The 20 Best Universities in Japan to Study Law in 2026

Preliminary Note: Ranking Methodology

The preparation of this ranking has been based on a combined analysis of different aspects that help us better understand each university and the education it provides. We have examined their curricula, the structure of their programmes and the way each institution organises teaching, paying particular attention to the quality and up-to-date nature of the content, as well as its connection to students’ needs and the challenges facing society.

We have also taken into account the teaching methods, resources and facilities available at each university. These elements help shape the environment in which academic life takes place and can directly influence students’ experiences. In addition, we have reviewed information published on the institutions’ own websites, their news and their presence in the media, as complementary ways to understand their initiatives, development and the image they project.

The analysis has been complemented by exploratory consultations conducted on a random basis among young people and students. The aim was to understand how they perceive the education they receive and what they think of the university they attend. These impressions offer a perspective rooted in students’ everyday experiences and complement the examination of institutional information. We have also considered, as supplementary material, assessments and references produced by other institutions and specialised organisations, without allowing them to replace our own analysis.

The competitiveness of universities and their ability to respond to current academic and professional demands also form part of the assessment. However, we believe that the quality of an institution cannot be measured solely by its market position, resources or international profile. We have therefore chosen to pay particular attention to the human dimension: honesty, a humanistic approach to education, ethics, learning and the transmission of values.

In our view, a university fully fulfils its purpose when, in addition to preparing students for professional practice, it contributes to their personal and civic development. Academic excellence is inseparable from responsibility, respect, critical thinking and the ability to act with integrity. With this approach, the ranking seeks to offer a broad view of universities, considering both the strength of their educational offering and the principles that guide the education they provide.

The University of Tokyo leads the ranking compiled by Impact Lawyers, followed by Kyoto University and Waseda University.

How the ranking was compiled

The University of Tokyo tops the first edition of the Impact Lawyers ranking of the best universities in Japan to study Law. Kyoto University and Waseda University occupy second and third place, respectively, while Keio University, Hitotsubashi University and Osaka University complete the top six.

To prepare this ranking, Impact Lawyers presents an editorial selection that considers the diversity of educational programs, research activity, and academic projection of Japan's leading law faculties.

In the field of law and legal studies, special attention is paid to academic reputation, employer assessment, scientific output, and research impact.

In addition, dimensions linked to teaching quality, the research environment, scholarly output, institutional collaboration, and international projection are considered, along with the innovation and social impact of the universities.

This editorial selection incorporates a qualitative dimension based on the public information offered by the institutions themselves. It considers their faculties of law, professional law schools, curricula, teaching methods, research centres, international programmes, professional outcomes and preparation for the national examination for access to the legal professions.

This qualitative dimension is especially necessary in Japan. Institutional reputation and research activity do not always reflect on their own a university’s ability to prepare its students for the demanding national pathway leading to practice as a lawyer, judge or prosecutor.

A methodology adapted to the Japanese system

The analysis of the Japanese university system requires addressing specific educational particularities, as several faculties with a marked influence on national professional practice develop models focused on the domestic legal field that do not always align with general comparative criteria.

Therefore, Impact Lawyers has articulated an editorial selection adapted to the particularities of the Japanese university environment, valuing the educational track record of each institution instead of interpreting the lack of visibility in certain records as a lack of academic quality.

This editorial selection considers five qualitative dimensions:

• National and international academic reputation.
• Quality and impact of legal research.
• Strength of the Faculty of Law and professional law school.
• Performance in access to the legal professions and connections with the employment market.
• Internationalisation, English-language programmes and opportunities for specialisation.

The editorial review addresses the distinct features of each academic offering, with the aim of preventing the general consideration of an institution from replacing the specific analysis of its legal education.

The elements examined included civil, constitutional, criminal, commercial, administrative, labour and international law; practical education; preparation for the national examination; connections with courts, law firms, companies and public authorities; interdisciplinary research; and the incorporation of subjects such as artificial intelligence, intellectual property, data protection and technology regulation.

University of Tokyo: legal education and institutional influence

1. University of Tokyo

In this selection, the University of Tokyo occupies first place. Its proposal combines academic prestige, research, institutional influence and the placement of graduates in key positions within Japan’s legal system.

Its Faculty of Law originated from institutions established during the decade of 1870 and has since played a central role in the research and teaching of Law and politics in Japan, according to the university’s official information.

The institution has educated numerous judges, prosecutors, senior public officials, politicians, academics and lawyers. Its proximity to the country’s principal state institutions and leading Tokyo law firms further strengthens the professional opportunities available to its students.

The programme is characterised by its theoretical rigour and strong education in the principal areas of Japanese law. The university is also particularly prominent in public law, commercial law, jurisprudence, legislative policy and international relations.

Its Graduate Schools for Law and Politics expand this offering through advanced research and programmes connecting Law with political science, economics and public administration.

In this editorial selection, Tokyo occupies the first position. Its academic trajectory is distinguished by a sustained influence over public policymaking, legal scholarship and the country’s institutions.

Kyoto University, research and intellectual independence

2. Kyoto University

Kyoto University occupies second place. Its Faculty and Graduate School of Law are recognised for their academic rigour, research and a university culture that places particular importance on intellectual autonomy.

The institution has a strong tradition in jurisprudence, constitutional law, civil law, international law and political thought. Its model is especially attractive to students interested in research, university teaching or a deep understanding of the foundations of the legal system.

Kyoto offers a more concentrated environment and is less connected to Tokyo’s corporate market. This characteristic can be an advantage for those who prioritise academic reflection and research over immediate proximity to large firms.

In this selection, Kyoto occupies the second position. The university is recognized for its national prestige, the quality of its faculty and the influence of its graduates in the judiciary, academia and the public sector.

Waseda, the highest-ranked private university

3. Waseda University

Waseda University occupies third place and ranks as the leading private university in the classification.

Its legal tradition, extensive alumni network and connections with the political, business and professional life of Tokyo make it one of the country’s most influential institutions.

Waseda combines a general Faculty of Law with a professional law school specifically focused on advanced legal education and access to the legal professions. Its Waseda Law School conducts teaching and research activities for both domestic and international students.

The university stands out for the breadth of its programmes, the diversity of its academic community and its commitment to internationalisation. It also offers English-language postgraduate programmes related to Asian economic integration, international law and emerging legal fields.

In this editorial selection, the university is positioned ahead of several national universities. Its profile combines academic prestige, employability, international reach and the strength of its professional network.

Keio and its connection with the business world

4. Keio University

Keio University occupies fourth place. Together with Waseda, it is one of Tokyo’s two major private university institutions.

Its principal strength is the connection between legal education, business, economics and professional practice. The university maintains an extensive alumni network across major corporations, financial institutions, law firms and public authorities.

Keio is especially attractive to students interested in commercial law, corporate governance, finance, intellectual property, competition and international transactions.

Its location in Tokyo facilitates access to internships, professional seminars and employment opportunities. Its academic offering stands out for a combination of tradition, selectivity and business orientation.

Hitotsubashi, an institution specialising in the social sciences

5. Hitotsubashi University

Hitotsubashi University occupies fifth place. Although it is smaller than Tokyo, Kyoto or Waseda, it has an exceptional reputation in the social sciences, economics, business administration and Law.

Its size facilitates closer academic relationships and an interdisciplinary approach. The connection among Law, economics and business is one of the distinctive characteristics of its educational model.

Hitotsubashi is particularly prominent in commercial law, competition, economic regulation, corporate governance and international business law.

Its alumni network has a significant presence in major corporations, economic public administration and specialist law firms. For students interested in the relationship between Law and business activity, it may represent an especially valuable alternative.

Osaka completes the leading group

6. Osaka University

Osaka University occupies sixth place. As one of Japan’s principal national research universities, it provides strong legal education and significant interdisciplinary activity.

Its location in the Osaka metropolitan area provides access to Japan’s second major economic and business centre. This position supports connections with law firms, companies, courts and public authorities across the Kansai region.

The university combines Law and political science and places importance on international and comparative research. Its position within a major scientific institution also facilitates the study of issues related to technology, medicine, innovation and public policy.

Kobe and its strength in business and international law

7. Kobe University

Kobe University occupies seventh place. Its tradition in economics, commerce and business studies has a significant influence on its legal education.

Its Faculty and Graduate School of Law are particularly strong in commercial law, international trade, competition, economic regulation and cross-border legal relations.

The city of Kobe has a long-standing port and commercial tradition, reinforcing the university’s interest in maritime law, international business and global economic activity.

Kobe offers a balanced combination of research, professional education and internationalisation, making it one of the strongest alternatives outside Tokyo and Kyoto.

Kyushu, Nagoya and Tohoku

8. Kyushu University

Kyushu University occupies eighth place. Based in Fukuoka, it is the principal academic institution in south-western Japan and maintains especially close connections with other Asian countries.

Its location supports the study of international law, Asian economic relations and comparative law. The university periodically publishes information about student performance in the national examination and maintains a professional law school focused on preparing students for legal practice.

9. Nagoya University

Nagoya University ranks ninth. Its Faculty of Law has a recognised tradition of legal research and has developed numerous projects involving international legal cooperation and assistance, particularly with Asian countries.

The institution is prominent in comparative law, law and development, governance and the education of professionals from emerging legal systems.

10. Tohoku University

Tohoku University occupies tenth place. It is one of Japan’s leading national research universities, and its law school enjoys a strong reputation in the northern part of the country.

Tohoku combines doctrinal education, research and professional preparation. Its university culture, traditionally associated with openness and innovation, supports an interdisciplinary analysis of legal problems.

Chuo, a university historically connected with professional qualification

11. Chuo University

Chuo University occupies 11th place. The institution has a prominent presence and influence within the Japanese legal market.

Chuo has a long tradition of legal education and is known for the substantial number of graduates who have historically entered legal practice, the judiciary and the public prosecution service.

Its Faculty of Law and professional law school place considerable importance on the subjects assessed in the national qualification process. The university also has an extensive alumni network across law firms, courts and public institutions.

For a student whose principal objective is to pass the examination and practise in Japan, Chuo can prove competitive compared to institutions with a profile oriented primarily toward international research.

Hokkaido and its regional importance

12. Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University occupies 12th place. It is the principal national university in northern Japan and has a strong research structure in Law and political science.

Its programme pays particular attention to public law, politics, territorial regulation, environmental matters and international relations. The university’s scientific breadth also facilitates collaboration with other academic disciplines.

Hokkaido provides a less congested academic environment than Tokyo and maintains considerable influence within the courts, public authorities and legal professions of its region.

Meiji and Sophia: two different private university models

13. Meiji University

Meiji University occupies 13th place. Its Faculty of Law is one of the most traditional among Japan’s private universities and has an extensive alumni network.

Meiji combines general legal education, professional preparation and connections with Tokyo’s employment market, while also maintaining a notable presence in the field of legal research.

14. Sophia University

Sophia University ranks 14th. It has a more international profile and is closely associated with language education, international relations and a multicultural university community.

Sophia may be especially attractive to international students or those wishing to combine Japanese law with a global perspective. Nevertheless, much of the education required for domestic legal practice still demands advanced proficiency in Japanese.

Doshisha and Ritsumeikan, Kyoto’s leading private alternatives

15. Doshisha University

Doshisha University occupies 15th place. Its Faculty of Law combines a long private university tradition, a humanistic education and a professional presence throughout the Kansai region.

The university maintains a distinctive academic identity and a strong alumni network across companies, public authorities and the legal professions.

16. Ritsumeikan University

Ritsumeikan University ranks 16th. Its educational offering is characterised by internationalisation, flexibility and an interest in contemporary social problems.

Ritsumeikan is particularly prominent in human rights, international studies, public policy and interdisciplinary education. Its large university community and exchange programmes strengthen its appeal to students seeking a global academic experience.

Tsukuba, Hosei, Kansai and Gakushuin

17. University of Tsukuba

The University of Tsukuba occupies 17th place. Its general strength in research and interdisciplinary orientation encourage the study of Law from the perspective of public policy, technology and the social sciences.

18. Hosei University

Hosei University ranks 18th. It is one of Tokyo’s historic private universities and maintains an extensive offering in Law, politics and public administration.

19. Kansai University

Kansai University occupies 19th place. Its location in Osaka and regional alumni network give it a significant presence in the Kansai professional market.

20. Gakushuin University

Gakushuin University completes the classification in 20th place. Its Faculty of Law offers a smaller-scale education and relatively personalised academic attention. The institution maintains a recognised tradition in Law, politics and public service.

The differences among these final positions are limited. Depending on the desired specialisation, the city in which the student intends to work and the chosen professional pathway, other Japanese universities may be equally appropriate.

How legal education works in Japan

In Japan, it is essential to distinguish between studying Law at an undergraduate faculty and completing the professional education required to become a lawyer, judge or public prosecutor.

An undergraduate degree normally lasts four years. Students may pursue Law as an academic discipline, but obtaining the degree does not in itself grant the right to practise as an attorney.

The ordinary professional pathway includes education at a postgraduate professional law school, passing the national bar examination and completing a period of practical training at the Supreme Court’s Legal Training and Research Institute.

According to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, obtaining qualification as an attorney requires completing the relevant legal education, passing the examination and undertaking a period of professional apprenticeship. After completing this process, future legal professionals receive practical training connected with courts, public prosecutors’ offices and bar associations.

An alternative route is available through the Preliminary Examination, known as the Yobi Shiken. Passing this examination allows a candidate to take the national bar examination without completing professional law school, although it is an exceptionally demanding route.

The national examination is not the only measure of quality

Performance in the bar examination is important, but it should not be the sole criterion used to assess a university.

Pass rates may vary according to the number and profile of the candidates entered. An institution presenting a small group of highly selected students may record a higher pass rate than another university educating a much larger number of candidates.

Furthermore, many Law graduates do not intend to become practising lawyers. A legal education may lead to careers in companies, banking, consultancy, public administration, diplomacy, international organisations, the media, research or politics.

For this reason, this editorial selection considers professional preparation alongside academic breadth, research, employability and the ability to provide alternative career pathways.

The language barrier for international students

Most undergraduate legal education and professional preparation in Japan is conducted in Japanese.

Although some universities offer English-language modules, exchanges and postgraduate programmes, studying the Japanese legal system and qualifying for professional practice normally requires an exceptionally advanced command of Japanese.

Everyday communication skills are not sufficient. Students must be able to interpret legislation, judicial decisions, academic scholarship and examination questions written in complex technical language.

Foreign nationals interested in Japan who do not need to practice as Japanese lawyers may find more accessible options through English-taught LLM or master’s programmes focused on international law, Asian trade, arbitration, intellectual property or comparative law.

Prospective students should carefully verify the actual language of instruction for each programme before applying. The existence of an English-language university website does not necessarily mean that the complete undergraduate degree is available in English.

National and private universities

National universities occupy the top positions in this selection and are characterized by their academic prestige, their research capacity and their relationship with public institutions.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Kyushu, Nagoya, Tohoku and Hokkaido generally offer more moderate tuition fees and a strong research tradition. Admission to these institutions, however, is usually extremely competitive.

Private universities such as Waseda, Keio, Chuo, Meiji, Sophia, Doshisha and Ritsumeikan possess very extensive alumni networks and especially close connections with the professional market.

The cost of private universities is generally higher, but they may offer a greater diversity of programmes, career services and corporate connections.

Neither model is necessarily better for everyone. The choice will depend on budget, specialisation, city, type of career and the need for specific examination preparation.

Tokyo concentrates a large proportion of the opportunities

Location is particularly important in Japan.

Tokyo contains the country’s principal courts, ministries, regulatory authorities, major law firms, corporations, financial institutions and offices of international organisations. Universities located in the capital therefore enjoy significant advantages in access to internships, conferences and professional networks.

Kyoto offers a more academic environment and an exceptional university tradition. Osaka and Kobe form the principal legal and business centre of the Kansai region, while Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai and Sapporo offer substantial career opportunities within their respective regional markets.

Studying outside Tokyo may reduce living costs and provide a more manageable academic community. It can also help students build a strong professional network in the region where they ultimately intend to practise.

There is no perfect university for every student

The ranking provides a general overview of legal academic excellence, but a higher-ranked university will not necessarily be the best choice for every student.

Those aspiring to work in leading state institutions or pursue an academic career may prioritise Tokyo or Kyoto. For business law and private practice in the capital, Waseda, Keio and Hitotsubashi offer significant advantages.

Students focused on professional qualification may place particular value on Chuo, while Kobe, Osaka and Doshisha provide notable opportunities in Kansai. Kyushu may be especially suitable for those seeking a connection with other Asian countries.

Language, cost, admission rate, professional outcomes, class size, exchange programmes and the existence of a suitable postgraduate law school should also be analysed.

Tradition, rigour and internationalisation

The principal conclusion of this editorial selection is that university legal excellence in Japan does not correspond to a single educational model.

The University of Tokyo leads because of its balance of reputation, research and institutional influence. Kyoto represents a model particularly focused on intellectual reflection and research, while Waseda and Keio demonstrate the strength of major private universities and their professional networks.

Hitotsubashi stands out for its specialisation in the social sciences and business law. Osaka, Kobe, Kyushu, Nagoya and Tohoku confirm the quality of Japan’s principal national universities outside Tokyo.

Chuo is a clear example of an institution whose professional relevance and connection to legal practice define its academic proposal.

Consideration of the different training models, the analysis of the programmes published by the universities, and attention to the Japanese professional access system provide a broader, more critical and useful overview of legal education in Japan.