The University of Tokyo is once again the highest-performing tertiary institution in Asia, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings released Wednesday.

The prestigious university moved up four places from last year to 23rd in this year’s table.

Japan also solidified its position as Asia’s number one nation, with a total of five top-200 universities.

Kyoto University was 52nd (up two places on 2012), Tokyo Institute of Technology 125th (up three), Osaka University 144th (up three) and Tohoku University 150th (down 13).

The rankings are based on 13 separate performance indicators, measuring teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

This year’s rankings showed many parts of Asia gaining ground, while several European universities fell back in the rankings.

California Institute of Technology held onto the number one spot for the third consecutive year, while Harvard University, tied with Oxford University, regained second place.

Phil Baty, editor of the Times Higher Education rankings, said: “Amid predictions of decline and concerns about the slow pace of internationalization, Japan has strengthened its position as the number one nation in Asia. The University of Tokyo remains Asia’s finest.

“This suggests that ambitious government drives to improve the international standing of Japanese universities are paying off.”

For more information, www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/