Graduate Studies in Japan

[nikorudesu]

Hi everyone-
I suppose this is a rather general question, at least to get me pointed (or headed) in the right direction. Having spent some time during my undergraduate studies at a university in Japan, I've found myself toying with the idea of moving into graduate studies back in Japan. Problem is, though, I really have no clue where to start! After this year, I will have a B.A. in Advertising, something I've found exceedingly difficult to translate into a graduate line of study and may be a little tough to find in Japan. Not too many places I've found have a specific program for Advertising students.

Does anyone perhaps have some suggestions as far as graduate programs to look into or suggestions as to what line of study I could possibly fall under? I apologize for being so vague, I'm just incredibly bewildered by the process as a whole haha.
With thanks,
-niko

 

[architek]

Hi Nikorudesu!

Was your previous studies in Advertising focused more on business or graphic design? For graphic design, I would recommend checking out Lars Martinson's blog (cartoonist, mext scholar in japan) which gives an enlightening view on the application process. For business-related degree, I really don't have any experience in but the MEXT website publishes a list every year which highlights which fields are accepting mext students & also english programs. I would check that first, then contact the respective professors to learn more about the application process. I'm applying to different programs and for one, all application materials are due at the end of October and the other requires the papers are turned in by the end of December... so it varies a lot depending on the university.

 

[nikorudesu]

Architek-

Thank you so much for your insight! Currently, my track is on the business-end of advertising. I'm finished with school this year, but I believe I would like to take a year off to kind of gain my bearings and make some choices. The process is bewildering enough here in the US, so I'm glad that you've at least got me pointed in the right direction! Thank you again.