Graduate School of LawWaseda University

The Waseda LL.M. is a one-year master’s degree program offered by Waseda University Graduate School of Law in Tokyo, Japan.

Founded in 1882, Waseda University is a top private university in Japan. As a leading university in Asia, Waseda attracts more international students than any other Japanese university. Waseda University Faculty of Law is widely considered a top institution of legal learning in the country.

In the Waseda LL.M., all classes are conducted in English. By providing both theoretical and practical expertise on Asian economic integration and law, we train legal, business, and government leaders looking to make a difference in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

If you are interested in the nexus of law and economy from an international perspective, a Waseda LL.M. may be for you.

We prepare students for a wide range of careers, including:

The LL.M. curriculum is robust yet flexible. It provides both a solid theoretical foundation and real-life know-how while allowing students to freely pursue their own intellectual interests. The program requires 15 semester-long courses (2 required courses; 1 required elective courses; 12 elective courses) for completion. Each course meets weekly for 100 minutes, and small class size – about 10 students each – ensures an interactive, engaging learning experience. The program culminates in a master’s thesis, usually a research paper on a topic of the student’s interest. Although Japanese language is not required, students can choose to take a Japanese language course, which counts towards the degree requirement. International students can also enroll in additional Japanese language courses offered by the Center for Japanese Language (as non-credit courses).

Full-time students are expected to complete the curriculum in one Japanese academic year, which begins in April and ends the following March.

LL.M. COURSE LIST (ACADEMIC YEAR 2025)

Waseda University Graduate School of Law features leading legal scholars with an exemplary record of teaching, research, and practice. They have earned advanced degrees from top universities around the globe. They remain professionally active all over the world and are comfortable working with non-Japanese students. Because the student-faculty ratio in the LL.M. program is very low, you can expect to receive hands-on, personalized attention from our highly dedicated professors.

The Waseda LL.M. welcomes students from all over the world. We value intellectual diversity and will consider applicants with various academic, professional, and personal experiences; educational or professional background in law, economics, or business is helpful, but not required. Prospective students include current undergraduates, post-graduates, and mid-career professionals. No knowledge of Japanese language is necessary. Waseda University will sponsor student visas for non-Japanese nationals.

For those who have not yet been to Japan or Asia, a Waseda LL.M. is a great way to begin a new journey. For those already in Japan, a Waseda LL.M. can be an ideal way to jump-start your international career.

Reseach Paper should be prepared on the following schedule.

Notes:
The above schedule applies for students aiming completion in one year (from April to March). This may differ for students wishing to graduate in different schedule.

Guidelines on the usage of AIs

Common Criteria for Assessing LL.M. Research Papers