Universities Whose Graduates Excel in the Workplace
A recent survey conducted by Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei HR highlights which Japanese universities produce graduates most highly valued by employers. The study asked HR managers at listed companies and select major private firms to evaluate graduates across four areas: initiative, communication ability, intellectual capacity, and growth potential.
Overall Rankings
- Hitotsubashi University retained the top spot for the second consecutive year, excelling in all four categories. Employers praised its students’ strong academic foundation and ability to approach tasks with broad perspectives. Career education at Hitotsubashi is also notable, with professional advisors offering one-on-one guidance and senior students volunteering as “job-hunting supporters.”
- Kyoto University ranked second, with high marks for intellectual ability and initiative. Companies noted the international outlook and strong academic-social balance of its graduates.
- Seinan Gakuin University made a remarkable leap to third place. Its students scored highly in initiative and communication skills, with employers highlighting their ability to ask meaningful questions, articulate ideas, and deepen learning. Programs like the “Student Creative Projects,” which fund student-led initiatives such as research on paternity leave, have strengthened this reputation.
Universities Companies Want to Hire From
- Tohoku University topped the list of institutions companies wish to recruit more graduates from. Recognized as a “University for International Excellence,” it has expanded industry collaboration through its Co-Creation Research Institute, fostering practical implementation skills among students.
- Institute of Science Tokyo, formed from the merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University, ranked second. Its strength lies in advanced interdisciplinary research and logical thinking, particularly in medical-engineering collaboration.
- Kagawa University placed third, reflecting its strong engineering programs and the establishment of its Faculty of Creative Engineering.
| Rank | Ranking of universities companies want to hire from |
| 1 | Tohoku University |
| 2 | Institute of Science Tokyo |
| 3 | Kagawa University |
| 4 | Yokohama National University |
| 4 | Hitotsubashi University |
| 6 | Niigata University |
| 7 | Utsunomiya University |
| 8 | Kanazawa University |
| 9 | Chiba University of Commerce |
Universities attracting employer attention
- Waseda University was ranked first among universities attracting growing attention, with employers emphasizing its students’ interpersonal skills and independence.
- The University of Tokyo rose dramatically to second place, praised for logical thinking and intellectual sharpness. As it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2027, the university is planning a new interdisciplinary faculty—the first in decades.
| Rank | Ranking of universities attracting employer attention |
| 1 | Waseda University |
| 2 | The University of Tokyo |
| 2 | Kyoto University |
| 4 | Nagoya University |
| 5 | Tohoku University |
| 5 | Keio University |
| 5 | Shibaura Institute of Technology |
| 5 | Kyushu University |
Survey Overview
The survey targeted 5,281 companies, including all listed firms and selected major unlisted firms. Between April 2024 and March 2026, respondents were asked to list up to 15 universities from which they had hired new graduates, ranked by the number of recruits (up to 5 national/public universities and up to 10 private universities). In addition to the number of hires over the two years, companies were asked to evaluate two aspects: “qualities and attitudes of graduates” and “initiatives of the universities.”
The survey was conducted through Nikkei Research between February 27 and April 15, 2026, with 585 valid responses collected.
Ranking Methodology
For the 12 items related to graduate qualities and attitudes, companies rated how well each university’s graduates matched the criteria on a six-point scale. The highest rating, equivalent to the top 10%, was scored as 10 points (“significantly above average”), while the lowest rating was 0 points (“below average”). Intermediate ratings were assigned as 8, 6, 4, and 2 points (“average”).
Scores for each item were calculated as a weighted average, with the number of hires over the two years serving as the weight. The 12 items were grouped into four categories:
- Action capability
- Communication skills
- Intellectual ability and thinking skills
- Growth potential
The overall ranking was determined by the simple sum of the scores across these four categories. University names were aggregated from responses across both the 2025 and 2026 surveys.
Ranking Scope
Universities were included in the ranking if the number of times they were named by surveyed companies reached a certain threshold.
(Source: Nikkei, June 16, 2026)
Global University in Japan view:
There are various types of university rankings, such as world university rankings, academic rankings based on entrance exam scores, and employment rate rankings. While it is not advisable to rely too heavily on them, they can serve as one useful reference when choosing a university.
When selecting a university, it is also important to gain firsthand impressions and information directly from the institution. If possible, students should participate in open campus events, join online information sessions, or engage in individual consultations with admissions offices to better understand the atmosphere and opportunities each university offers.
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