Keio University (Faculty of Law)

Keio University Faculty of Law is a leading Japanese institution grounded in principles of internationalism, multidisciplinarism, and pioneerism. Based in Tokyo’s Minato-ku district, it offers competitive undergraduate and graduate programs, including a high-performing J.D. track consistently ranking among Japan’s top institutions for bar examination success. Its faculty includes renowned scholars and seasoned legal professionals.

The Law School enrolls roughly 200 J.D. students per year and maintains a strong global orientation through English-taught courses and diverse international partnerships. Its innovative LL.M. in Global Legal Practice—the first of its kind in Japan—further reinforces Keio’s commitment to cross-border legal education.

Keio Law School maintains strong ties to Japan’s legal sector, supported by its consistently high bar passage rates. Graduates enter roles across judiciary, private law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. Practical training and internships embedded throughout the curriculum enhance readiness for professional environments.

Faculty members—including judges, prosecutors, and practitioners—serve as mentors, offering industry insights and connections. For LL.M. students, the global practice emphasis creates pathways to international law firms, multinational corporations, and cross-border regulatory fields. The school’s extensive partnerships and Tokyo location further expand professional opportunities worldwide.

Keio distinguishes itself through a faculty of nearly 200 combined full-time and adjunct professors, offering students direct engagement with top practitioners and legal scholars. Its LL.M. program provides unique English-only graduate education within Japan’s legal ecosystem, supported by a curriculum spanning global business law, IP, and international security.

Students benefit from experiential learning through negotiation, arbitration, and trial simulations. Keio’s Tokyo location grants immediate access to law firms, multinational companies, and government institutions, making it an appealing choice for those seeking advanced preparation for domestic or international legal careers.

Keio leads innovation in Japanese legal education by integrating emerging fields such as AI regulation, LegalTech, and global human rights into its curriculum. The LL.M. program exemplifies this forward-looking approach, offering Japan’s first fully English-taught professional master’s degree in law designed explicitly for global legal practice.

Its pedagogical model emphasizes hands-on learning, embedding skills development into coursework rather than isolating it in separate modules. Faculty research spans both traditional and contemporary legal issues, fostering a dynamic academic culture attentive to global developments and cross-border legal problem‑solving.

Is the LL.M. fully taught in English? Yes. The program is delivered entirely in English and designed for international accessibility without requiring Japanese proficiency.

What careers do LL.M. graduates pursue? Graduates work in international firms, corporations, arbitration centers, and global regulatory bodies, supported by strong practical training.

How is theory balanced with practice? Coursework blends lectures with simulations, negotiations, mock trials, and research to ensure immediate real‑world applicability.

Admissions to the LL.M. require prior qualification screening and electronic submission of documents through Keio’s online portal. Applicants may later be asked to submit hard copies. The J.D. program requires Japanese language proficiency and completion of standard entrance examinations administered under national guidelines.

The Mita campus offers convenient access to Tokyo’s legal and business hubs. Exchange students are nominated through partner institutions, with approximately ten accepted each semester. Practical inquiries can be directed to the Law School’s Student Services Office or Student Affairs Center for assistance with procedures and support.