A Perspective on University Research and Graduate Studies in Japan

Several facets of education and research in a Japanese university are discussed. Many similarities exist (relative to the U.S.A.); nonetheless, numerous cultural and organizational differences profoundly influence the nature of graduate studies in Japan. Graduate education in the Minami Laboratory of Scientific Instrumentation and Measurement Engineering, Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University, is featured. Some particulars relative to undertaking a long-term research stay in Japan are also included.