12/11/2025
Japan's top universities like Tokyo and Waseda now switching to English-only classes to compete globally.
Japan’s elite universities are racing to survive by switching to English instruction for both domestic and international students.
The University of Tokyo shocked many by announcing its entire graduate engineering program will be taught in English starting 2026.
Private universities like Waseda, Keio, and Sophia are following closely, expanding English-based programs to attract global students and raise rankings.
Officials say the goal is “internal internationalization”, turning Japan’s campuses into global environments without sending students abroad.
Supporters say this helps Japanese students gain skills to work in international companies and research teams.
Critics argue that most Japanese students and professors aren’t prepared to study or teach complex material in English.
Some warn that English-only education could alienate domestic students who expected to study in their native language.
Still, universities insist that adapting to English is Japan’s only path to stay relevant in the global academic and research race.
