Can Japan’s top university create global education by teaching all subjects in the English language?
In a significant event for the future of Japanese education, the University of Tokyo has proclaimed that one of its newly formed undergraduate departments will begin in September 2027. It has almost no such launch for nearly 70 years. Called the UTokyo College of Design, this new program will exclusively teach all subjects in English and take a five-year dual Bachelor’s and Master’s degree approach. From here onwards, it is no longer just a historic turning point for the university but indeed for Japanese higher education at large.
A Bold Vision for Global Impact
Speaking at a press conference on April 4, 2025, President of the University of Tokyo Teruo Fujii expatiated on his vision of the new department: “We will create a new place of learning where students can realize their respective visions by fully utilizing the potential of the University of Tokyo.”
This daring endeavor aims to educate students-domestic and international-with skills and mindsets for addressing difficult global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. Learning will not be held back by traditional academic boundaries, allowing students to weave together a different set of topics that lie in their own personal interests.
But why now? Why Does It Matter?
The decision to teach entirely in English and adopt fall enrollment (common in Europe and the U.S.) shows Japan’s eagerness to better align with global academic standards. It also signals the university’s commitment to become more globally competitive and inclusive.
For a long time, the University of Tokyo, informally called “Todai,” has held the title of the most prestigious university in Japan. But despite her reputation, the international fame of Todai has somewhat been impeded by the hitherto existing traditions, systems of education, and languages. This new department could change that.
An International Learning Community
Half the 100-student capacity should be filled by international students, a 50-50 split that is one of UTokyo College of Design’s most exciting features. All incoming students will be housed together in university dormitories where cultural interaction and collaborative learning will occur on a daily basis.
From Tokyo to Toronto, from Delhi to Berlin-think of all the possibilities of students interacting and sharing ideas, growing not just as a scholar but as someone with global citizenship awareness.
Is this what the future of education looks like?
Leadership and Faculty
The new department will be led by Professor Miles Pennington, a foreign faculty member already teaching at the university. A team of world-class Japanese and foreign faculty members will lead academic activities alongside him.
That will, in turn, promote distinct global and local wisdom, creating the most dynamic learning environment in Japan.
Final Thoughts : University of Tokyo
Change is never easy, especially in institutions steeped in tradition. But the University of Tokyo is showing that innovation and tradition can coexist—and even thrive—together.
By embracing English instruction, international diversity, and cross-disciplinary learning, the UTokyo College of Design is poised to shape the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
So, whether you’re a student dreaming of studying abroad or a parent wondering about the future of education—this move is worth watching.
