10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss Entering MIDS
Opening Tomorrow — April 1, 2026: How MIDS Will Change Your World
I'm Dr. Takahashi from the Faculty of Data Science. In this article, I'd like to share with you 10 reasons why I wholeheartedly recommend MIDS.
Fugure: 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss Entering MIDS.
1. {Your Expertise} × AI = A Global Domain Uniquely Yours
Right now, the world is at a historic turning point. The same level of transformation that occurred during the 1995 internet bubble dawn, when professions like "web development" didn't even exist, is happening in the AI field, I believe. Having experienced Silicon Valley's transformation in real-time, I can clearly see that new domains of "{Your Expertise} × AI" are emerging everywhere.
Looking at any field worldwide, there's an overwhelming shortage of true experts in "{Something} × AI". This isn't coincidental. AI technology is advancing so rapidly that existing experts can't keep up. This means anyone starting now has the potential to become the world's first expert in their field.
Examples of new domains I've witnessed: - Track & Field × AI = World's first AI coach-powered professional running team "EKIDEN.AI" → Motion analysis, automated optimal training menu generation, real-time race strategy optimization - Music × AI = AI artist improvisation/DJ B2B business → Live performances where AI analyzes audience reactions in real-time and instantly generates optimal music - Entertainment × AI = World's first AI idol unit vs. human competition → Virtual idol emotional expression AI, individual fan dialogue systems, music production AI
What do you love doing? Drawing? Photography? Cooking? Sports? The chance to become the world's first AI expert in that field is right here, right now.
What's crucial is not just using AI as a "tool" in your field, but becoming an expert who can create new hybrid domains through the fusion of your specialty × AI technology.
At MIDS, you'll systematically learn everything from the fundamentals of mathematics, statistics, and machine learning to advanced expertise. Upon graduation, you won't just be "someone who knows both cooking and AI," but rather "an expert in cooking × AI technology and its applications (holder of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in data science)" with academic authority and social credibility.
This dramatically enhances your influence, impact, and most importantly, your power to create new value, establishing you as a true "world-first expert."
MIDS Integrated Education System from Undergraduate to Graduate School:
One distinctive value of MIDS that we particularly focused on in its design is the integrated education system that allows consistent learning philosophy from bachelor's to doctoral programs:
Bachelor's (MIDS) → Master's → Doctoral Integrated Program: - Bachelor's and Master's degrees in minimum 2 years: Efficient degree acquisition through transfer student system - 5-year integrated program: One year shorter master's degree through 3rd-year selection - Doctoral program early completion system (under planning): 2-year doctoral degree possible with one high-quality international paper, multiple international conference presentations, and related requirements
Significance of Integrated Education: Rather than simply stacking degrees, you can systematically acquire both academic authority and practical skills as a true expert in "{Your Field} × AI × Data Science". The path to being recognized as a global leader in your field through doctoral degree acquisition is clearly outlined.
Through this integrated system, you can grow as the next generation of research leaders, following Japan's first Doctor of Data Science recipients.
One thing I want to be clear about: I am not talking about becoming someone in {Your Expertise} who is good at writing prompts. I am talking about becoming a genuine expert in both {Your Expertise} and data science / AI—someone who can build things, not just prompt them. I know that sounds like a high bar. It is. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. We at MIDS are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way, with the curriculum, the faculty support, and the research environment to back it up.
Think about it this way. There may be plenty of film directors who know a lot about AI. But a film director with a doctorate in data science? That is rare anywhere in the world. When a TV news program needs an authoritative voice on AI-generated cinema, you are the one who should be called first. You are the one who can write the textbook that defines this new field—and writing that textbook, creating a new academic discipline from scratch, is exactly what a doctorate has always meant. The same logic applies to whatever your expertise is. Replace “film director” with {Your Expertise}, and the opportunity is exactly the same.
2. Annual Tuition of Only ¥570,000 (¥47,500/month) - A Realistic Investment
When I was in Silicon Valley, Stanford's MBA program cost over ¥8 million annually in Japanese yen, as I recall. Yet many people said it was "worth the investment" and enrolled. When I saw MIDS's annual tuition of ¥570,000, I was honestly surprised. I think this is revolutionary.
That's ¥47,500 per month. Less than what I used to spend on coffee in San Francisco (laughs). Jokes aside, this is overwhelmingly reasonable compared to various modern self-investments.
Comparison with other investments: - English conversation schools: ¥80,000-150,000/month (¥960,000-1,800,000/year) - Programming bootcamps: ¥500,000-1,000,000 for 3-6 months - Overseas MBA: ¥3,000,000-13,000,000/year - Domestic private universities: ¥1,200,000-2,000,000/year - Data science specialist schools: ¥800,000-1,200,000 for 6 months
This pricing demonstrates Musashino University's serious commitment to "democratizing education." You don't need to give up learning for financial reasons.
More importantly, consider the ROI of this investment. In my experience, data scientists earn ¥6-10 million annually on average. AI experts often earn over ¥10 million. A ¥2.3 million investment over four years could potentially increase lifetime earnings by tens of millions of yen.
3. Revolutionary Approach: Industry-Academia × International Collaboration
One of the most important things I learned in Silicon Valley is that theory alone cannot change the world. MIDS’s industry-academia collaboration program puts that lesson into practice—connecting corporate frontlines directly with global research institutions so students solve real business problems with real data.
Practical Value of These Partnerships: 1. Learning with real data: Using actual corporate data, not textbook hypotheticals 2. Job-ready skills acquisition: Gaining practical experience alongside graduation 3. Employment/career advantages: Partner company experience becomes powerful resume content 4. Entrepreneurship opportunities: Deep understanding of corporate challenges sparks new service ideas
Concrete International Collaboration Network: MIDS can leverage the global research network built by Musashino University's Data Science Department and Graduate School:
Asia-Pacific Region: - PENS (Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya) (Indonesia) - Bali State Polytechnic / PNB (Indonesia) - Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) - Thammasat University (Thailand) - Rangsit University (Thailand) - KMITL (Thailand) - Prince of Songkla University / PSU Phuket (Thailand) - VNU University of Engineering and Technology (Vietnam) - Beijing Normal University (China) - Keio University (Japan) - UC San Diego (USA) - University of Hawaii (USA)
European Region: - Tampere University (Finland) - University of Jyväskylä (Finland) - Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany) - Kiel University (Germany) - Charles University (Czech Republic) - University of Maribor (Slovenia)
Through these university partnerships, you can join international joint research projects, summer schools, and exchange programs during your studies—gaining the kind of experience that lets you solve Japanese corporate challenges with global perspectives and create Japan-originated AI solutions with deep Asian market understanding.
4. Going Global During Studies: Overseas Research Stay Programs
When I first visited Silicon Valley, I encountered forms of learning impossible to find in Japan alone. MIDS provides authentic international collaboration programs where you work alongside world-class researchers on actual research projects—not tourist experiences, not language study alone.
Specific Program Content: 1. Joint research project participation: Practical research solving local social issues with AI 2. Local company internships: Practical experience at global corporations and local startups 3. International conference presentation opportunities: Presenting research results to the world 4. Multilingual presentation skills: Support for presentations in local languages, not just English 5. Cross-cultural understanding and business etiquette: Understanding business practices and cultural backgrounds of each country
International exposure isn’t just resume decoration. It fundamentally transforms your worldview, values, and problem-solving approach—graduating you as a data scientist who deeply understands Japan yet can compete anywhere in the world.
5. Entrepreneurial Mindset × Data Science
What I focused on most in designing MIDS was establishing an "entrepreneurial mindset" as the foundation, not mere technical acquisition. Why? Technology changes with time, but entrepreneurial thinking is a lifelong skill.
Silicon Valley-Imported Mindset:
1. Overwhelmingly Hard Working (But Genuinely Enjoying It) In Silicon Valley, "Super-hard working" was the basic philosophy. I worked 15 hours daily but never felt it was painful because I genuinely enjoyed it as a "world-changing adventure."
2. Fail Fast, Fail Cheap This concept saved me when I launched my first company. Start small, verify quickly, improve through high-speed PDCA cycles. Failure isn't shameful—it's the shortest path to success.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making "Opinion is cheap, data is king"—one of the most important maxims I learned in Silicon Valley. Cultivating calm judgment based on data, not emotions or intuition.
4. Product-Driven World-Changing Thinking Not technology for technology's sake, but practical approaches that constantly consider "whose problems does this technology solve, and how?"
Practical Learning Opportunities:
Startup Experience Program: - Actually launching startups during studies - Venture capital pitch practice - Complete processes from prototype development to marketing - Real-world experience in low-risk environments
Mentorship System: Including myself, individual guidance from active entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives, fully utilizing my network.
6. An Environment Welcoming Diverse Backgrounds
What inspired me most in Silicon Valley was meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Former doctors turned programmers, ex-chefs turned data scientists, former teachers turned entrepreneurs... Ideas born from discussions with them sometimes led to important features in my company.
MIDS completely transcends traditional higher education frameworks, eliminating barriers of age, career, nationality, and educational background to achieve true diversity.
Expected Student Diversity:
Wide Age Range: - 18-year-old high school graduates: Latest digital native sensibilities - 20-30s career changers: Leveraging social experience for career transitions - 40-50s managers: Fusing organizational management experience with AI skills - 60s second careers: Combining rich life experience with cutting-edge technology
Professional Backgrounds: - Engineers/Researchers: Specialists seeking technical advancement - Sales/Marketing: Fusing customer understanding with data analysis - Doctors/Nurses: Medical professionals targeting AI applications in healthcare - Teachers/Instructors: Educators leading digital transformation in education - Stay-at-home parents: New paths combining childcare experience with social reentry - Artists/Creators: Fusing creativity with technology - Entrepreneurs/Executives: Integrating business insights with data science
International Diversity: Leveraging distance learning advantages, students can participate from worldwide: - Foreign residents in Japan - Japanese living overseas - International students and remote participants from Asia, Europe, and North America
The same data yields completely different insights from nurses, salespeople, parents, and artists—this multi-perspective approach is the source of innovation. Your own background is never wasted; it becomes the foundation for the unique value of "{Your Expertise} × AI" that no one else can replicate.
7. AI Business Professional Certification Integration
At MIDS, learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Through our international remote-internship program, students can tackle real business challenges at companies in Surabaya, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo—all while working from co-working spaces embedded in our partner campuses.
What makes this model unique is how deeply research and practice are intertwined. Internships are not simply “work experience”—they are structured around real data problems that feed directly into your academic projects and, ultimately, into published research.
How the matching process works:
Step 1 — Lecture (90 min): A company’s Product Owner (CTO, CEO, or PdM) delivers a guest lecture covering business context, market challenges, and strategy. Students gain insider knowledge of real product challenges—and the lecture counts toward academic credit. Product Owners formally become “PENS Supervisors” in our co-supervision framework.
Step 2 — Workshop / Hackathon (90 min): Open to all students and alumni, teams tackle real company data and product challenges using anonymized datasets and APIs provided by the company. Company representatives attend, mentor, and observe—this is where they spot outstanding participants.
Step 3 — Internship (3 months / 6 months / 1 year): Students apply directly to companies, or companies approach outstanding hackathon participants. This matching process dramatically reduces mismatches—both sides already know each other before the internship begins.
International Co-working Spaces: Study from Bali or Surabaya
Students can use dedicated International Co-working Spaces at our partner institutions—a facility at PNB (Politeknik Negeri Bali) in Bali and a dedicated classroom at PENS (Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya) campus in Surabaya. These aren’t tourist experiences; they are fully equipped workspaces where you attend MIDS lectures remotely while simultaneously engaging with local partner students, researchers, and companies on joint projects. The 5b6f Collaboration Laboratory at Musashino University in Tokyo rounds out the network, creating a genuine multi-hub research and internship ecosystem across Asia.
In my experience, the most transformative learning happens at the intersection of real problems, real data, and real stakes. This program puts you exactly there—contributing to research that matters, working alongside professionals who are building the products of tomorrow, and doing it from some of the most dynamic tech communities in Southeast Asia.
8. "Compassion and Wisdom" AI Applications Based on Buddhist Philosophy
This is one of the aspects I value most at MIDS. Having been involved in AI development in Silicon Valley, I'm acutely aware of technology's "light and shadow." I'm convinced that Musashino University's founding Buddhist philosophy becomes an important guide especially in the AI era.
Whether technological progress leads to human happiness or creates new disparities and conflicts depends on the mindset of those handling the technology. MIDS provides the world's only environment for learning not just technology, but its responsible use.
Fusion of Buddhist Philosophy and AI:
"Compassion" Perspective: - Inclusive AI design: AI systems considering everyone's happiness, not just specific groups - Consideration for the vulnerable: Developing solutions ensuring AI benefits reach socially disadvantaged people equally - Environmental consideration: Sustainable technology choices minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact in AI development - International cooperation: Spreading AI that can be utilized even in developing countries, eliminating technology gaps
"Wisdom" Perspective: - Essential problem-solving: Deep insight that identifies root causes, not superficial problem-solving - Long-term perspective: Technology development considering humanity's sustainable development, not short-term profits - Ethical judgment: Philosophical thinking that examines AI's societal impact from multiple angles - Middle Way approach: Balanced pragmatism that's neither technology supremacist nor technology-denying
In my experience, while Silicon Valley and Chinese AI development emphasize efficiency and competitive advantage, the AI development approach centered on "human happiness" is becoming a globally recognized new value system. MIDS graduates can develop the foundation to demonstrate global leadership as pioneers of "Compassionate AI."
9. Hybrid Learning and Flexible Study Formats: Complete Adaptation to Your Lifestyle
When designing MIDS, we strongly wanted to "create an environment where people with any lifestyle can learn," because I myself have experience earning degrees while working.
MIDS's innovative education system realizes "hybrid learning" that completely overturns traditional distance education concepts. This isn't just online classes—it's a next-generation learning environment fusing cyberspace with the real world.
Innovation of Hybrid Learning:
1. Cyber Classroom Utilization Complete deployment of proven "research experience-linked learning" from Musashino University's Data Science Department into cyberspace using cutting-edge digital technology. Combining recorded classes with live streaming completely eliminates time and location constraints.
2. Free Choice of Remote/In-Person Cutting-edge research activities at the Asia AI Research Institute are available both remotely and in-person. You can choose the optimal participation method based on your lifestyle, work schedule, and family circumstances.
3. Accommodation for Diverse Living Environments - Full-time working adults: Learning schedules centered on weekday evenings and weekends - Parents with childcare responsibilities: Flexible learning time squeezed between childcare duties - Overseas residents: Archive viewing considering time differences and real-time participation in local time zones - Shift workers: Self-study programs sustainable despite irregular work hours
Diversity of Flexible Study Models:
1. Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Minimum 2 Years Utilizing the transfer student system, both Data Science bachelor's and master's degrees can be obtained in as little as 2 years through prior credit recognition. This is an efficient program unmatched by other universities.
2. Degree Acquisition While Working Program Can be utilized as corporate reskilling programs, allowing gradual degree acquisition while continuing work. Career advancement while maintaining employment is achievable.
While many distance education programs end with recorded viewing, MIDS fully reproduces experiential learning online—through research project participation, real-time collaboration, and real corporate problem-solving. Regardless of where you live or how you live, world-class data science education is within reach.
10. 2026 Opening: Special Value as First-Generation Students
Honestly, if I could turn back time 20 years, I would definitely want to be a MIDS first-generation student. Why? The value gained from entering as a first-generation student goes far beyond mere "early adopter advantages"—it holds special meaning that lasts a lifetime.
The experience of "co-founding" a new department is irreplaceable treasure that can never be obtained elsewhere.
Acquiring Pioneer Spirit:
Experiencing Department Founding as Stakeholders First-generation students aren't just attendees. They're "co-founders" of MIDS as a new educational institution. You can directly participate in department operations through curriculum improvement proposals, new industry-academia collaboration project planning, and international exchange program design.
We want to actively incorporate first-generation student opinions to create a better department.
Witnesses and Creators of History When MIDS becomes world-famous in 10 or 20 years, the title "first-generation student" will hold special meaning. You're truly witnesses to history and simultaneously its creators.
Special Relationships with Faculty:
Overwhelming Benefits of Small Class Sizes First-generation students inevitably form small groups, dramatically reducing the student-to-professor ratio. This enables: - Significantly longer individual instruction time - Abundant research project participation opportunities - Direct introductions to faculty networks - High possibility of becoming paper co-authors
Building Mentor Relationships Including myself, you can build lifelong mentor relationships with faculty that transcend simple teacher-student dynamics. This provides immeasurable value for career changes, entrepreneurship, and important life decisions.
First-Generation Solidarity:
Lifelong Alliance Relationships First-generation students are bound by special bonds sharing common "pioneer experiences." Just like the relationships I built with colleagues in Silicon Valley, these relationships become: - Post-graduation business partnerships - Co-founder candidates for startups - Job and recruitment information sharing networks - Important life counselors
Industry Rarity and Recognition The single line "MIDS First-Generation Student" on a resume will definitely catch recruiters' attention. You'll be highly valued as talent with courage to enter new fields, adaptability to change, and pioneer spirit.
This opportunity comes only once in 2026. If missed, it can never be obtained again—truly "once in a lifetime" special value.
That said, the pioneer spirit doesn’t belong to the first cohort alone. Students entering in the 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th year will still be joining a department that is actively being shaped—small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and the chance to leave a real mark on how MIDS grows. The window is wider than a single year; it’s just that the very first cohort gets to set the tone for everyone who follows.
Call to Action: What You Can Do Right Now
1. Open Campus Participation - Our lecture series - Check HAPPY DATA HOUR and open seminar information at mids.ac/events
2. Advance Experience Through Credit Course System - Take Basic/Advanced/Applied Level courses before 2026 enrollment - Obtain Open Badges to certify learning history
3. Engagement with Asia AI Research Institute - Gather information about Partnership Programs - Consider participation in industry-academia collaboration projects
Finally: {Your Expertise} × AI Is the Most Realistic Career Choice Right Now
I started this article with Reason #1 for a reason: {Your Expertise} × AI is the core message of everything I’ve tried to say. Earning an AI degree at a data science department right now is not just cutting-edge—it is, I genuinely believe, the most realistic and highest-return career choice available today.
I can say this with confidence because I lived it. About 25 years ago, I earned my doctorate in the database field. That single decision changed my life more than anything else I’ve done. Database technology was considered advanced and specialized at the time—exactly the way AI and data science are viewed today. The people who moved early into that space built careers and companies that defined an era. I believe the same dynamic is happening right now with {Your Expertise} × AI.
No matter what your background is, the formula is the same: take what you already know, combine it with a rigorous data science and AI degree from MIDS, and you have a domain that is uniquely yours and nearly impossible to replicate. That is not a slogan. That is the pattern I have watched play out in Silicon Valley, in research labs, and in my own career—and I recommend it without reservation.
For more information:
Musashino University International Data Science Department: https://web.ds.musashino-u.ac.jp/
Asia AI Research Institute: aaii.asia
