Those attuned to the realm of Japanese academia may undoubtedly be acquainted with the designation MARCH universities. So, which institutions does this term encompass?
The nomenclature MARCH (マーチ) originated organically among the populace. It collectively refers to five distinguished private universities located in Tokyo. This collective nomenclature arises from the proximity of their standard deviations and examination difficulties. Each letter in "MARCH" is derived from the initial letter of the respective universities in Romanized Japanese: Meiji University (M), Aoyama Gakuin University (A), Rikkyo University (R), Chuo University (C), and Hosei University (H).
The MARCH university alliance enjoys a prominent reputation in the capital region, boasting high employment rates and admission difficulty second only to Waseda, Keio, and Sophia universities. For international students, proficiency in Japanese must be at least 300 points, and TOEFL scores should hover around 65.
Meiji University (Meiji Daigaku)
Abbreviated as Meidai, founded in 1881, Meiji University stands as one of Japan's earliest establishments offering legal education. Consistently ranking in the top 5 among private Japanese universities, its faculties of Political Science and Economics, Business, and Law are particularly esteemed. Notable alumni include former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.
Aoyama Gakuin University (Aoyama Gakuin Daigaku)
Commonly referred to as Aogaku, Aoyama Gakuin University, a Christian institution, anchors its principles in Christian teachings. The school motto, "The Salt of the Earth, The Light of the World," derives from the fifth chapter of the Bible. Situated near Omotesando and the Shibuya 109 building, the Aoyama campus exudes a fashionable ambiance, making it a captivating comprehensive university.
Rikkyo University (Rikkyo Daigaku)
Established in 1922, Rikkyo, also known as Rikudai, is another Christian university. Its origins trace back to the English school Rikkyo Gakuin, founded by the American Episcopal bishop William Awdry in Tsukiji. As a member of Japan's Ministry of Education's Super Global University program, Rikkyo University boasts a high employment rate of 98%, credited to its well-structured employment support policies.
Chuo University (Chūō Daigaku)
Located in Hachioji, Tokyo, Chuo University's legal education is deemed top-notch in Japan, consistently producing a significant number of legal professionals annually. Renowned figures like AKB48's General Producer Yasushi Akimoto and acclaimed anime director Makoto Shinkai are among the notable graduates of Chuo University.
Hosei University (Hōsei Daigaku)
Frequently referred to as Hōdai, Hosei University is situated in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, adjacent to the renowned Yasukuni Shrine. A cradle for Japan's legal and political figures, it counts Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the 99th Prime Minister of Japan, among its graduates. Additionally, various figures in the entertainment industry, such as directors Yukihiko Tsutsumi and Shion Sono, actress Yuko Ogura, and singer Hiroshi Itsuki, have their roots in Hosei University.
