Kyoto University Thesis Formatting Guide

Kyoto University Thesis Formatting Requirements

Kyoto University, a leading research institution in Japan, maintains comprehensive formatting guidelines for master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. These standards ensure consistency and professionalism in scholarly presentation while accommodating both Japanese and English-language research.

Core Formatting Standards

Language Requirements

Kyoto University accepts theses written in Japanese, English, or other designated languages. Graduate students conducting international research often write in English, but certain elements must be provided in Japanese:

• Thesis title
• Abstract or summary
• Keywords
• Preliminary pages

This bilingual approach reflects the university’s international research environment while maintaining connection to its Japanese academic heritage.

Font Selection and Size

For Japanese text, use standard fonts such as Hiragino Mincho or Yu Mincho at 12pt. For English or other languages, use Times New Roman, Arial, or similar professional fonts at 12pt.

Maintain consistent font selection throughout your thesis. Headings should be distinctly formatted but use the same font family as body text. This creates visual hierarchy while maintaining professional appearance.

Margin Specifications

Kyoto University specifies precise margins:

• Left margin: 3cm (accommodates binding)
• Right margin: 2.5cm
• Top margin: 2.5cm
• Bottom margin: 2.5cm

These measurements are strictly enforced to ensure proper archiving and binding of theses in the university library system.

Line Spacing

Double-spacing is required for the main body of your thesis. This applies to both Japanese and English text. Footnotes, endnotes, and appendices may use single-spacing, though double-spacing is preferred for consistency.

Title Page and Front Matter Organization

The title page should include:

• Thesis title in both Japanese and English (centered, bold)
• Author’s full name and student ID
• Department and graduate school name
• Academic year and date of submission

The front matter should follow this sequence:

• Title page
• Declaration of originality
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Abstract in Japanese (300-500 words)
• Abstract in English (300-500 words)
• Keywords in both languages (5-10 terms)
• Table of contents
• List of figures and tables (if applicable)

Chapter Structuring

Number chapters consecutively using Arabic numerals. Chapter titles should be descriptive and formatted distinctly from body text. In bilingual theses, provide chapter titles in both Japanese and English on the chapter opening page.

Subheadings should maintain a consistent hierarchical structure. This helps readers navigate your argument and improves overall document organization.

Citation Methodology

Kyoto University traditionally uses the footnote system, where citations appear as superscript numbers in the text with corresponding footnotes at the bottom of the page or endnotes at the end of each chapter or the entire thesis.

Some departments accept in-text citations with a bibliography using the Author-Date system. Confirm the preferred citation method with your supervisor and department.

GenText’s citation management tools can handle both footnote and in-text citation systems, automatically formatting and organizing your sources according to the style your department requires.

Quotations and Block Quotes

Short quotations should be incorporated into paragraph text with quotation marks and citations. Longer quotations (generally more than two lines) should be formatted as indented block quotes, set 1cm from the left margin and single-spaced.

Provide source citations immediately following all quotations. For works originally in a language other than the language of your thesis, you may use translations but must cite the original publication.

Tables, Figures, and Visual Elements

Number all tables and figures consecutively. Tables should be numbered (Table 1, Table 2, etc.) with titles above them. Figures should be numbered (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.) with captions below.

In bilingual theses, provide captions in both Japanese and English. Every table and figure should be referenced in the text before it appears, helping readers understand its significance.

Page Numbering System

Number pages consecutively using Arabic numerals. Page numbers should appear in the bottom center or bottom right of each page. The title page is typically counted but the number does not appear on it.

Appendices and Supplementary Material

Appendices should contain supporting material—raw data, interview transcripts, detailed calculations, or extended tables—that would disrupt the flow of your main argument if included in chapters.

Label appendices consecutively (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.). Each appendix should have a descriptive title and appear on a separate page. Include all appendices in your table of contents.

Formatting for Bilingual Theses

If your thesis is primarily in English with Japanese elements, establish clear formatting conventions:

• Present your main chapters in English
• Provide title, abstract, keywords, and summary in Japanese
• Use consistent formatting for bilingual elements throughout

Discuss your bilingual structure with your advisor to ensure it meets departmental expectations.

Submission Requirements

Kyoto University requires submission of both digital and print copies. Digital submission should be in PDF format with all formatting preserved. Verify that your PDF displays correctly on multiple devices and in various PDF readers.

Print copies should be professionally bound according to university specifications. Confirm current binding requirements and submission procedures with your graduate program office.

Using GenText for Kyoto University Theses

GenText streamlines thesis preparation by automating consistent formatting across bilingual documents. The tool manages Japanese and English text formatting, maintaining proper spacing, fonts, and margins throughout.

Citation management features handle both footnote and bibliography systems, automatically formatting sources and updating references as your thesis develops. GenText’s organizational tools help structure complex dissertations logically.

Common Formatting Challenges

• Inconsistent font usage between Japanese and English text
• Incorrect margin widths, particularly insufficient left margin for binding
• Bilingual sections not properly aligned or formatted
• Citation system inconsistency
• Improper spacing in block quotations or appendices
• Tables and figures missing titles or captions
• Front matter elements out of proper order

Pre-Submission Verification

Before submitting, check:

• All margins meet specifications (3cm left, 2.5cm others)
• Font is consistent and appropriate for each language
• Line spacing is double throughout main text
• Page numbers appear correctly on all pages
• Title, abstract, and keywords appear in both Japanese and English
• All tables and figures are numbered and captioned
• Citations follow your department’s chosen system consistently
• Front matter appears in correct order
• PDF is properly formatted for digital submission
• Print copies are professionally bound

Adhering to Kyoto University’s comprehensive formatting standards ensures your thesis meets institutional requirements and is properly preserved in the university’s scholarly archive.