The University of Tokyo

Overview

Founded in 1877 as Japan's first imperial university, the University of Tokyo, or Todai, stands as one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. In 2011, it was ranked second globally, behind Harvard, for producing the most alumni in CEO roles at Fortune 500 companies. Notably, 15 of Japan's 62 prime ministers graduated from Todai, alongside five alumni who became astronauts.

The university encompasses 10 faculties and 15 graduate schools, with a student population of 30,000, including 2,100 international students. Unlike many Japanese universities, Todai offers undergraduate programs entirely in English, such as the International Program on Japan in East Asia and the International Program on Environmental Sciences. In 2014, the School of Science launched the Global Science Course, an all-English undergraduate transfer program.

Todai operates across five campuses: Hongō, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane, and Nakano. The main Hongō campus, situated on the former estate of the Maeda family—feudal lords of Kaga Province—features historic landmarks like Akamon (the Red Gate) and Yasuda Auditorium, attracting visitors and hosting events like the annual May festival.

In contrast, the Komaba campus offers a modern environment and houses the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, serving 7,000 first- and second-year students.