Information for Prospective International Applicants

Welcome to the Makino Laboratory at the Department of Information and System Engineering, Chuo University. Please review the following guidelines carefully, noting the distinct policies for Master's and Doctoral applicants.

1. Laboratory Overview & Research Scope

Our laboratory specializes in:

• Computer Graphics (CG)

• Virtual and Mixed Reality (VR/MR)

• Visualization

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Note on Research Scope: Projects focusing solely on fundamental AI/machine learning model development, general web applications, databases, or networking without explicit integration into CG, VR/MR, Visualization, or HCI are out of scope.

2. Prior Consultation & Research Guidance Policy

• Master's Program: To ensure strict fairness to all applicants, we do not offer pre-evaluations of research proposals, CV reviews, or informal acceptances prior to official university examinations. Research themes are finalized after enrollment through literature review, problem formulation, and academic discussions.

• Doctoral Program (Ph.D.): Prior consultation is conducted before applying to discuss whether earning a Ph.D. degree in our laboratory is feasible based on your research interests, background, and laboratory resources. Please note: This is a research feasibility discussion, not entrance examination coaching or preparation guidance.

3. Language Requirements

• Master's Program: Sufficient Japanese language proficiency (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) is mandatory because lecture courses required for completing the degree are taught in Japanese.

• Doctoral Program: High Japanese proficiency for lecture courses is not strictly required, as the curriculum includes only two required lecture courses. Research supervision, academic discussions, and dissertation work can be conducted in English.

4. Official University Policy on MEXT Scholarships

Important Note on the MEXT Scholarship Program:

The MEXT Scholarship is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan. Decisions regarding the continuation, modification, or restructuring of the program are made solely by the Japanese Government. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the official MEXT website or contact the Embassy or Consulate of Japan in your country of residence.

Chuo University handles MEXT Scholarship applications strictly through official institutional procedures. Individual faculty members cannot issue informal acceptances outside these rules.

• Embassy Recommendation: Do not contact individual professors directly. Applicants must first pass the Primary Screening conducted by the Embassy of Japan in their home country, then contact the Chuo University International Center with their official "Passing Certificate."

• University Recommendation: Guidelines are provided exclusively to official nominees from overseas universities that hold formal academic exchange agreements with Chuo University. Direct individual applications from non-partner institutions cannot be accepted.

For full details, please visit the official page:

• Chuo University MEXT Scholarship Guidelines

5. Useful Links & Resources

• Laboratory Research Achievements: Student International Conference Presentations Page

• Admissions Information: Chuo University Admissions Page