This week, we’re exploring Meiji University, one of Tokyo’s most established and forward-thinking institutions, with which we have partnered as part of our Tokyo Programme, with a particular focus on its business and MBA programmes.
Built for Change, Not Just Tradition
Some universities showcase a country’s history. Others indicate its future. Meiji, founded in 1881 during Japan’s early rapid modernisation, initially served as a law school. The nation was opening up, rebuilding institutions, and needed people who understood how modern systems operated.
Meiji’s early emphasis on law, governance, and commerce mirrored the needs of a nation transforming into a modern economy. That foundation continues today through its strong business education, where management, finance, and entrepreneurship are taught in direct connection with real-world economic change.
As Japan evolved, so did the university, expanding into science, technology, agriculture, and international studies. What has remained consistent is its core idea: education should respond to real-world change. Meiji isn’t just a collection of faculties but a system designed to evolve with society, and its business and MBA programmes reflect that same adaptability.
A University Embedded in Tokyo with a Global Outlook
Meiji operates across multiple campuses, each serving a distinct role and offering a different perspective on student life.
Surugadai places students in central Tokyo, close to the country’s business and political heart, creating a direct link between academic study and Japan’s corporate environment. This proximity is particularly relevant for business and MBA students, who engage with the realities of operating in one of the world’s largest economies.
Nakano focuses on international and interdisciplinary programmes. Ikuta hosts science, engineering, and agricultural research, while Izumi supports early undergraduate study.
With partnerships spanning hundreds of universities worldwide and a growing number of English-taught programmes, Meiji is clearly geared toward the global stage. Its goal is not just to educate students for Japan but for an interconnected economy, where cross-border business and global strategy are increasingly central.
At the same time, it remains rooted in the Japanese context, from business practices to governance and culture. For international students, this balance offers a valuable perspective: understanding global business through a distinctly Japanese lens.
Research That Connects to Reality
A hallmark of Meiji is its focus on applied research. In business and management, this translates into work that engages with corporate strategy, innovation, and economic development, alongside its strengths in technology and sustainability.
Strong connections with industry and public institutions ensure that research translates into real-world applications. For MBA and business students, this creates a clear link between theory and applications, reflecting how decisions are made in live market environments.
Visiting Meiji University
Meiji University offers more than a standard campus visit. It provides insight into how a major economy develops business talent, exposure to a large and multidisciplinary university model, and a clear view of how education, industry, and city life intersect.
For students interested in business, entrepreneurship, or global markets, it also offers a practical perspective on how Japanese companies operate, how talent is developed, and how universities support that ecosystem.
Our Tokyo Programme includes the opportunity to visit Meiji University as part of a broader exploration of business, innovation, and education in Japan.
To find out more or to include Meiji University in your itinerary, contact us at contact@insiderlondon.com.