The pandemic and wage stagnation have led to a decrease in the number of local and international students in Japanese schools. Nevertheless, the government has made a commitment to intensify its efforts to increase the number of students enrolled in and out of the country.
Data from the Japan Student Services Organization show the number of international students went down from 279,597 in 2019 to 242,440 in 2020.
To address the decline in student exchange resulting from COVID-19, the Japanese government introduced a program called "Direction of Global Policy Based on Higher Education: Toward the Recovery of Student Exchange" in July of last year. Its primary objective is to revitalize student exchange by attracting more international students and supporting Japanese students who want to study abroad.
The government has implemented multiple strategies to welcome international students, with the ultimate goal of fostering strong connections between Japan and their respective home countries.
Amid the government’s determined efforts, many are hopeful. Although Japan faces a daunting task, there is a widespread belief that these initiatives will encourage a fresh generation of youth to broaden their horizons and perspectives. While many young people have expressed a reluctance to study abroad, the government stressed that success cannot be achieved if they remain too close to home all their lives.
