Graduate School of LawWaseda University

The Waseda LL.M. is a one-year master’s degree program focused on the intersection of law and economics from an international perspective. All classes are conducted in English, providing both theoretical and practical expertise in Asian economic integration and law. A key academic requirement of the program is the completion of a substantial LL.M. research paper, which allows students to explore a legal topic of their interest in depth under expert faculty supervision.

The program welcomes recent graduates and practicing lawyers who seek to sharpen their skills and expand their professional networks in Tokyo. It is designed to jump-start the careers of ambitious professionals eager to broaden their horizons. Graduates pursue a wide range of career paths: some remain in Japan to work with international or Japanese law firms, or as in-house counsel—often in roles involving significant cross-border legal work—while others return to their home jurisdictions or begin new professional endeavors in global markets. Students considering further advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D., will also benefit from the program’s academic content and environment.

The main goal of the LL.M. is to train future leaders in law, business, and government by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact in diverse areas of private and public law. With this aim in mind, the curriculum emphasizes specialized knowledge—both theoretical and region-specific—to help graduates navigate complex, cross-cultural legal challenges.