visual artist, illustrator, graphic designer, brand designer, product designer, packaging designer, creative director, fashion designer, textile designer, curator, art educator, digital content creator.

10. International Relations and Political Science

Japan plays a unique role on the global stage, balancing diplomacy, soft power, and strong economic alliances. For students interested in geopolitics, global development, or policymaking, Japan offers insightful academic perspectives shaped by history, peacebuilding, and cross-border partnerships.

Why Japan for International Relations?

Japan’s position as a peaceful, economically influential country makes it a key player in Asia-Pacific affairs. Courses often explore both domestic and international dimensions like security, diplomacy, human rights, and development while encouraging students to think globally and act regionally.

Course Variations

International Relations
Political Theory and Public Policy
Human Rights and Global Justice
Security Studies and Strategic Affairs
International Development
Peace and Conflict Studies

Course Availability

Undergraduate – International studies and political science majors
Postgraduate – Research-driven, global policy-oriented programs
Diploma/Certificate – Short-term programs in peace studies and development

Language of Instruction

English: Widely available, especially at postgraduate level
Japanese: Available for undergrad or domestic policy tracks

What You’ll Learn

Typical curriculum includes:

Comparative politics and governance
Global institutions and law
Conflict resolution and peacebuilding
Foreign policy analysis
International cooperation and development projects

Career Opportutinites

Policy analyst, diplomatic officer, NGO manager, human rights researcher, peacebuilding expert, foreign affairs consultant, government relations officer, international development advisor, public affairs specialist.

11. Architecture Design & Development

In Japan, architecture is both art and necessity. From earthquake-resistant structures to temples built centuries ago and the diligent urban planning, Japan’s architectural landscape teaches resilience, elegance, and ingenuity. For students who value form, function, and sustainability, it’s an inspiring place to study.

Why Japan for Architecture?

Japan’s built environment is a dialogue between tradition and cutting-edge design. Architectural programs focus on innovation, structure, and harmony with the environment – perfect for students looking to develop both technical expertise and a thoughtful design philosophy.

Course Variations

Architecture and Urban Planning
Landscape and Environmental Design
Sustainable Architecture
Structural Engineering and Construction Design
Interior and Spatial Design
Smart Cities and Urban Mobility

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Core architecture and planning degrees
Postgraduate – Specialized in sustainability, urban design, or technology
Diploma/Professional Programs – CAD, structural design, and construction safety

Language of Instruction

Japanese: Common at undergrad level
English: Available in certain master’s and international research programs

What You’ll Learn

Key topics include:

Building materials, structural systems, and safety design
Urban development and planning laws
Environmental adaptation and sustainability
Cultural and historical design elements
Studio projects and architectural software training

Career Opportunities

Architect, architectural designer, urban planner, landscape architect, sustainable design specialist, interior designer, spatial designer, construction coordinator, smart city planner.

12. Natural Sciences

Japan’s natural diversity from active volcanoes to deep marine ecosystems offers a living laboratory for science students. Whether you’re drawn to biology, chemistry, or physics, the country offers research-rich programs built on curiosity and discovery.

Why Japan for Natural Sciences?

Scientific study in Japan is driven by discipline, technological advancement, and environmental awareness. Students benefit from structured theoretical knowledge combined with experimental, lab-based learning in subjects that address both local and global scientific challenges.

Specialised Natural Science Courses

Physics and Applied Physics
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Biology, Ecology, and Genetics
Earth Sciences and Geoscience
Marine Biology and Oceanography
Materials Science and Nanotechnology

Course Availability

Undergraduate – Broad majors in physical and life sciences
Postgraduate – Focused research degrees in core and interdisciplinary areas
Short Programs – Summer schools and field study modules

Language of Instruction

English: Widely offered at graduate and research levels
Japanese: Predominant in undergraduate science tracks

What You’ll Learn

Typical subjects include:

Laboratory skills and scientific research methods
Data analysis and modeling
Applied science for healthcare, energy, or environment
Fieldwork in natural environments
Experimental design and thesis writing

Career Opportunities

Research scientist, lab technician, environmental biologist, marine biologist, academic researcher, healthcare diagnostics assistant, materials scientist, nanotech researcher, scientific data analyst.

Conclusion: Your Course, Your Future in Japan

Choosing what to study isn’t just about textbooks or lectures, it is about where your passion and potential find direction. And when you study in Japan, you’re not just enrolling in a course. You’re stepping into a culture of innovation, precision, and quiet ambition.

Each course we’ve explored here has a purpose, rooted in what Japan excels at and what the world needs more of. Whether it’s engineering that powers cities, animation that touches millions, or language that bridges cultures, Japan offers you more than academic achievement. It offers you a way to grow, shaped by discipline, creativity, and deep cultural awareness.

If any one of these courses speaks to you, even just a little, don’t ignore it. That curiosity is your compass. Let it guide you toward a future where your skills matter, your degree opens doors, and your learning turns into legacy.

Take Your First Step with Hardford

Hardford Education Consultancy is here to help you shape that future. From choosing the right course to walking you through every step of the application, we offer:

Personalized counseling for course and university selection
JLPT, EJU, and university entrance exam preparation
Full documentation support for student visa processing
Pre-departure training and cultural orientation sessions

Your journey to Japan begins the moment you decide you’re ready. And we’re ready when you are. Contact Us Today!

FAQs – Best Courses to Study in Japan from Nepal

Which course is best in Japan for international students?

Courses in engineering, information technology, business, animation, and healthcare are considered top choices for international students due to Japan’s global industry leadership and academic quality.

Which field has the most scope in Japan?

Technology, robotics, automotive engineering, healthcare, and renewable energy have strong career scope in Japan due to high local demand and international relevance.

Can I get a 100% scholarship in Japan?

Yes. Several Japanese universities and government initiatives like the MEXT scholarship offer 100% tuition waivers, living expenses, and travel allowances. Research the available scholarships and choose the one with your highest chances.

What skill is most valued in Japan?

Technical skills in engineering, IT, and AI are highly valued. Additionally, language proficiency (Japanese) and cultural adaptability are seen as strong assets.

Can I study in Japan without IELTS?

Yes. Many universities accept alternative English proficiency tests or conduct their own language assessments. Some programs in Japanese require JLPT instead.

Can I do short courses in Japan for 3 months?

Yes. Japan offers short-term language, cultural, and technical training courses lasting from a few weeks to several months.

Which degree has the most value in Japan?

Degrees in engineering, healthcare, business, and computer science hold strong value, especially when paired with Japanese language skills or internship experience.