Banner image: Mount Fuji from the Arakurayama Sengen Park, Japan. Photo: Karen Z, copyright Unsplash.com
Japanese society continues to undergo significant transformation—through demographic change, technological innovation, and evolving social norms—providing a dynamic context for the study of law. The University of Tokyo, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics, is pleased to announce the third edition of our one-week seminar on Japanese law (the UT Winter School), to be held in February 2027. Building on the success of the previous two programs, the UT Winter School has become a well-established opportunity to explore Japanese law in English. All courses are taught in English.
Rather than merely offering lectures on textbook Japanese law, each session highlights contemporary legal issues arising in Japanese society and beyond, fostering lively discussion and the exchange of diverse perspectives among participants.
While the program is primarily designed for international students interested in Japan who have not yet attained proficiency in Japanese, we also welcome Japanese students who are eager to engage in a global academic environment and cross-cultural dialogue.
In 2027, the program will run in Tokyo from 8 - 12 February 2027.
Costs and Travel Insurance
The University of Tokyo Graduate Schools for Law and Politics will cover the following costs:
- The University of Tokyo Winter School on Japanese Law tuition costs.
- Accommodation in Tokyo for 7 - 13 February 2027 (check-out on the morning of 13 February 2027), including breakfast. The hotel rooms are for single occupancy and are to be used only by participants.
- A welcome dinner on 8 February 2027, and a farewell dinner on 12 February 2027.
ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy will provide successful participants with:
- An ANU Law Careers and Employability Travel Grant of $1,000 AUD to assist with travel costs.
- Travel insurance for the duration of this opportunity if travel is booked via the University’s travel provider, ATPI.
Please note that no additional funding can be provided to students through other Scholarships, Bursaries, or Funds offered by ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy.
Participants will need to cover the following costs:
- Airfare to and from Japan
- Transportation and meals not covered by the University of Tokyo
- Visa application fees (if applicable)
- No tuition is required for the UT Winter School
- Any other costs not covered by the University of Tokyo, or the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy
Selected students will be responsible for arranging their own flights and airport transfers. Students are expected to arrive in Japan by 7 February 2027 to ensure they are there for the start of the program on 8 February 2027.
Participants may extend their stay in Japan before 7 February 2027 and/or after 13 February 2027 at their own expense, including making their own accommodation arrangements.
Course Credit
Students participating in The University of Tokyo Winter School on Japanese Law will not receive formal credit towards their Law or other ANU program. Participants will not be required to sit an exam, and no final grades will be issued.
All participants who complete the full program will receive a certificate of completion.
Documents required for your application
In your application, you will need to supply:
- General information;
- GPA;
- Short statement on your interest, involvement, any relevant courses, experiences and future career goals in Asia-focused law studies.
- Resume (C.V.) stating your field(s) of interest
Eligibility
The program is available to a current ANU student who:
- Is a domestic or permanent resident; and
- Is enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) either as a single or flexible double degree or the Juris Doctor at the ANU Law School;
- Has completed a minimum of 90 units of their Law degree at the time of applying; and
- Has completed LAWS2250 / LAWS6250 International Law at the time of applying; and
- Is able to travel overseas for the duration of the program*.
*Applicants must ensure that they have a current valid passport and eligible to travel overseas before applying for this opportunity.
Preference will be given to students who can demonstrate a proficiency in Japanese.
Lecturers (tentative)
*Alphabetical order by last name. The second line (in quotation marks) indicates the course title.
- Prof. JIN Chun（Insolvency Law, Asian Business Law）“Contemporary Issues in Japanese Insolvency Law “
- Prof. Carol LAWSON (Comparative Law, Criminal Justice Regulation) “Paragon or Pariah? Japan’s Approach to Criminal Justice”
- Prof. Luke NOTTAGE (Comparative Law, Consumer Law)
“Introduction to the Japanese Legal System and Consumer Law” - Prof. OHNISHI Nami Thea (German Law)
“The Making of Law: A Comparative Look at Constitutional Courts” - Prof. TAMURA Yoshiyuki (Intellectual Property Law)
“Issues surrounding generative AI in Japanese copyright law” - Prof. TERAYA Koji (International Law, International Human Rights Law)
“Exploring the Intersection of International Law and the Japanese Legal Order: with a Specific Focus on Human Rights” - Prof. Dimitri VANOVERBEKE (Sociology of Law）
“Continuity and Change in Japan’s Criminal Justice System" - Prof. YUKIOKA Mutsuhiko (Corporate Law, Securities Regulation)
“Japanese Corporate Law in Comparative Perspective”
Other information
- Dress code: Business attire is required for visits to law firms and for one scheduled visit during the Winter School. Casual attire is acceptable on other occasions.
- Participants will be asked to join the UT Winter School Slack channel. Please make sure you are able to access and use Slack in advance.
- By applying for this program, applicants consent to the use of photographs or videos taken during the Winter School, including those featuring participants, for public display and promotional purposes without further notice.
- The UT Winter School may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Schedule
| Sunday 7 February 2027 |
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| Check-in at the hotel after 3pm |
| Monday 8 February 2027 |
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Winter School Program starts Welcome Dinner Party |
| Friday 12 February 2027 |
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Winter School Program ends Farewell Dinner Party |
| Saturday 13 February 2027 |
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| Check out of the hotel by 11am |
Application Dates and How to apply
- Applications Open: Wednesday 12 August 2026
- Applications Close: Sunday 6 September 2026 (11:59pm AEST)
- Expected decision (Outcome): Friday 18 September 2026