Hitotsubashi ICS offers a unique experience for foreign students who are interested in learning more about International Business Law while studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan. Students enroll in evening classes, Tuesday-Thursday, in subjects such as Japanese Legal Practice, Japanese Business Law, Comparative Corporate Governance, International Entertainment Law, International Dispute Resolution, and
Japanese Securities Law. Courses are taught in English by an accomplished group of professors, most being academics or partners in large international law firms. Students are also given the opportunity to intern at large international or Japanese law firms or companies to compliment their studies in business law. Internships are arranged by Hitotsubashi and typically involve an 8-12 hour commitment per week. The combination of classroom studies and practical experiences makes this study abroad program distinct from the typical law school setting and provides students with an invaluable opportunity to meet and work with attorneys practicing in Japan and international contexts. Some basic background or understanding of business or corporate law is encouraged. Furthermore, there are several extra lunches, guest lectures, and class field trips scheduled throughout the semester. The field trips from the program's first year included trips to the Japanese Supreme Court, the National Diet (i.e. legislature/congress), the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA, i.e. Japan is a beautiful and fascinating setting to study abroad while furthering your interest in international business law. The culture is remarkably inviting, accessible, and safe for foreigners. Housing and the cost of living in Tokyo can range dramatically as well, with very affordable student housing (~$400 USD/month) available at Hitotsubashi's main campus.
