Akita University is a national university located in Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku area of Japan, with approximately 5,000 students enrolled annually. The university was founded in 1949 from Akita Normal School, Akita Youth Normal School, and Akita School of Mines, and has a long academic history. The university promotes international exchange and welcomes many international students from all over the world, with over 200 international students studying here every year.
Akita University has four faculties and five graduate schools. Regardless of the type of study abroad program, international students belong to one of the faculties or departments and study specialized subjects. In addition, Japanese language courses are offered at different levels, from introductory to advanced. Therefore, students can study Japanese as well.
Akita University is located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. Akita Prefecture has a population of approximately 900,000 and an area of 11,637.52 km?, making it the sixth largest regional city among the 47 prefectures. Akita City, as the capital of the prefecture, plays a central role in politics and economy. It is not as flashy as some other cities, but it is a very convenient place to live as all the services necessary for everyday life are concentrated in a compact area. You can fly from Akita City to Tokyo in one hour or take the Shinkansen (bullet train) in four hours, and you can also take direct flights to Hokkaido, Nagoya and Osaka.
Akita is blessed with an abundance of nature with each season showcasing a different landscape. One of the charms of living in Akita throughout the year is that you can clearly feel the four seasons. In the spring, you can enjoy the scenery of cherry blossoms all over the prefecture, and in the summer, the traditional festivals held in various places are a highlight. In the autumn, you can enjoy the autumn foliage and golden rice fields, and in the winter, you can enjoy the unique festivals and skiing in the snow country. Akita is also famous for its hot springs. You can enjoy hot springs all around Akita, or travel by car or train for an hour or two to enjoy some hidden hot springs in the Japanese countryside. When you come to Akita, please enjoy Akita’s fascinating nature and culture!
The academic year begins on April 1 of each year and ends on March 31 of the following year. The academic year is also divided into two semesters: the first and second; and in addition, the first semester is further divided into the first and second quarters while the second semester is divided into the third and fourth quarters.
April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | January | February | March | Next April | |
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First semester |
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Second semester |
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Entrance ceremony |
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Orientation for new international students |
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Graduation ceremony |
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Long holidays |
Summer vacation | Winter vacation | Spring vacation |
1st and 2nd period | 3rd and 4th period | 5th and 6th period | 7th and 8th period | 9th and 10th period |
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8:50 - 10:20 | 10:30 - 12:00 | 12:50 - 14:20 | 14:30 - 16:00 | 16:10 - 17:40 |