University of Tokyo Thesis Formatting Guide

Introduction

The University of Tokyo, as Japan’s premier research institution, maintains rigorous standards for thesis and dissertation formatting. Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s degree or a doctorate, understanding these specific requirements is crucial for academic success. This guide covers the essential formatting conventions expected by the university’s graduate programs.

Page Setup and Margins

Basic Layout Requirements

The University of Tokyo requires standard A4 paper (210mm × 297mm) with specific margin settings. Your thesis must include:

• Top margin: 30mm
• Bottom margin: 25mm
• Left margin: 40mm (allows for binding)
• Right margin: 20mm

These margins are stricter than many international standards, so ensure your word processor is configured correctly before beginning your document.

Line Spacing and Paragraph Formatting

Use 1.5 line spacing throughout your thesis for improved readability. Japanese academic traditions emphasize clarity and accessibility. Paragraph indentation should be set to 1cm or approximately 0.4 inches at the beginning of each new paragraph.

Font and Text Formatting

Font Selection

For English text: Times New Roman or Garamond in 12-point size is standard. For Japanese text: MS Mincho or HGMaruGothic at 12 points ensures proper character rendering and professional appearance.

Headers and subheadings can be slightly larger (14pt for H1, 13pt for H2), but maintain consistency throughout the document.

Emphasis and Special Formatting

Use bold formatting sparingly, primarily for chapter titles and major section headings. Italics are appropriate for foreign language terms and scientific names. Avoid excessive underlining, as this is considered outdated in modern academic writing.

Title Page and Preliminary Materials

Cover Page Requirements

Your thesis must include a formal cover page featuring:

1. University name: 東京大学 (Tōkyō Daigaku)
2. Faculty/Graduate School name
3. Thesis title in both English and Japanese
4. Your full name (in romaji and kanji if applicable)
5. Submission date
6. Advisor’s name and title

The cover page should not include a page number, though it counts as page 1 in the numbering sequence.

Acknowledgments and Abstract

The acknowledgments section should be brief (one page maximum) and written in a formal, respectful tone. The abstract (or summary) must be concise—150-200 words for Master’s theses, 200-300 words for doctoral dissertations. Provide both English and Japanese versions of your abstract.

Thesis Structure and Organization

Chapter Organization

Organize your thesis into logical chapters with clear hierarchies:

• Chapter 1: Introduction (background, research questions, significance)
• Chapters 2-4: Literature review and research methodology
• Chapters 5-7: Results, analysis, and findings
• Chapter 8: Discussion and conclusions
• References: Complete bibliography

Each chapter should begin on a new page, with chapter numbers and titles formatted consistently.

Bibliography and Citations

Citation Methods

The University of Tokyo accepts multiple citation styles, though Harvard style is most common:

Book citation example: Author, A. (Year). Book title in italics. Publisher.

Journal article example: Author, A. & Author, B. (Year). Article title. Journal Name in Italics, Volume(Issue), page range.

Website example: Organization or Author. (Year). Page title. Retrieved from URL

Footnotes should use consistent numbering throughout your thesis and appear at the bottom of each page or end of chapters.

Tables, Figures, and Illustrations

Figure and Table Formatting

All tables and figures must include descriptive captions above (for tables) or below (for figures). Use Table 1, Table 2 formatting and Figure 1, Figure 2 for consistent labeling.

Tables should have clear borders and consistent formatting. Figure quality must be high-resolution (minimum 300dpi for print). Color figures are acceptable if they enhance understanding, but ensure they’re understandable when printed in black and white.

Numbering and Cross-References

Number tables and figures consecutively throughout your thesis or reset numbering at the beginning of each chapter (Chapter 1, Table 1.1). Include a “List of Figures” and “List of Tables” in your preliminary materials if you have more than five of each.

Page Numbering and Headers

Numbering System

Arabic numerals should number all pages sequentially. Page numbers appear in the bottom right corner of content pages. Front matter (abstract, table of contents, acknowledgments) traditionally uses lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii), then switches to Arabic numerals beginning with Chapter 1 as page 1.

Running Headers and Footers

Include the thesis title or chapter name in the header, with page numbers in the footer. Maintain consistency in header formatting across all pages.

Submission Requirements

Final Binding and Format

The University of Tokyo typically requires two printed copies—one for the department and one for the university library. Additionally, submit one digital copy (PDF format) to the Graduate School office. Binding should be professional, with the spine including your name, thesis title, and submission year.

Ensure your PDF is searchable (not scanned images) and all links are functional. File naming should follow the format: LastName_FirstName_Year_ThesisTitle.pdf

Using GenText for Thesis Formatting

GenText is an invaluable tool for maintaining consistent formatting throughout your lengthy thesis document. The software automatically manages style sheets, ensures uniform font application, and helps organize bibliographic citations according to your chosen style guide.

With GenText, you can:

• Create and maintain complex document structures with multiple chapters
• Automatically generate tables of contents and figure lists
• Manage citations across hundreds of sources
• Ensure consistent heading styles and page numbering
• Convert between citation styles if needed for revisions

By incorporating GenText into your writing process from the beginning, you’ll reduce formatting errors and save significant time during revision and submission phases.

Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent font sizes: Verify all body text is 12pt and headings follow your established hierarchy
2. Improper margin settings: Double-check margins before printing—binding requires 40mm on the left
3. Missing page numbers: Ensure numbering is sequential and positioned consistently
4. Incomplete citations: Every source must have a complete reference in your bibliography
5. Poor quality figures: Ensure all images and diagrams meet the 300dpi minimum requirement

Final Checklist

Before submission, verify:

• ✓ All margins are correctly set
• ✓ Font is consistent throughout (Times New Roman or MS Mincho at 12pt)
• ✓ Page numbering is sequential and properly positioned
• ✓ Citations match your chosen style guide exactly
• ✓ Abstract provided in both English and Japanese
• ✓ Cover page includes all required information
• ✓ Table of contents and figure/table lists are accurate
• ✓ All figures and tables have descriptive captions
• ✓ Acknowledgments and dedication sections are properly formatted
• ✓ Final PDF is searchable and properly bookmarked

Conclusion

Adhering to the University of Tokyo’s thesis formatting guidelines demonstrates academic professionalism and respect for institutional standards. By carefully implementing the requirements outlined in this guide and utilizing tools like GenText for consistency, you’ll present your research in the polished, professional manner expected at Japan’s leading research university.