# Catalysts of change: Japan’s universities for international research excellence

## TL;DR

Tohoku University's designation as Japan's first international research excellence university could lead to much-needed reforms in Japan's higher education system.

## Contribution

Highlights Tohoku University's role in initiating reforms for internationalization and competitiveness in Japanese higher education.

## Key findings

- Tohoku University is recognized as Japan's first University for International Research Excellence.
- This designation may catalyze overdue reforms in Japan's higher-education system.

## Abstract

The designation of Tohoku University as Japan’s first University for International Research Excellence may mark a starting point for the overdue reform of Japan’s higher-education system to become more international and competitive.