Kochi University

Kochi University is one of Japan's 86 prestigious national universities, located in the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture on the southern island of Shikoku.

The university’s motto is “from Regionality to Globality and from Globality to Regionality”. Given this philosophy of global thinking, international students are seen as an important part of university life, and are encouraged to apply for a degree or take part in an exchange.

Most courses can be taken with English instruction, with Japanese classes offered to any students wishing to learn the language alongside their studies.

The university’s seven faculties are Education, Science, Humanities and Social Science, Medicine, Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Regional Collaboration, and Innovative Human Development. The latter two, which deal in Japanese language only, offer specialised courses tailored to the university’s philosophy.

Each faculty at Kochi University, from economics to medicine, prides itself on close relationships between staff and students. Even the university’s president gets involved by holding monthly lunches with students.

There are three campuses at the university: Asakura, Oko and Monobe. Housing for international students is available at the Oko and Monobe sites, and each campus offers sports and recreation activities.

With its campuses situated next to Tosa Bay, research into marine life and environmental protection is a major focus for the university. Shikoku is a mountainous island, and Kochi is blessed with mild winters and hot summers. It is famous for its yearly yosakoi dance festival and for having one of the only 17th century castles left in Japan.