The greatest appeal of studying in Japan is its academic environment where one can study state-of-the-art technology and acquire the knowledge that enabled Japan's phenomenal postwar economic growth. Whether it is electronics, Japanese literature, medicine or international business administration, Japanese universities and other institutes of higher education can offer course studies or research programs of virtually any field. The ratio of students who go on to universities (undergraduate level) and junior colleges (regular courses) is also very high in Japan at 48.6% (Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)"Statistical Abstract 2002 edition"This figure is indicative of the high standard of education in Japan. Many institutions of higher education, such as universities and junior colleges, are well equipped with fine research, computer, and library facilities and enable students to carry out their research in an excellent environment.

Japan has produced many outstanding researchers in diverse fields. Still fresh in our mind is the awarding of the Nobel Prize to two Japanese scientists in 2002. Mr. Masatoshi Koshiba, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, received the prize in physics for the detection of cosmic neutrinos, a "mystery" elementary particle. This discovery had a major impact on the elementary particle theory. Meanwhile, Mr. Koichi Tanaka was awarded the prize in chemistry for the development of ionization methods that became the basis for the analysis of the structure of protein molecules, opening a way to the development of new pharmaceutical drugs as well as the early diagnosis of cancers. As of 2001, 10.4% of published academic papers were produced by Japanese researchers (Source: MEXT Statistical Abstract; Original source: Institute for Scientific Information, "National Science Indicators, 1981 - 2001").

Many leading figures who are playing an active role in the world today have the experience of studying in Japan. The network of coursemates that you can build in Japan will undoubtedly become an invaluable asset for your future career.

Modern Japanese culture and society consist of a diverse mix of the old and new, the East and West, and the natural and artificial. These seemingly contradictory elements coexist in harmony in Japan. For example, it is not unusual to see an old Buddhist temple and a modern skyscraper standing next to each other.

With age-old Japanese traditions - as typified by those nurtured from the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (late 16th to early 17th century) to the Edo Period, which lasted nearly 300 years - at its foundation, Japan flexibly assimilated the culture of Western civilization later introduced to its soil. However, even with the rapid growth of Japanese economy and the development of advanced technology after World War II, Japan continued to retain its original culture as well. That is to say, the old and new have coexisted until today. This is what brought about Japan's diversity and fascination which still attracts many foreigners.

Japan has produced many outstanding researchers in diverse fields. Still fresh in our mind is the awarding of the Nobel Prize to two Japanese scientists in 2002. Mr. Masatoshi Koshiba, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, received the prize in physics for the detection of cosmic neutrinos, a "mystery" elementary particle. This discovery had a major impact on the elementary particle theory. Meanwhile, Mr. Koichi Tanaka was awarded the prize in chemistry for the development of ionization methods that became the basis for the analysis of the structure of protein molecules, opening a way to the development of new pharmaceutical drugs as well as the early diagnosis of cancers. As of 2001, 10.4% of published academic papers were produced by Japanese researchers (Source: MEXT Statistical Abstract; Original source: Institute for Scientific Information, "National Science Indicators, 1981 - 2001").

Japan is also a country with rich nature, diverse topography, and beautiful turns of the seasons. Haiku verse which has blossomed by absorbing the natural essence of each season is an example of a very unique Japanese literary culture. The country's rich variety of local festivals, annual events, and folk entertainment are also most likely the result of Japan's nature and topography.

If you have been in Japan, you might say that you are a big fan of hot spring resorts, "Onsen", a unique Japanese version of the spas. Others may know about J-Pop, Japanese films, or even the nail arts. Even those who have never been in Japan may be interested in the beauty and delicacy of Japanese cuisine - some says that it must be enjoyed with both the eye and palate - as well as Japanese culture represented by in Kimono, tea ceremony and Ikebana flower arrangement, or traditional sports such as Judo, Kendo and Naginata.

There are many, many other things that make Japan attractive. Let us take a glance at a few of them.