Tokyo and Kyoto Universities Slip as a Weak Yen Erodes Research Power
# world university rankings# University of Tokyo# Kyoto University# weak yen# research power
Key Points
- UTokyo and Kyoto keep falling in the QS world rankings
- Toyo Keizai links the weak yen to eroding research strength
- Rankings reflect the power to be chosen by the world
- A signal for anyone weighing study in Japan
Analysis
Tokyo and Kyoto universities sliding in the QS rankings is not just academic — there is an FX thread. Toyo Keizai argues the weak yen shrinks real purchasing power for recruiting talent, buying equipment and joining global collaborations, dragging on research. Rankings reflect the power to be chosen by the world, shaping study choices and talent flows. For prospective students, rank is one dimension; field strength and job links matter more. For Japan-watchers, it is one facet of the weak yen's long-run cost.