Are you planning to study abroad in Japan? If so, one of your concerns might be whether you will be able to adjust to a Japanese university.

In fact, Japanese university students have a special culture compared to their counterparts abroad.

In this article, current Japanese university students will introduce the culture and the latest trends of Japanese university students. After reading this article, you will definitely be able to fully enjoy your life as a foreign student in Japan!

Circle Activities and Part-time Jobs

For Japanese university students, campus life isn’t just about hitting the books—it's a vibrant period of personal growth and social exploration. Beyond the lecture halls and seminar rooms, it’s the experiences gained through extracurricular activities that often leave the deepest impact on their university years.

Circle activities

Take circle activities (student clubs), for example. These are a staple of university life in Japan, and it’s hard to imagine a student who doesn’t get involved in at least one. Whether it’s sports, music, or volunteering, there’s a circle for almost every interest. These groups aren’t just about pursuing hobbies—they’re about finding your tribe, forming lasting friendships, and, in many cases, stepping up to leadership roles. These experiences build a skill set that students carry with them long after they’ve left the campus.

Part-time jobs

Then there’s the matter of part-time jobs (arubaito), which are almost a rite of passage for many students. Sure, they work to cover tuition or living expenses, but it’s about more than just earning money. Part-time jobs offer a crash course in social skills, from learning how to interact with customers to mastering the art of time management. For many, the lessons learned working in a café or a shop become invaluable when they step into the professional world.

These extracurricular activities, whether they’re in a circle or a job, are not just add-ons to the academic experience—they’re essential to shaping who these students become. They help forge their future paths, both professionally and personally, and add a richness to their university life that goes beyond the classroom.

Group Culture

For Japanese university students, group culture is a fundamental aspect of their lives. This culture is deeply embedded in every facet of student life, significantly influencing individual behavior and decision-making.

Importance of Group activity

In Japanese universities, group activities are highly valued. Whether it’s working on a project in a seminar or tackling a group assignment, collaboration is key. Students quickly learn the art of teamwork, figuring out how to achieve goals together while juggling different opinions and finding common ground. It’s through these experiences that they hone their communication and cooperation skills, which are crucial not just for their studies but for life in general.

Negative side of Group Culture

But there’s another side to this: peer pressure. In a culture where harmony is prized, students often feel the weight of expectation to conform and not rock the boat. Expressing individual opinions can be tricky, especially in new situations where the desire to fit in can outweigh the urge to stand out. It’s not uncommon for students to hold back their true thoughts to keep the peace within the group.

That said, the benefits of this group culture are undeniable. The sense of belonging it fosters can be incredibly strong. When students spend so much time together, it naturally leads to deep friendships and a strong sense of trust. And when a group succeeds, the shared feeling of achievement can be incredibly motivating for everyone involved.

Also in Friends Relation

This unique Japanese group culture can also be seen in friend relations. Most Japanese university students get along well in groups of about 3 to 8 people and always stay in that group. Group members are more likely to be circle mates, people in the same class, and peers.

Celebrations and gift exchanges within the group are also common, with parties often being held for birthdays or when someone is about to study abroad.

While this culture may seem enjoyable, it can also be stressful, as there’s often pressure to attend every event and reciprocate gifts in order to stay a part of the group.

Cultural Events and Traditions

Japanese university life is filled with cultural events and traditions that hold a special place in students' hearts. These events aren’t just about having fun; they’re about building strong bonds and adding a unique flavor to the university experience.

University Festival

Let’s start with the University Festival (gakuensai). This is a big deal at most Japanese universities, an annual celebration that students look forward to all year. Preparation begins months in advance, with students setting up food stalls, organizing performances, and planning various activities. The entire festival is student-driven, making it a perfect opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills. Plus, it’s a great chance to connect with the local community and students from other universities, creating a real sense of camaraderie on campus.

Original University Events

Original events at each university are also a source of enjoyment. For example, Sophia University has a Yukata Day, where all students are free to wear Yukata to school on that day. In addition, events are sometimes held in collaboration with other universities, and interscholastic sports competitions are a well-known example.

5 latest Trends among Japanese university students

What is popular among Japanese university students? Here are 5 latest trends that shape current university student’s daily life.

Insta-Bae

Instagram is the most popular social networking site among Japanese university students. The word “Insta Bae”(instagrammable/ Slang to express something that is worth posting on Instagram) has become a frequent word in the daily conversation of university students. Many university students spend their weekends or breaks between classes visiting cafes and trendy spots in search of Insta Bae photos.

BeReal

BeReal is currently the most popular social media platform among Japanese university students, following in the footsteps of Instagram. You will hear the familiar notification sounds and people saying “BeReal kita!”(BeReal Came!) all around the university. Must check if you haven't downloaded yet.

Sauna

A sauna boom is currently sweeping through Japanese university students. The sauna trend among Japanese university students began when influencers and celebrities started showcasing it as a way to spend their free time or as a hobby. It’s now common to see students heading to the sauna after grabbing a meal or doing some shopping.

Weight Traning

Weight training is also particularly popular among male university students. Not long ago, the university gym was mostly filled with athletes from sports clubs, but now you’ll see many students who have made working out a regular hobby. There’s also a trend called “Gou-tore (合トレ)” where friends work out together.

Y2K Fashion

Y2K fashion, which refers to the styles popular in the 2000s, is characterized by bold designs and vibrant colors. This trend has become a global phenomenon, with popular Korean idols in Japan embracing the style as well. Many Japanese university students are also sporting Y2K fashion, and the items they wear often become a topic of conversation among friends.

Are you ready to fully enjoy your university life in Japan?

Japanese university students might have a culture that seems a bit unique from an international perspective. However, by embracing the same trends and enjoying the daily life here, you’ll quickly fit right in. Use this article as a guide to prepare for your study abroad experience in Japan!

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