FORM 6-K

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                        Report of Foreign Private Issuer


                      Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


                         For the month of December, 2003

                         Commission File Number 1-15236

                              Advantest Corporation
                 (Translation of Registrant's Name Into English)

                              Shinjuku-NS Building
                           4-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome
                                   Shinjuku-ku
                                 Tokyo 163-0880
                                      Japan
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)


     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

                              Form 20-F X Form 40-F
                                       ---

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                                 Yes      No X
                                    ---     ---

     If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): __________




Materials Contained in this Report:

1.   Translation of the Japanese-language Interim Business Report for FY2003 for
     the interim period ending September 30, 2003.




                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



                                          Advantest Corporation


                                          By: /s/ Hitoshi Owada
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             Name:  Hitoshi Owada
                                             Title: Director and
                                                    Managing Executive Officer


Date:  December 10, 2003