phd by publication japan

Apply to Doctor by Dissertation (Ronbun-Hakase)

Doctor by dissertation (Ronbun-Hakase) is a doctoral degree that SOKENDAI confers to those who do not enroll at a program, but fulfill specific requirements. Applicants for this degree are required to pass the examination on their doctoral thesis as well as to be judged to possess the academic knowledge equivalent to or superior to that of the SOKENDAI students who completed program requirements. Applicants are requested to pay the Examination Fee of 57,000 yen (JPY) upon application for the exam. Prior to applying for the exam, applicants need to contact a faculty member of the program that matches the subject matter of the doctoral thesis (hereinafter referred to as "Referring Faculty") and consult about the application. " Faculty Directory " section on this website includes information on faculties of each program of SOKENDAI.

About Degree

The field of specialization to be appended to the doctoral degree is awarded according to the following categories of programs in Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, which are compatible with the subject matter of the doctoral thesis.

*The English title is "Doctor of Philosophy" in every case.

1. Preliminary Evaluation*1

(1)Submit necessary documents.*2      (Applicants -> Referring Faculty -> Program Office) (2)Preliminary Evaluation

*Regarding the number of copies of documents for the Preliminary Evaluation, please contact Program Office.

2. Evaluation

(1)Submit necessary documents.*     (Applicants -> Program Office) (2)Evaluation Committee (3)Program Committee (4)Faculty Meeting

3. Publication of Doctoral Thesis

A doctoral thesis will be published on the Internet. For details, please contact Educational Affairs Section.

*Documents of Publication of Doctoral Thesis

The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI

Educational Affairs Section

TEL:+81-468-858-1524

Email: [email protected]

Please change (at) to @ and send.

Apply to PhD

The Graduate School accepts about 60 full-time graduate students per year. This ensures low numbers of students for each faculty member so that we can deliver best-in-the-world teaching to our graduate students. The basic requirement for the OIST Graduate Program is completion of a Bachelors, Masters, or equivalent degree prior to the admission date. Students may submit an application at any time. Your application will be considered at the next admissions committee meeting. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Admissions Selection , held on-campus twice a year, as part of the selection process.

OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment that does not discriminate against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. For more details, please refer to the OIST Graduate School Three Policies.

Selection Schedule

*The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Number of Accepting Students

The Graduate School accepts 60 students. To conduct education and research tailored to the wishes and aptitude of each students, we accept a small number of students.

Eligibility

Those who have graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree or expect to complete their degree before the date of enrollment into the PhD Program at OIST are eligible to apply.

Application Procedure

We accept application documents only online. Please prepare all necessary documents written below in English and in a PDF file and upload all necessary documents at the application website .

Note: We recommend using a computer when preparing the online application. If you prefer using a mobile device, please make sure to have the latest operating system for the application to work properly.

Required Documents

Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree  (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format

Completed diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format.

• A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
• English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
• If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrolment from your institution (which preferably indicates your expected graduation date)

This should be not more than 400 words (2500 characters) and should address the following points:

• The applicant’s scientific interests and aspirations.
• What the applicant hopes to gain from undertaking graduate studies at OIST.

The application system requires applicants to submit a passport number and upload a scan of their passport photo page. It is essential that applicants from outside Japan have a valid passport for travel to Japan. You must supply your passport details in the application process.

If you do not have a passport at the time of application, you can upload other government-issued identification documents instead. However, if you receive an offer after the Admissions Selection, OIST will need a copy of your valid passport immediately to prepare your visa application and travel arrangement to relocate to Okinawa.

Each applicant is required to have at least two and no more than five letters of recommendation from appropriate academic referees. Two is the minimum requirement, but as a rule, it is very helpful for the admissions committee to have three or more letters. In the online application system, the applicant will enter the name and email of each recommender. The system will then contact the referee directly for their letter.

• OIST strongly recommends that applicants ask academic referees in advance for permission to list them as recommenders. Recommendation letters needs to be submitted by the deadline. Referee comments are a very important part of the selection process, and it is the applicant's responsibility to first ensure that referees are willing to submit such a letter, and then that they do submit before the deadline.
• Recommender’s letters will be treated as confidential material and will not be available to applicants or parties other than OIST faculty members assessing the application. In registering a recommender the applicant acknowledges that there is no right to read the recommender’s letter.
• You can only submit your application after at least two recommendation letters are received in the application system.

An applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university for which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to provide a TOEFL iBT or IELTS score obtained within the last 2 years. Please upload a digital copy of your official score report to the application website.

• There is no minimum score required but the information is necessary in determining preparatory course requirements.

Optional Documents

The following documents may be submitted optionally, and will be taken into consideration by the selection committee if available:

• Additional evidence of academic ability such as GRE general or specific test scores obtained within the last 2 years.
• Additional material such as the title and abstract of publications and oral presentations, and other evidence of achievement.

Note: The OIST Graduate School reserves the right to request an external evaluation of academic qualifications from any applicant.

Application Fee

There is no application fee to apply for the OIST Graduate Program.

Japan Studies (Graduate School of Global Studies Doctoral Program)

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies encompasses systematic study of the Japanese language, Japanese language education, Japanese literature and culture, and Japanese history and society for comprehensive Japan research.

The program is directed at developing an objective perspective of Japan within a global context. Given the urgent need for human resources capable of conveying Japan to the world, this program is focused on training Japanese and foreign students who can meet this need. The degree acquired through this program is a Doctor of Philosophy.

The Doctoral Program in Japan Studies has one program.

Japan studies program.

This program trains students in the specialized knowledge needed for a broad and comprehensive understanding of Japan so that they can disseminate this knowledge to the world.

Classes: Japanese linguistics, Japanese language education theory, language education theory, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, Japan studies, etc.

Doctoral Program in Japan Studies

Students in this program will acquire:

• Specialized knowledge in fields related to Japan and the deep comprehensive understanding of the country required to speak of Japan within a global context. Foreign students in particular will acquire a high level of Japanese language ability and understanding of Japanese society.
• Deep and specialized knowledge of Japanese language, Japanese education, Japanese literature and culture, Japanese historical sociology, Japanese politics and economics, etc.
• The qualifications to become a highly skilled academic researcher at a university inside or outside Japan or professional teacher of Japanese language in an international institute of higher education or equivalent organization.

Theses：Doctoral Dissertation

• Go To Content
• Study in Kobe

Graduate School Admissions - Doctoral programmes

In order to enter Degree programs, students have to take and pass the entrance examinations and an interview conducted by Kobe University. Following are the general information on eligibility, selection method, and admission information for each Graduate School.

Eligibility

Applicants must be foreign nationals who do not hold Japanese nationality and have successfully completed 16 years of school education or the equivalent. Those who are expected to graduate by March 31 of the year they are entering are also eligible.

• For detailed information on each Graduate School’s eligibility requirements, please refer to each School’s website.

Selection Method

Students are selected by academic records and the result of the paper based and oral examinations conducted by each Graduate School. The types of examinations vary according to each Graduate School.

• Many international students choose to enter Kobe University as a Research Student non-degree seeking student conduct research while improving their Japanese language ability for about 1 year, and then move on to a degree-seeking program after passing the entrance examination.

How to Apply

1. find your future supervisor.

Graduate Schools either do or do not require students Graduate School, but it is always better to decide the faculty member by whom you wish to be supervised, considering your own research topic. Check the information about the faculty members at Master’s Programs and Doctoral Programs and contact the faculty member directly.

How to find the future academic supervisor?

• Make use of our Directory of Researchers in Kobe University .
• When contact information is not available on the website of Graduate School, contact the Student Affairs Section of relevant Graduate School .

2. Obtain Application Information and Application Forms

When to request.

Application information is usually available on the Graduate School website and also on the website of Japan Study Support. However in order to apply, applicants have to obtain the original application forms. Each Graduate School distributes application forms at certain period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and How to request

Applicants can obtain application forms either by visiting the office of each Graduate School directly or requesting by post. When requesting by post, be sure to enclose a return envelop with the necessary stamp attached to the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School.

• The return envelop should be a size that can enclose an A4-size Legal size without folding the forms.
• Please attach the necessary amount of stamp to the return envelop.
• For detailed information, please check the website of the relevant Graduate School.

When to apply

Each Graduate School has certain application period usually once a year or twice a year.

Where and how to apply

Send the Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School the necessary application materials by post. Must reach by the deadline, late arrival would not be considered for admission.

• Students who have different educational background than that of shown on page 59 need to be pre-assessed before application. Please inquire Student Affairs Section of respective Graduate School for detailed information.

4. Take the Examination

Each Graduate School has its own examination schedule. All examinations are conducted at Kobe University. Applicants should make arrangement to come to Kobe at this time.

5. Acceptance

How to find out the result.

In early March, applicants will receive an admission notice and other information by post if they passed the examination. Applicants who failed the examination will not receive the notice. If accepted, applicants must make the payment of admission fee by bank transfer, and submit the necessary documents.

6. Prepare for Coming to Japan

Prepare passport and visa (when applicants reside overseas).

In order to enter Japan, international students must have a passport and a “College Student Visa”. Please refer to “Procedure for Entering Japan” for details on how to apply for the visa.

Secure Accommodation

There are University housings and other accommodation that students can apply for through the university, but these rooms are limited. Please use the “Kobe University Student Apartment Search System” to look for private apartment. This system has been established with Nasic National Student Information Center for Kobe University international students. Students can also use this search system to reserve an apartment from overseas. It is available in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean) and will also support students with lease agreement. For more information please refer to “Housing information”.

Students can also search apartment through Kobe University Co-op Service Center after arrival in Kobe.

Reserve an airplane ticket and purchase a traveler’s insurance. (Recommended but optional) (when applicants resides overseas)

7. after arriving in japan, come to kobe university during the designated period to complete the necessary entrance procedures., participate in new student orientation, classes begin, make payment of tuition fees, for more information.

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3 Clusters in the PhD Program

The PhD program, according to specialized research areas, consists of 3 clusters that are formulated by further developing the 3 existing Master’s programs in GSIR, i.e.,“International Relations Program,” “International Development Program”, and “Public Management and Policy Analysis Program.”

International Relations Cluster

fosters researchers with the specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in the increasingly complex field of International Relations, including security, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as security policy formulation) and be implemented in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Economics Cluster

fosters researchers with the specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in Economics including quantitative and statistical methods, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as economic development or economic policy formulation) in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Public Management Cluster

fosters researchers with specialized knowledge and high-level research ability in Public Management, and fosters those professionals with the above-mentioned knowledge and abilities which can be applied to relevant jobs (such as effective management) in such places as international organizations and government bodies.

Degree Requirements

PhD candidates must satisfy the following requirements while enrolled in the program for a minimum of 3 years and receiving necessary research guidance.

■ To obtain 6 credits (3 courses) from the “Core Required Courses” (listed below).

International Relations Cluster 　 Advanced Studies in Theories of International Relations, Advanced Studies in International Political Economy, Advanced Studies in Human Rights and Global Justice Economics Cluster 　 Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Econometrics

Public Management Cluster 　 Advanced Public Management, Advanced Politics and  Governance, Advanced Public Policy Process

■ To obtain 9 credits from “PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminar I, II and III” (which carry 3 credits each).

■ To pass the comprehensive examination conducted at the end of 1st year. Candidates will be given a second chance during the 2nd year to take this examination if they fail the examination in the 1st year.

■ To pass the evaluation and the final examination of their PhD dissertation. The PhD dissertation is, in principle, comprised of three academic papers, one of which must be accepted by a refereed academic journal.

Curriculum and Courses

The PhD curriculum consists of Core  Required Courses and PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminars. The Courseworks are designed to give students high level specialized and scholastic knowledge and research capability required for PhD candidates. The PhD Dissertation Advanced Seminars are designed to give students guidance for writing a PhD dissertation.

Core Required Courses

Phd dissertation advanced seminars, 3-year schedule, phd faculty members, dormitories.

IUJ dormitories offer students a very special international experience. Each student occupies a private room and neighbors include men and women from all over the world. There are three single student dormitories (SD1, SD2 and SD3) and one married student dormitory (MSA). Each single room is furnished and has a private Western-style bathroom and an outlet and Wi-Fi access for connecting to the campus LAN. The dormitories also boast computer lounges, numerous meeting rooms, common kitchens, washing machines, TV lounges with satellite broadcasts, a billiards room, a tatami room, a prayer room, and storage.

Special Study Room (exclusively for PhD Students)

A special study room will be set up in the 1st floor of MLIC exclusively available for PhD students. The Study Room will be equipped with 15 lockers, 15 desks, one PC printer, cabinets and bookshelves. The Study Room will be located close to PC rooms and library which allows PhD students to easily access these facilities.

Matsushita Library and Information Center (MLIC)

The MLIC fulfills the dual roles of library and information center. Two computer rooms, offering PCs with Windows operating systems, are available. Students have unrestricted high-speed access to the entire range of resources offered on the Internet. With extensive database subscriptions and holdings on CD-ROM, the library offers free and easy access on and off campus to thousands of current journals and newspapers, many in full text, as well as to principal world economic statistics and data. MLIC also subscribes to leading financial data and market research services, which enable students to access real time information on business and market movements.

Admissions and Tuition Fees

Application and inquiries.

Office of Admissions and Career Support Graduate School of International Relations International University of Japan 777 Kokusai-cho, Minami Uonuma-shi, Niigata 949-7277 Japan TEL：+81-25-779-1200 ／ FAX：+81-25-779-1188 ／ E-MAIL： admgsir@iuj.ac.jp

Ph.D. in Japanese Literature and Culture

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for a doctoral degree in Japanese literature and culture.

Students should consult the most up-to-date version of the degree plan on the  Stanford Bulletin  as well as the  EALC Graduate Handbook . Each student should meet with their faculty advisor at least once per quarter to discuss the degree requirements and their progress.

Admission to Candidacy

Candidacy is the most important University milestone on the way to the Ph.D. degree. Admission to candidacy rests both on the fulfillment of department requirements and on an assessment by department faculty that the student has the potential to successfully complete the Ph.D.

Following University policy ( GAP 4.6.1 ), students are expected to complete the candidacy requirements by Spring Quarter of the second year of graduate study.

Pre-Candidacy Requirements

Demonstrate proficiency in modern and classical Japanese by completing the following courses or demonstrating equivalent linguistic attainment by passing the appropriate certifying examinations.

• JAPANLNG 213 - Fourth-Year Japanese, Third Quarter (2-4 units)
• JAPAN 264 - Introduction to Premodern Japanese (3-5 units)
• JAPAN 265 - Readings in Premodern Japanese (2-5 units)
• EALC 201 - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities I: Skills and Methodologies (3 units)
• EALC 202 - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities II: Current Scholarship (1 unit)

Complete eight advisor-approved courses numbered above 200 from among the offerings of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. At least four of these eight courses must be advanced seminars numbered above 300. At least one of these eight courses must deal with Japanese linguistics. For students focusing on modern literature, at least two of these eight courses must deal with premodern material. For students focusing on premodern literature, at least two of the eight courses must deal with modern material.

Complete two upper-division or graduate-level courses in two supporting fields for a total of four courses outside of Japanese literature or linguistics. Supporting fields, to be determined in consultation with the student’s primary advisor, may include Japanese anthropology, art, art history, history, philosophy, political science, religious studies, Chinese literature, Korean literature, comparative literature, etc.

All Doctoral students must complete an MA qualifying paper. An MA thesis is accepted instead of a qualifying paper for students initially admitted as EALC MA students. Students seeking an MA en route to the PhD must secure approval from the primary advisor and submit an MA thesis.

A graded MA qualifying paper or thesis must be submitted to the DGS and SSO with an accompanying note from the student’s primary advisor by week five of spring quarter of the second year of study for the annual review and candidacy decision.

During the quarter when students complete the MA qualifying paper or thesis (25-30 pages), they must enroll in  EALC 299 .

Teaching Requirement

• DLCL 301 - The Learning and Teaching of Second Languages (3 units)

Demonstrate pedagogical proficiency by serving as a teaching assistant for at least three quarters, starting no later than autumn quarter of the third year of graduate study. The department may approve exceptions to the timing of the language teaching requirement.

Post-Candidacy Requirements

Demonstrate proficiency in at least one supporting language to be chosen in consultation with the primary advisor according to the candidate’s specific research goals. Students concentrating on classical Japanese literature usually are expected to fulfill the supporting language requirement by completing  kanbun , JAPAN 265 - Readings in Premodern Japanese (2-5 units). For the supporting language, students must be proficient at the second-year level, at the minimum; a higher level of proficiency may be required depending on the advisor’s recommendation. Reading proficiency must be certified through a written examination or an appropriate amount of coursework to be determined on a case-by-case basis. When deemed necessary by the student’s advisor(s), working knowledge of an additional supporting language may also be required.

Pass a comprehensive qualifying examination that tests the candidate’s breadth and depth in the primary field of research and methodological competence in the relevant discipline before advancing to Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status.

Students should submit a dissertation prospectus before advancing to Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status. The prospectus should comprehensively describe the dissertation project and include sections on the project rationale, key research questions, contribution to the dissertation’s field, literature review, chapter-by-chapter description, a projected timeline, and bibliography.

Pass the University Oral Examination (dissertation defense). General regulations governing the oral examination are found in Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures ( GAP 4.7.1 ). The candidate is examined on questions related to the dissertation after acceptable parts have been completed in draft form.

Following university policy ( GAP 4.8.1 ), submit a dissertation demonstrating the ability to undertake original research based on primary and secondary materials in Japanese.

Japanese Literature and Culture Ph.D. students must complete a Qualifying Paper by week 5 of spring quarter of the second year as part of the Candidacy evaluation process. The Qualifying Paper should be 25-30 pages in length not including bibliography and must demonstrate the ability to develop and carry out an original research project using primary and secondary materials in Japanese. The Qualifying Paper can be an extension of a seminar paper, but its topic should be discussed with the student’s primary advisor prior to writing.

The Dissertation Prospectus Defense constitutes the first step toward faculty approval for the student’s proposed dissertation project and should be completed before the student begins to apply for external funding to conduct doctoral research in Japan – typically by Spring quarter of the third year, but sometimes in Spring or Summer quarter of the second year if the student’s research agenda is already well defined by that time. The defense is a two-hour oral exam conducted by the student’s dissertation reading committee (minimum of three faculty members, including the primary advisor). The prospectus, 12-15 pages not including bibliography, must be submitted to committee members at least two weeks prior to the defense.

The Comprehensive Exam is a two-hour oral exam on Japanese literature with three examiners. The reading list (maximum 150 titles) must be approved by them at least one quarter in advance. The list must include primary texts in Japanese literature as well as core texts in methodology; students may also add a subfield and a fourth examiner if deemed necessary by their primary advisor for their research and credentialing. To pass the exam students must demonstrate competency in literary history and critical issues for the field of Japanese literary studies, selected methodologies, and key issues in any subfield. The Comprehensive Exam must be completed by the end of the fourth year.

• Doctoral Program in Psychology
• Program Listing

Doctoral Program in Psychology Department Website (Japanese Only)

This program offers three different courses: Perceptual and Cognitive Psychology, Educational and Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology. This three-year curriculum is based on the knowledge and skills that students gained from M.A. level trainings. This program is designed to equip its graduates with necessary conceptual, methodological, and teaching skills for careers in academic and practical settings. We work in co-operation in the areas of psychology with Doctoral Program in Human Care Science, Doctoral Program in Kansei, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, and Doctoral Program in Lifespan Developmental Sciences. On completion, we offer a doctoral degree in psychology or research.

Educational Policy

This three-year curriculum is based on the knowledge and skills that students gained from M.A. level trainings. This program is designed to equip its graduates with necessary conceptual, methodological, and teaching skills for careers in academic and practical settings.

• [First Year]
• Laboratory Training in Psychology I
• Presentation and Joint Supervision on Research Plan for Doctor Thesis
• [First Year and after]
• Laboratory Training in Psychology II
• Advanced Lectures related with Psychology
• Advanced Seminars (Supervision on Writing Doctor Thesis)
• [Third Year and after]
• Preliminary Examination of Doctor Thesis (Presentation and Joint Supervision)

Type of degree

Ph D. in Psychology

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Charting Your PhD Journey in Japan: Admission, Lifestyle, and Balancing Work with Study

Japan, with its unique blend of ancient culture and technological innovation, offers a compelling environment for ambitious PhD students. Whether you’re diving into cutting-edge research or exploring the bustling streets, life as a doctoral candidate here is full of potential. But to truly thrive, understanding the ins and outs of admissions, budgeting for your lifestyle, and mastering the Japanese language is key.

Advantages of Pursuing PhD in Tokyo

Application Process and Timeline for a PhD Program

Can You Apply From Overseas?

List of English PhD programs offered by Universities in Japan

Navigating financial waters: living as a phd student, working while you learn, mastering japanese: a strategic move for phd students in japan, the key to professional opportunities, advantages of pursuing a phd in tokyo.

There are many advantages to pursuing an English-speaking PhD or master’s degree in Tokyo. Here are just a few:

• High-quality education: Tokyo’s universities are renowned for their academic rigor and research excellence. Many of these universities are ranked among the top institutions in the world.
• Cultural immersion: Tokyo is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage. Pursuing a degree in Tokyo will give you the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
• Networking opportunities : Tokyo is a global hub for business and innovation. You will have the opportunity to network with leading professionals worldwide.
• Career prospects: A degree from a prestigious university in Tokyo will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Application Process and Timeline for PhD Programs

Embarking on a PhD in Japan starts with navigating the admissions process. Programs in English are widely available, particularly in science and technology, economics, business, and various interdisciplinary fields. Admission requires a relevant master’s degree, a well-defined research proposal, and often proficiency in English or Japanese. The admission process for PhD programs in Japan typically varies from university to university. However, the general steps involved in the application process are as follows:

• Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. Check the program website for specific admissions requirements and deadlines.
• Submitting Application Documents: Required documents may include transcripts, recommendation letters, research proposals, and language proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
• Participating in Entrance Examinations: Some universities conduct written examinations or interviews to assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for research.

The application deadlines for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo typically range from April to June. However, it is always best to check with the individual university for the most up-to-date information.

Can You Apply from Overseas?

Applications for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs in Tokyo can typically be submitted from overseas. The application process is usually online, and you must submit the required documents digitally. However, some universities may also require you to send a physical copy of your application materials.

Additional Considerations

• Admissions requirements: Each university will have its own admissions requirements for English-speaking PhD and Master’s programs. These requirements may vary depending on the program, but they typically include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• Language proficiency: While most English-speaking Ph.D. and Master’s programs in Tokyo do not require Japanese language proficiency, having some basic Japanese language skills is always a good idea. This will help you navigate daily life in Japan and make the most of your experience.
• Funding: There are a number of funding opportunities available for international PhD students in Japan, including scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. It is important to research these opportunities carefully and apply for those you are eligible for.

Scholarships

Scholarships such as MEXT, Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships, or university-specific grants are vital in supporting your academic journey. They cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses, allowing you to immerse in your studies and the rich culture of Japan. Read what each scholarship offers below!

1. The Japanese Government ( MEXT ) Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). There are scholarships available for privately financed international students, as well as those under student exchange agreements. The application for the 2024 MEXT Japanese Studies Scholarship will open in January 2024 . Value of Award:

• 100% of tuition (covered by the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship)
• 145,000 JPY per month for living expenses (amount subject to change)
• Economy class air travel between the home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program. 

2. Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is provided for future students of Japanese universities and graduate schools. This program serves two different application periods. If your expected enrollment is April 2024, the deadline is March 1, 2024 . If the expected enrollment is September/October 2024, the deadline is August 1, 2024.

Value of Award:

• 100% of tuition 
• The scholarship provides a monthly stipend for the duration of time, for Doctoral students: 140,000 JPY per month for two years

3. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship

This fellowship is awarded to postdoctoral researchers who are conducting research in Japan. The JSPS offers two different programs long-term and Short-term; the application period is from mid-April to June 7, 2023 .

• 200,000 JPY per month for living expenses
• Leave for childbirth and childcare: Fellows are allowed to suspend their research for childbirth and childcare and are offered a path back into the laboratory. They can also choose to work short hours while on such leave.

4. The Fulbright Specialist Program Japan

This is a partial funding international scholarship provided by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for international students. For those candidates that met all eligibility requirements, you may apply to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster twice every 12 months . If you were not approved with your first application, you may reapply immediately and be included in the next peer review panel cycle. 

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) offers about 135 graduate scholarships annually for studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields. 

As a PhD student in Japan, you’re allowed to work part-time up to 28 hours a week during term-time and full-time during vacations. This can supplement your scholarship and provide real-world experience, but it’s essential to balance this with your study commitments.

For PhD students aspiring to work in Japan, proficiency in the Japanese language is invaluable. It paves the way for greater job opportunities, deeper cultural integration, and successful networking. 

Get the Full Japanese Experience

– Cultural Integration: Understanding the language is the first step to truly immersing yourself in Japanese culture and society.

– Work Eligibility: Many employers prefer or require proficiency in Japanese to navigate the local business environment and workplace culture.

– Networking: Speaking Japanese opens up a wealth of networking opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible, helping you to build valuable connections for your career.

If you’re a PhD aspirant in Japan with an eye on the job market, gaining proficiency in Japanese is more than just an academic requirement—it’s a strategic career move. The ability to communicate effectively in Japanese can significantly broaden your professional horizons and make you a compelling candidate in the job market, both during and after your PhD studies.

Our Language Courses: Tailor-Made for Your Success

Recognizing the importance of Japanese language skills for PhD students in Japan, our part-time and online courses are designed to fit into a busy academic schedule:

– Part-Time Japanese Courses These are ideal for PhD students who want to balance their research with language study. With flexible class times, you can learn Japanese without compromising your academic commitments.

– Online Japanese Courses For maximum flexibility, coto’s online Japanese courses allow you to learn from anywhere, at any time. This means you can advance your language skills even during fieldwork or if you’re on a research trip.

As a PhD student in Japan, your success isn’t solely determined by your academic achievements; it also hinges on your ability to navigate the local language and culture. By integrating Coto Japanese language courses into your study routine, you’re not just preparing for your dissertation defense—you’re setting the stage for a flourishing career in Japan. So, take the first step towards unlocking your full potential in the Japanese job market with our dedicated language courses, crafted to help you excel in both your studies and your professional life.

Test your Japanese level!

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• First Online: 28 September 2022

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The value of the Prospective PhD by Publication lies in its pragmatic nature, especially to those who envision an academic career, because it aids the transformation of students into independent researchers. However, as a relatively new option for doctoral researchers, particularly in the social sciences, the ways in which the Prospective PhD by Publication contributes to the careers of new researchers is not yet clear. This chapter provides important insights from three Australian women who completed their doctoral training adopting a Prospective PhD by Publication approach, and who have since gone on to full-time careers in academia. Using a collaborative autoethnography design, and guided by theories of academic enculturation and identity development, the study reported explores how the Prospective PhD by Publication has facilitated participants’ continuing careers in academia.

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Mason, S., Merga, M., Bond, M. (2022). From PhD by Publication to Full-Time Academic: Narratives of Three Women. In: Chong, S.W., Johnson, N. (eds) Landscapes and Narratives of PhD by Publication. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04895-1_12

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Guide to Studying PhD in Japan for International Students

Want to study for a PhD in Japan but not sure where to start? This article introduces all you need to know about PhD in Japan, from what programs are like, admission requirements, and what English PhD programs in Japan there are. 

First Published: 2021-05-17 Updated: 2024-01-12

Table of Contents

Why should you study for a PhD in Japan?

• Program Types, Durations, and Admission Requirements

PhD in Japan for International Students

Phd programs in japan in english, what is the applicable visa to study in japan, what is the cost to study for a phd in japan, are there scholarships for phds in japan.

Japanese graduate schools are called 大学院 (Daigakuin) . They consists of Master’s courses, 修士 (Shuushi Katei), to obtain a Master’s Degree, “修士号 (Shuushigo)” and PhD courses, 博士課程 (Hakushi Katei) to obtain a PhD, 博士号 (Hakushigo) . 

In this article, we will focus on PhD Programs in Japan, what they are like, and what English PhD programs are there for international students. A person who has graduated from a PhD course is called 先生 (Sensei) or 博士 (Hakase) - Dr. in Japan. 

The reasons for why you should study for a PhD in Japan are pretty much the same reasons for choosing Japan to study abroad , whether it’s for undergraduate studies, Japanese language studies, or graduate school studies. The reasons include:

• World-Ranked Universities in Japan like University of Tokyo and Kyoto University and Nagoya University that rank among the Top 100 globally.
• Japanese universities excel at research and technology. Many universities are research-intensive which makes for a great study environment, especially for post-graduate education and post-doc. 
• There are Japanese graduate schools offering English PhD programs. Many universities offer Japanese classes (in many cases mandatory, but higher levels optional) to help international students integrate into life in Japan. 
• Scholarships for international students, including for PhD courses.
• Helpful if you are planning to continue working in Japan after completing your PhD. Also good for career prospects outside Japan.
• Endless opportunities to expose yourself to Japanese culture and tradition. There’s no better way to learn about Japan than being at the source. On weekends and holidays, take the chance to explore. 

Are you convinced to study for a PhD in Japan yet? From hereon, we will introduce in detail PhD programs in Japan. 

What are PhD Programs in Japan like? 

The doctoral program, better known as PhD, is the highest level of education to exist. A PhD is an advanced degree earned in various fields after successfully completing a research thesis. An individual can generally opt to study for a PhD after completion of a Master’s program. 

In Japan, PhD is called 博士号 (Hakushigo) . PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, and graduates are bestowed the title of “Doctor (Dr.)”. In Japan, Doctor (Dr.) is called 博士 (Hakase), though most people go by 先生 (Sensei) . 

Program Types, Their Durations, and Admission Requirements

The duration of a PhD program depends on your choice of subject and research thesis. Typically, a PhD program takes around 5 years to complete for those who graduated from a 4 years long undergraduate program. Specialized fields like medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental have 6 years long Bachelor’s degree programs and no Master’s program, and therefore their PhD programs are 4 years long. 

In Japan, PhD programs are commonly split into 2 phases. Depending on their highest level of education (Master’s or Bachelor’s), students have an option of starting from the first phase or skipping to the second phase. 

First Phase is called First Half of a PhD Program (2 Years)

Called 博士前期課程 (Hakushi Zenki Katei) , the first phase’s curriculum includes studies to obtain a Master’s degree , which is a prerequisite requirement for most PhD programs. The first phase is a 2 Years long program.

According to JASSO , one of the following admission requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to join this program:

• Graduates from 4 Years long university program (Japanese university)
• Graduates with Bachelor’s degree from at least 3 Years long foreign university program; 5 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Graduates of Bachelor’s degree from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
• Graduates from National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan Coast Guard Academy, Meteorological College, or any ministry or agency established academy or college
• Graduates from international schools in Japan that are officially recognised as being equivalent to an overseas university
• Those who have completed specialized coursework at designated vocational schools
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in their home country; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in Japan via online curriculum offered by an overseas institution; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed studies at school under Japan’s old education system
• Those aged above 22 who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Second Phase is called Second Half of a PhD Program

Master’s degree holders can skip the first phase to join the second phase. Called 博士後期課程 (Hakushi Kouki Katei) , the second phase is typically 3 Years long , but 4 Years for medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental fields. 

• Graduates with a Master’s, professional degree, or equivalent foreign degree
• Graduates with a Master’s or professional degree from an overseas institution done via online curriculum while living in Japan
• Graduates with degrees equivalent to a Master’s or professional degree from international schools in Japan recognised as being equivalent to an overseas graduate school
• Graduates with Bachelor’s or equivalent degree who have completed minimum 2 Years research at university or research facility having the same academic prowess as a Master’s degree holder
• Those with a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree from United Nations University 
• Those aged 24 or above who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Most graduate school programs in Japan are taught entirely in Japanese. For international students seeking to join these programs, demonstration of a high level of Japanese proficiency, at least N1, is required. This is to ensure that you are able to understand the curriculum in order to complete the course. 

Fortunately, with the increasing number of international students in Japan, many universities have started internationalizing their programs with English-taught courses , including for PhD. There are programs taught mostly in English with supplementary Japanese, as well as programs taught completely in English. 

For English-taught PhD programs, students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency with English proficiency certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC. This requirement may be exempt for individuals whose undergraduate or Master’s degree shows high mastery in English.

Different universities offer PhD programs in different fields of study, so you will need to do a thorough search to find one that matches your interest. JASSO’s Search for Schools tool is incredibly helpful for this. You can search for educational institutions that accept international students by degree (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD), school type (public, national, private), school location, field of study, medium of instruction, etc. 

To further help you, we have curated a list of 6 PhD programs in Japan which are popular, along with the names of universities offering these programs. 

Visa, Tuition Fees and Scholarships for PhD in Japan

The applicable status of residence for international students in Japan is 留学 (Ryuugaku), aka “Study Abroad”. 

Coming from Overseas

If you are coming from overseas to study for a PhD in Japan, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university in order to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Upon entering Japan, you will be bestowed a status of residence and a residence card, which acts as your identity card.

Read more about Japan Visa, Status of Residence, and Residence Card here .

Existing Resident in Japan

If you are an existing resident in Japan, you will not need a Visa or a Certificate of Eligibility, which are required for first entry into Japan. 

If you are already an international student in Japan, and planning to advance your studies to Master’s or PhD, then you may need to apply for “Extension of Period of Stay”, which can be done easily online now. Learn how to do it step by step here .

If you are a resident in Japan, but on a different type of status of residence, say the most common “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or some other type of work visa, then you will need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”. This can also be done online now with a My Number Card and IC card reader. 

In Japan, universities and graduate schools can be divided into 3 types of institutions - national, public and private. The admission and tuition fees for each type of institution is different with national schools having the lowest cost. 

In Japan, the first year’s cost for university and graduate schools is higher than the subsequent years. This is because applicants need to pay an admission fee in addition to the year’s tuition fee. 

The first year, aka admission year, cost for PhD that consists of that year’s tuition fee and an admission fee is:

• Approx. 820,000 Yen for National Institution
• Approx. 900,000 Yen for Public Institution
• Approx. 850,000 Yen (medical studies) or 1,100,000 Yen (non-medical studies for Private Institutions

Tuition fees will vary between universities so be sure to check the particulars when applying. 

【Helpful Reading】

• For differences between national, public and private universities in Japan.
• For the cost breakdown of studying abroad in Japan, including tuition fees and living costs.

Yes, there are scholarships for PhDs in Japan. According to JASSO , there are altogether 119 PhD program scholarships for international students for 2023 - 2024. Among the 119, 12 are available to apply before coming to Japan, and the remaining 107 can only be applied for after coming to Japan. 

Read more about Japanese scholarships and how to apply for them here . 

Education plays a crucial role in personal, social, and economic development. Achieving a PhD is sure to improve your confidence, greatly enhance your knowledge, and will make some higher level jobs available to you. After obtaining a PhD, many people choose to continue their research in universities or research centers as post-doc researchers. There are also many other consultation jobs available that requires your expertise. 

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Japanese Language PhD

The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures offers a PhD program in Japanese Language. The department only admits students into the PhD program.

As a rule, students wishing to enter the graduate program should have completed an undergraduate program comparable to the undergraduate major in this department. Students who do not have BA or MA degrees in East Asian Languages and Cultures (or Japanese) or in similar fields can be considered for admission. If admitted, these students are often required to make up deficiencies in their course work. This can result in a lengthening of the normative time to degree (seven years).

The department only admits students into the PhD program. You must indicate that a PhD is your degree goal on the application materials. Students who have not completed an MA degree before beginning study at Berkeley will have to complete the requirements for the MA before proceeding to the PhD program. After completion of the MA requirements (coursework and thesis), students are evaluated for permission to proceed to the PhD portion of the program. Students who have completed an MA degree before beginning study at Berkeley may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. After one year in the PhD program, such students will be evaluated before being permitted to continue in the program.

UC Berkeley graduate students from other disciplines who are considering transferring into the degree program in Japanese language undergo the same faculty review as first-time applicants. However, they do not complete the Graduate Application. Students in this category should contact the department graduate assistant for instructions.

The length of time needed to complete an advanced degree in the department depends on financial considerations, the extent of the student's earlier preparation, and other factors. Under optimum conditions, the MA can be earned in two years and the PhD in an additional four to five years.

Step by Step. To learn how best to prepare for study at the graduate level in the humanities and the social sciences, current undergraduates may find useful Step by Step , a resource for UC Berkeley students to enrich their undergraduate academic experience and to prepare for graduate school.

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December 4, 2023

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• Published: 14 May 2024

2023 summer warmth unparalleled over the past 2,000 years

• Jan Esper   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3919-014X 1 , 2 ,
• Max Torbenson   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2720-2238 1 &
• Ulf Büntgen 2 , 3 , 4  

Nature ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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We are providing an unedited version of this manuscript to give early access to its findings. Before final publication, the manuscript will undergo further editing. Please note there may be errors present which affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.

• Climate change
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Including an exceptionally warm Northern Hemisphere (NH) summer 1 ,2 , 2023 has been reported as the hottest year on record 3-5 . Contextualizing recent anthropogenic warming against past natural variability is nontrivial, however, because the sparse 19 th century meteorological records tend to be too warm 6 . Here, we combine observed and reconstructed June-August (JJA) surface air temperatures to show that 2023 was the warmest NH extra-tropical summer over the past 2000 years exceeding the 95% confidence range of natural climate variability by more than half a degree Celsius. Comparison of the 2023 JJA warming against the coldest reconstructed summer in 536 CE reveals a maximum range of pre-Anthropocene-to-2023 temperatures of 3.93°C. Although 2023 is consistent with a greenhouse gases-induced warming trend 7 that is amplified by an unfolding El Niño event 8 , this extreme emphasizes the urgency to implement international agreements for carbon emission reduction.

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Department of Geography, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

Jan Esper & Max Torbenson

Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic

Jan Esper & Ulf Büntgen

Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Ulf Büntgen

Department of Geography, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

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Esper, J., Torbenson, M. & Büntgen, U. 2023 summer warmth unparalleled over the past 2,000 years. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07512-y

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07512-y

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What’s Up with Inflation Expectations in Japan?

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FRBSF Economic Letter 2024-13 | May 20, 2024

Both actual inflation and inflation expectations increased recently in Japan after decades of being undesirably low. An estimate based on nominal and real Japanese bond yields adjusted for liquidity and other risk premiums confirms that investors’ long-term inflation expectations have also increased. However, projections indicate that further increases are less likely and that long-term expected inflation in Japan is likely to remain anchored below the Bank of Japan’s 2% inflation target.

Inflation in Japan was below desirable levels for decades, including episodes of actual deflation. In response, the Bank of Japan tried various policies to raise inflation, including the adoption of a formal 2% inflation target in 2013. However, none of those efforts succeeded in achieving a persistent rise in inflation (see Christensen and Spiegel 2019 for a review). Since spring 2022, though, there has been a notable and seemingly lasting increase in Japanese inflation. Moreover, there are tentative signs that inflation expectations in Japan may have moved up in response to the spike in inflation. For example, surveys indicate that professional forecasters have lifted both their short-term forecasts for inflation in 2024 and their long-term expectations for average inflation over the coming decade.

This upturn in inflation and measures of expected inflation coincides with a booming stock market—Japan’s Nikkei index recently surpassed its previous 1989 all-time high—suggesting investor optimism. At the same time, though, measures of economic growth over the last couple of quarters have been disappointing, which may reflect declining economic momentum.

Given Japan’s difficulty escaping its long history of undesirably low inflation, the sustainability of the recent upturn remains in question. In this Economic Letter , we turn to Japanese bond markets to produce market-based estimates of investors’ expectations for future inflation using a novel model of nominal and real Japanese government bond yields described in Christensen and Spiegel (2024). Our yield curve model is the first to account for liquidity risk in real yields while also adjusting for inflation and deflation risk premia. Our results indicate that long-term inflation expectations have increased over the past couple of years, above levels indicated by recent survey data. However, our model projections suggest that further increases are less likely and that long-term expectations for future inflation will remain anchored below Japan’s 2% inflation target.

Recent inflation developments in Japan

Consumer price index (CPI) inflation in Japan has been well below the 2% target adopted by the Bank of Japan in 2013 for much of this century. This has included several periods of declining prices, such as during the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Japanese CPI inflation

The increase in inflation since spring 2022 may have changed Japanese inflation dynamics in a lasting way. One noticeable change is that inflation has remained elevated for several months. Also, there are early signs that inflation expectations in Japan may have started to respond. Figure 2 shows that professional forecasters surveyed by Consensus Economics have progressively lifted their monthly responses for the short-term inflation outlook for 2024, reflected in the median projection (solid blue line) and range of forecasts (dashed blue lines). Perhaps more importantly, they also raised their long-term expectations for average inflation over the next 10 years. These are reported every six months and are shown as a green data point for the 10-year forecast as of each corresponding survey date.

Figure 2 Short-and long-term Japanese CPI inflation forecasts

Given Japan’s history of unsuccessful attempts at raising inflation, it remains unclear whether recent increases in inflation are likely to be sustained. One risk is that long-term inflation expectations could return to their pre-pandemic lower levels, as has happened in the past. Maintaining long-term inflation expectations that are anchored near the Bank of Japan’s 2% inflation target is likely necessary for achieving and sustaining that target.

Using bond pricing to estimate inflation expectations

Following our work in Christensen and Spiegel (2024), we generate market-based estimates of expected long-term Japanese inflation. We examine yields for inflation-indexed bonds issued by the Japanese government from January 2005 to the end of March 2024. We also include a sample of Japanese nominal zero-coupon government bond yields from 1995 through the end of March 2024.

Japanese inflation-indexed bonds have always protected against inflation by adjusting interest payments, known as coupons, and principal payments to compensate holders for increases in the Japanese CPI from issuance to maturity. However, inflation-indexed bonds issued since 2013 also provide “deflation protection,” in that they pay off their nominal payment at maturity if deflation has occurred over the lifetime of the bond. Due to Japan’s very low inflation and occasional deflation over the past 20 years, this protection has turned out to be valuable—worth well over half a percentage point for extended periods.

The difference between nominal and inflation-adjusted yields on bonds of the same maturity, commonly known as the breakeven inflation (BEI) rate, is widely used to assess inflation expectations. However, there are three distinctions between the BEI rate implied by Japan’s inflation-indexed bonds and expected inflation. First, BEI rates contain an inflation risk premium, which is the additional positive or negative return required by investors to compensate for exposure to risk associated with future inflation. Second, BEI rates also reflect the value of deflation protection discussed earlier. This enhancement raises the value of inflation-indexed bonds and hence pushes down their real yields, which can distort upwards the measurement of inflation expectations through BEI rates. Finally, variation in the relative liquidity between the tiny inflation-indexed bond market, which represents only about 1% of government debt in Japan, and the huge nominal Japanese government bond market can add an additional layer of distortion.

Using the Christensen and Spiegel (2024) model, we adjust observed BEI rates for all three distortions, namely inflation risk premia, deflation protection, and liquidity. We also incorporate the semiannual 10-year forecasts of CPI inflation from the Consensus Economics survey of professional forecasters into our model estimation. As shown by Kim and Orphanides (2012), incorporating these external forecasts tends to improve the plausibility over long horizons. However, to ensure our results are driven by market data, we minimize the impact of the survey information by only including the survey forecasts once every two years. We use the April forecasts in uneven years since 2005.

Result of BEI according to components

Figure 3 breaks out some components of the 10-year BEI rates produced by our model. The red line shows the observed 10-year BEI rate without any adjustment. Although it has trended up since 2020, it remained well below the Bank of Japan’s 2% inflation target. After adjustments for liquidity risk premiums and the value of deflation protection, we are left with the adjusted 10-year BEI rate (light blue line). The wedge between the two 10-year BEI rates is driven primarily by the value of the deflation protection. This wedge was small prior to 2013 because the indexed bonds trading at that time did not provide this protection. Importantly, after these adjustments, long-term BEI rates in Japan have been generally lower than unadjusted BEI rates would suggest.

Figure 3 Japan’s 10-year breakeven inflation components

Our model, combined with our assumption of no arbitrage in the deep and liquid Japanese bond market, can also be used to gauge investors’ expected inflation over the next 10 years, shown in the figure as a dark blue line. Finally, we calculate the residual 10-year inflation risk premium (green line) by deducting our estimated 10-year expected inflation from the 10-year adjusted BEI rate. Our estimate of expected inflation has been relatively stable and usually remains well above the observed 10-year BEI rate. In contrast, our estimate of the 10-year inflation risk premium has been volatile and almost always negative.

Most of the recent increase in unadjusted 10-year BEI rates reflects the increase in the inflation risk premium, which has turned positive as the risk of very low inflation has declined. This is a sign that the outlook for inflation in Japan is now more balanced than it has been over the past 10 years. In comparison, 10-year expected inflation has experienced a more modest but still notable uptick since 2020.

Outlook for long-term inflation expectations

So where do Japan’s long-term inflation expectations go from here? To offer an answer, we follow the approach of Christensen, Lopez, and Rudebusch (2015) and simulate paths over a 10-year horizon, accounting for the shape of the nominal and real yield curves and investors’ embedded forward-looking expectations as of the end of our sample.

Figure 4 extends our estimate from Figure 3 to show the median projection for our 10-year expected inflation through 2034 (dashed dark blue line). The median projection suggests that 10-year expected inflation is predicted to drop to a level close to 1.20% within the next 24 months and stay there for the remainder of the projection period. However, the wide range of the 99% confidence bands around our median estimate (dashed light blue lines) reflects sizable uncertainty around this point prediction, particularly at long horizons.

Figure 4 Projections of 10-year expected inflation in Japan

For perspective, Figure 4 also shows that our estimates of 10-year expected inflation tended to be above the Consensus Economics survey results, shown by the biennial green data points used in our model estimation. This suggests that bond investors appear to have been more optimistic than professional forecasters about the long-term outlook for inflation in Japan since 2005. The mild upward bias leads us to conclude that further increases in expected long-term inflation in Japan are likely to be limited. Moreover, long-term expected inflation will most likely remain anchored at a level somewhat below the 2% target set by the Bank of Japan. Note, however, that our projections and confidence bands suggest that investors do not expect a return to Japanese deflation over the next 10 years and allows for long-term inflation expectations to remain anchored around current levels.

After several decades of very low and at times negative price changes, inflation in Japan recently surged above the 2% inflation target set by the Bank of Japan in 2013. At the same time, survey evidence suggests that inflation expectations in Japan have moved higher. However, mixed signals from Japanese economic activity and Japanese equity markets raise the question of whether this increase in Japanese inflation will be sustained.

In this Letter , we estimate long-term Japanese inflation expectations using a novel model of nominal and real Japanese government bond yields that adjusts for inflation risk, liquidity risk, and the deflation protection afforded by Japanese inflation-indexed bonds issued since 2013. Our estimates confirm that investors’ long-term expected inflation has trended up over the past couple of years. However, our projections suggest that long-term expected inflation is not likely to increase much further in the coming years, leaving inflation expectations in Japan anchored at a level below the Bank of Japan’s 2% inflation target.

Christensen, Jens H.E., Jose A. Lopez, and Glenn D. Rudebusch. 2015. “A Probability-Based Stress Test of Federal Reserve Assets and Income.” Journal of Monetary Economics 73, pp. 26–43.

Christensen, Jens H.E., and Mark M. Spiegel. 2019. “ Negative Interest Rates and Inflation Expectations in Japan .” FRBSF Economic Letter 2019-22 (August 26).

Christensen, Jens H.E., and Mark M. Spiegel. 2022. “Monetary Reforms and Inflation Expectations in Japan: Evidence from Inflation-Indexed Bonds.” Journal of Econometrics 231(2), pp. 410–431.

Christensen, Jens H.E., and Mark M. Spiegel. 2024. “Inflation Expectations, Liquidity Premia and Global Spillovers in Japanese Bond Markets.” FRB San Francisco Working Paper 2024-12.

Kim, Don H., and Athanasios Orphanides. 2012. “Term Structure Estimation with Survey Data on Interest Rate Forecasts.” Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis 47(1), pp. 241–272.

Opinions expressed in FRBSF Economic Letter do not necessarily reflect the views of the management of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. This publication is edited by Anita Todd and Karen Barnes. Permission to reprint portions of articles or whole articles must be obtained in writing. Please send editorial comments and requests for reprint permission to [email protected]