-- Japanese Business School --

Question

Hi everybody

Because of the origin of MBA, the best business schools are located in USA.

But I would like to know if somebody has any idea about MBA taught in english in Japan.

Have you ever heard about Hitotsubashi ? Waseda ? IUJ ? Keio ?

I am thinking about applying to one of them.

Thanks in advance for your help

zamzim · Answer

Hi, 

As a Japanese I have surely heard of them!
However, as far as "reputation" is concernined from the international job market, go for the top Private schools as Wasade, Keio, or International Christian University.

Although national universities are considered to be harder among the japanese, the private schools have better relationships abroad!

Zz

SebZen · Answer

Thanks a lot zamzim

Actually, I am really hesitating between 2 universities: Hitotsubashi and Waseda. I have a friend (foreigner) who is graduated from Waseda (this year) and we exchanged a lot about the courses, professors,....good MBA Then, one of my japanese friends (graduated from Aoyama) talked to me about Hitotsubashi ICS (located close to Imperial palace) and he said their MBA is top ( :shock:

) My friend from Waseda confirmed..... what do you think about it ?

zamzim · Answer

Hi,

As for Hitotsubashi, they are really strong in Economics.
I was accepted to their dept in 2001, although I did not proceed with it due to personal reasons. (along with Aoyama and Toyama in Engineering)

To answer to your question: It depends!
1/ Do you want to work in Japan or abroad?
2/ Private firms or public firms?

Hitotsubashi in my opinion is very good but weaker than Waseda in international relations / network. So, If you're thinking of working abroad, Waseda would be better! (Hitotsubashi is not that known abroad, but Waseda is known for almost every department)

Moreover, if you were to look at the top schools in Japan the following is the general consensus:

National Universities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya
Private Universities: Keio, Waseda, ICU, and Doshisha
(ICU = International Christian University, as previously mentioned)

Of course, there are plently of other good schools, but Japanese are VERY concerned about the rakings!

In addition, if you are thinking of working in Japan, Hitotsubashi is good enough!! It is well known as one of the elite schools, especially in business, economics and law. And generally speaking National Universities are considered to be harder to be admitted to in Japan...as Private schools accept more applicants and cost more...

I hope my unstructured opinion may be of some help,

Zz

SebZen · Answer

Dear ZamZim

Thanks for your quick reply and your help.You are the first one who gives me lots of information about the reputation of japanese MBA ! I really thank you for that.

It is hard to find people who have information about MBA in Japan.

My desire is to work in a private company located in Japan or France. 

I am looking for a MBA taught in english from a japanese university (public or private BUT strong preference to public -cheaper -)located in Tokyo only.
My japanese ability is very poor. Being on site, I guess I will be able to strenghten my japanese !

I thought Hitotsubashi has a better reputation in Europe compared to Waseda.
For example, HEC (French business school ranked nÂ°1 in france) has an exchange program with Hitotsubashi and not Waseda.

By the way, there are not so many universities in Japan with an english MBA program. For example, MBA at Keio is only provided in japanese.

There is one thing I do agree with you 100% : RANKING ! 
It is surprising how the name of the school can be so powerful !More than US or European MBA I think.

SebZen

zamzim · Answer

Hi again,

Apologies, I was comparing the Japan-US relations....
But yes, if you are considering France-Japan, HEC and Hitotsubashi have their partnerships, so it will be on your stregnth that you have an MBA from Hitotsubashi. 

As in France, Waseda would be stronger in political science...for example: SciencePo / Waseda have their partnerships.

So, considering cash, reputation in france and Japan, it would be better to go for the Hitotsubashi MBA programme! (I checked out the website, it seems to be well organized compared to that of other Universities offering MBA programmes!)

If you don't mind my asking:
Gmat score?
School in France?
When do you plan do your MBA?

Regards,
Zz

zamzim · Answer

btw, MBA programmes are not that strong in Japan....
many students tend to go straight to masters / PhD programmes without work experience and very few go back to school (e.g. MBAs) compared to that of Europe or the US

zamzim · Answer

Do you know any Ms programme in Euope (Finance) that consider the GMAT score but do not require work experience?

Unfortunately HEC, ESSEC, ESCP-EAP...etc have their Masters programme, but are mostly taught in French...sigh*~* 

Would be great if you know any programmes taught fully in English!!

Thanks for your help!

SebZen · Answer

Hi ZamZim, Thanks for your precious help

I will focus on Hitotsubashi and their exchange program with HEC. Regarding my background : - I have a French master (4 year diploma) in business law. - 6 years experience (founded a company in e-business and now sales manager - French and export markets - in wine and spirits industry). - GMAT : first time this year on Dec. 18th. I want to get 650 - 680 - Already took TOEIC (880) but need TOEFL ! - MBA in Japan planned next year. I send my documents in January 2007 to enter in October 2007. As for your request, I thought about LSE but they require work experience too. I will check few websites to know more and I will report you no later than this weekend ! By the way, what is your GMAT score ?

zamzim · Answer

Thanks for the reply!
Will be looking forward to hear from you!

As for the GMAT, I will be taking it on the 13th of November for the first time. Hoping to get above 700, but no less than 650.

My challenge is the verbal section....like all Japanese

Limited time = will focus on CR and SC, just ordered books!

Keep in touch!

Zz

Limited time = will focus on CR and SC, just ordered books! Keep in touch! Zz

SebZen · Answer

Good luck for GMAT especially for verbal section ! 

What kind of book do you use to study ?

zamzim · Answer

Thanks!

Gmat books: OG11th edition, Princeton Review GMAT 2007 with DVD, Kaplan 800 for Advanced students, and Kaplan GMAT Verbal workbook!

I only 5/6 Weeks, will limited time during the weekdays, so i'll have to work hard!

Let me know when you find any masters programme that would consider the GMAT into consideration! (Even in France, if majority of courses are in English)

Zz

SebZen · Answer

Do itashi mashite :wink:

I will tell you this weekend if I found more information about masters programme in Finance taught in english. What do you think about Princeton Review GMAT 2007 with DVD ? Good book ? By the way, are you a student in France?

zamzim · Answer

Hi again,

The book: I should be receiving it soon, will let you know!

Situation: Yes, I am a student at ESG-Paris. Why ESG? Because it was the only French school that offered courses totally in English at the undergraduate level. 

Although I am the top student, I still feel the academic level is not challenging at all, and therefore a hinderence upon applying to Investment Banks. 

Why am I in France? 
I married a French (3 years ago), and between Japan and France, we thought France would be easier for both of us. 

So, I thought transfering to a better school could help my current situation. (academic reputation)

What about Paris-Dauphine? Do theyu offer courses in English?

Thanks in advance,

Zz

zamzim · Answer

tokorode,
Nihonngo hanasemasuka?
Kanji no yomikaki ha dekimasuka?

Fig · Answer

zamzim allows me a joke pls

Your second post just above, is it the japanese version of the english version for all of us? :D

... If so, the japanese is very efficient :D

SebZen · Answer

Hi Fig. With my very very very very beginner level, I would say Zamzim asked me if i speak japanese and if I write japanese kanji

Zamzim, unfortunately, I do no speak, and write, japanese yet That's why MBA in Japan is important for me. There s nothing better than being on site to learn a language especially japanese

zamzim · Answer

Yes exactly. You got it right sebzen

I also think it would be a good opportunity to learn Japanese when you are in the country...try to be around Japanese as much as possible! (Preferably in a different school, otherwise the japanese tend to try to be around foreigners to practice their English / French

ttyl, zz

SebZen · Answer

Zamzim As I can see, the power of Love has no frontiers :wink:

Great. I haven t found courses taught in english visting Paris-Dauphine website. Are you ready to move to another european country or even USA ?

SebZen · Answer

I surprise myself with my japanese level ! I think my japanese partner will be a good teacher during dailylife :wink:

Just a pause in our GMAT/MBA discussion : do you advise me to go to a japanese language school or apply to a language course in a university ? Thanks in advance

-- Japanese Business School --

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