Japan University Rankings 2020

The Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings 2020 are designed to answer the questions that matter most to students and their families when making one of the most important decisions of their lives – who to trust with their education.

This year’s methodology includes the same 16 performance indicators as last year, with three of the metrics drawing on the THE Japan Student Survey.


View the Japan University Rankings 2020 methodology


The 2020 ranking is led by Tohoku University for the first time, while last year’s frontrunner Kyoto University is now ranked second. The University of Tokyo and Tokyo Institute of Technology are jointly ranked third.

Despite its decline, The University of Tokyo still leads the resources pillar, while Kyoto tops the outcomes pillar. Akita International University is number one for engagement and environment.

The 2020 ranking includes 278 institutions. Pillar scores are only provided when the university is in the top 150 for that pillar.

The calculation of the THE Japan University Rankings 2020 has been subject to independent audit by professional services firm PwC.


Read our full analysis of the THE Japan University Rankings 2020 results

To raise your university’s global profile with Times Higher Education, please contact branding@timeshighereducation.com

To unlock the data behind THE’s rankings, and access a range of analytical and benchmarking tools, contact data@timeshighereducation.com 

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