From Hokkaido University’s “Graduate Admissions Overview” and departmental guidelines:

Applicants must hold (or be expected to hold) a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Generally, applicants must have completed 16 years of education (for medicine/dentistry/veterinary, 18 years). 

A key early step is to find and contact a prospective supervisor at Hokkaido University, who must agree to guide your research. 

Applicants must submit a research proposal / plan, CV, academic transcripts, certificates, and language proof (Japanese or English). 

Some graduate schools accept online / remote entrance exams for applicants who cannot come to Japan. 

Entrance exams typically include a written exam in the specialized subject area and an interview (sometimes based on research plan). 

For international applicants to medical graduate programs, the application requires proof of English or Japanese language skill, research history, and documentation of academic background. 

The Faculty of Education’s master’s entrance also emphasizes written exam in the specialized field and an interview with the research proposal, especially for mature students. 

Some departments may allow research students (non-degree status) as a preliminary step before admission to full master or doctoral programs.