Official emblem of Kokugakuin University

Kokugakuin University

Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1882

Updated May 2026 · Source: kokugakuin.ac.jp

Overview

English Name: Kokugakuin University
Local Name: 國學院大學
Founded: 1882
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Kokugakuin University academic facilities
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Founded in 1882, the Kokugakuin University (Kokugakuin Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the large metropolis of Tokyo (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Kokugakuin University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Kokugakuin University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 142-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Kokugakuin University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Kokugakuin University's address, location, and primary contact channels.

Address: 4-10-28 Higashi Shibuya-ku
Postal Code: 150-8440
Map:
Phone: +81 (3) 5466 0111
Fax: +81 (3) 5778 7062
Social Media:

Academic Details

A snapshot of Kokugakuin University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.

Academic Year: April to March (April-September; October-March)
Recognition: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
Accrediting Agency: Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school or recognized equivalent, and entrance examination
Student Enrollment: 10,000-14,999
Academic Staff Range: 200-299

Academic Structures

Kokugakuin University's academic structure — schools, colleges, and divisions — is listed below.

Unit 7 items
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Letters
  • Faculty of Shinto Studies
  • Graduate School of Economics
  • Graduate School of Law
  • Graduate School of Letters

Degrees

Also Teaching Qualifications and Certificate in Librarianship; Postgraduate Professional Degree in Law

Other 3 programs
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Economics
  • Law

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Common Educational (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Curatorial Research (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Educational Development (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Kokugakuin Academic Resource (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Promotion of Excellence in Research and Education (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Shinto Studies (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
Economics (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Management
  • Social Sciences
Human Development (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Child Care and Development
  • Health Education
  • Physical Education
  • Primary Education
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
Letters (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Chinese
  • Cultural Studies
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy
Shinto Studies (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
Law (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
Letters (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
Advancement of Teaching and Learning (Institute) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Japanese Culture and Classics (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cultural Studies
  • Japanese
Law (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Kokugakuin University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

25 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan

Bachelor's Degree 13 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Child Support Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Literature
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language and Culture Studies
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education
Physics & Astronomy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in History
History

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Japanese Literature
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Law
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 13.

Master's Degree 6 programmes

Master's Degree in Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in History
History

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Law
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Literature
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Political Science
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Shinto and Religious Studies
Religious Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate 6 programmes

Doctorate in Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in History
History

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Literature
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Political Science
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Shinto and Religious Studies
Religious Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Kokugakuin University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Kokugakuin University, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Kokugakuin University offers 25 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Kokugakuin University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Kokugakuin University's online portal at www.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (3) 5466 0111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kokugakuin University

A short Q&A covering Kokugakuin University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

How old is Kokugakuin University?

The institution opened in 1882 (approximately 144 years ago).

Where can I find Kokugakuin University?

The institution is located in Tokyo, Japan.

Is Kokugakuin University a public or private institution?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How many students does Kokugakuin University have?

The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.

How many faculties does Kokugakuin University have?

The institution comprises 7 academic units.

Who recognises Kokugakuin University?

Kokugakuin University is accredited by Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).

Where can I learn more about Kokugakuin University?

You can find Kokugakuin University online at www.kokugakuin.ac.jp.

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