As the modern business landscape becomes more internationally interconnected each year, young professionals are increasingly looking for MBAs that give them access to a diverse, global network. For many applicants, this means attending an MBA in Asia in order to gain key insights into how business is done in the region and develop a career advantage few others can claim. Perhaps one of the best options when considering an MBA in Asia is the prestigious Japanese business school Hitotsubashi ICS.
That’s why we touched base with Aiko Tokiyama, Digital Marketing Manager for Hitotsubashi ICS to gain an insider’s view of what it’s like to attend business school in Tokyo.
Ellin Lolis: Thank you for your time, Aiko! To start things off, do you mind telling us a little bit more about what makes Hitotsubashi ICS such a unique MBA program?
Aiko Tokiyama: Hitotsubashi ICS MBA programs focuses on achieving the best of two worlds, acting as a bridge linking Japan to Asia and the globe. Our MBA programs study management practices of both east and west, to allow students to come up with the “best practices” that will enable them to find the right balance between “competition and collaboration” and “business and society.” Anyone interested in expanding their network in Asia can truly benefit from our program. With our campus at the center of the business district in Tokyo and our faculty widely connected to the business world, we have real-world business leaders not only from Japan but across the globe visiting our campus to share their insight.
Students visit Sony as part of Hitotsubashi ICS’ Global Network Week, photo courtesy of @hitotsubashi.ics on Instagram
Another advantage of our program is that it is part of Best Alliance between Guanghua School of Management at Peking University and Graduate School of Business at Seoul National University which links us to China and Korea, and the Global Network for Advanced Management, which is a network of 30 top Business Schools across the globe. Students have access to the best business schools in the world, attending their signature programs during the Global Network Week, and making lifetime friends with MBAs from these network schools.
Finally, but not least, Hitotsubashi ICS is part of Hitotsubashi University, so you will be joining one of the most prestigious National Universities in Japan, widely known in the business world. As it is a public institution, our programs are subsidized by the Japanese government, and tuition is the same for Japanese nationals and international students. The tuition for the MBA is ¥535,000 (USD 5,000) per year; and the fee for the Executive MBA is ¥7 million (about USD 69,000). Oh, and we are ranked as the no.1 Business School in Japan by QS Rankings in 2019.
EL: Can you tell us more about your program options?
AT: We have a one-year and a two-year MBA program. The one-year allows students to get their MBA in an intensive year, and it is usually the best option for those who already have working experience in Japan or those who are seeking to have vertical career advancement.
Image courtesy of Hitotsubashi ICS’ site
The most popular option if the two-year MBA program, which offers a fully customizable second year. They can choose to pursue a double degree at one of our five partner top business schools, enroll in several international exchange programs, get involved in a hands-on project with faculty, apply to one or more internships, etc. Many students do a mix of these activities to make the most out or their second year.
We also have a part-time Executive MBA Program, which offers a blended learning experience: virtual and in-classroom lessons plus three overseas immersions and culminates in an individual Capstone Project, designed to provide students with the platform to put into practice the acquired tools and skills learned during the program.
EL: One of the elements of the things we found most interesting about the Hitotsubashi ICS program was the school’s international diversity. Can you please tell us more about that?
AT: Hitotsubashi ICS’s programs are designed to expand the Hitotsubashi Network of multiple generations of leaders in the globe and Asian economies, so international diversity has always been a key value for Hitotsubashi ICS.
Image courtesy of Hitotsubashi ICS’ site
Also, our school focuses on discussion-based and participant-centered learning, so diversity is imperative to promote the best environment for this type of education. Throughout the years, our class profile has been 80/20 International to Japanese students.
EL: What types of career support and scholarships does Hitotsubashi ICS provide students?
AT: Our students come from quite diverse backgrounds, but all share one common objective; earning an MBA to advance their global career. Hitotsubashi ICS’s Career Director offers a personalized one-on-one coaching service, as she guides students to gear up towards a successful career strategy and go “back to the real world.”
Our Career Services has extensive connections to the real business world, and provides various types of support and consulting, including;
– self-assessment by using “CareerLeader”
– one-on-one career coach sessions
– resume clinic (English resume & Japanese resume)
– mock interviews & Japanese business etiquette guidance
– career workshops with alumni members
– company-information sessions
– networking events with potential recruiters
EL: Can you tell us a little more about the Hitotsubashi ICS campus culture and alumni network? How active are students in both?
AT: One of the core values and principles of Hitotsubashi ICS is inclusiveness. Inclusiveness here at Hitotsubashi ICS means to work with individuals of different backgrounds and break down barriers of stereotypes. We aim to close the gap between students and the institution to be receptive and approachable.
Students enjoy Tokyo’s local culture, photo courtesy of @hitotsubashi.ics on Instagram
This inclusiveness-driven culture extends to the alumni network as well. Our alumni network expands across Asia and the globe. About 52% of our graduates live in Japan, and they actively participate in Hitotsubashi ICS events, such as Alumni Career Workshops, Job fairs, MBA fairs, panel discussions, guest speakers, amongst others. Whenever faculty members visit any of the cities where Hitotsubashi ICS Alumni are working/living in, a get-together in that city is a Hitotsubashi ICS tradition.
EL: Many of our clients have also used their MBAs to transition to careers abroad. Can you tell us a little bit more about the visa process in Japan after graduation?
AT: The Japanese government has been keen to bring in more business elites such as MBA holders and encouraging them to settle permanently in Japan so that they will help Japanese businesses remain competitive, innovative, and more global.
In 2012, the government introduced the new system called “points-based system for highly skilled foreign professionals.” Under this system, points are given based on their academic background, work experience, age, income, Japanese language proficiencies, and additional factors. So far our graduates have not had trouble getting a working visa, once they have landed a job offer.
EL: Do you have any tips on preparing a successful Hitotsubashi ICS application?
AT: My personal opinion, that consistency. Consistency is a key element to a successful application. The School values applications that show a clear idea of how the Hitotsubashi ICS program can contribute to what candidates want to achieve in the long term. Also, as our programs focus on discussion-based learning, Hitotsubashi ICS seeks candidates that will be valuable additions to their classmates’ learning experience.
You can start your application here. Please see our deadlines for the 2019-2020 application below.
EL: And finally, what is it like for a foreigner to live in Japan?
AT: Living in Japan is a great experience – the country is widely known for its excellent healthcare system, safe environment, and super-efficient transportation network. Studying at Hitotsubashi ICS gives students the chance to explore Tokyo from the epicenter of business and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The highlight of the Kanda Shrine Festival, one of the three largest festivals in Japan, passes directly through the Hitotsubashi ICS neighborhood, photos courtesy of @hitotsubashi.ics Instagram and Alden Hoch (Hitotsubashi ICS Class of 2017)
The learning experience truly expands outside our campus, into the city and the country. Also, you have access to many different professional and cultural activities that the city has to offer and to a broad spectrum of resources. Tokyo is a vibrant city that will put to the test your personal and professional expertise and will allow you to grow.
EL: Thank you so much for your time, Aiko. You’ve definitely helped us better understand all the advantages of the Hitotsubashi ICS MBA!
My team and I pride ourselves on being with you at every stage of the process as you apply to an elite international program, giving you the confidence that you are taking the right steps toward your future with the information you need to make the best decisions. That’s why I truly enjoyed talking with Aiko and bringing this information to you.
If you need help writing winning admissions essays or even if you’re just starting the application process and aren’t sure exactly what to do next, my team and I can help! Schedule your free consultation with us today.
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
