More students from abroad than ever before are studying in Japan, with a massive surge between the last two reporting periods.

Japan has recently reported a significant increase in its foreign student population, with the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) announcing that as of May 1, 2024, there are 336,708 international students enrolled. This marks a remarkable 20.6% rise from last year, representing the largest number of foreign students since 2011. Among these students, over a third hail from China, followed by notable numbers from Nepal, Vietnam, and Myanmar. This surge is attributed to various factors, including the affordability of studying in Japan—boosted by a weak yen—and increased recruitment efforts from Japanese universities and vocational schools targeting foreign students. Moreover, Japanese companies are becoming more open to hiring non-Japanese staff, enhancing the appeal of Japan as a viable destination for education and subsequent employment opportunities. As this trend continues, it is likely the record of 336,708 foreign students will be broken again next year as more students seek educational opportunities in Japan. The long-term strategy from the Japanese government aims to expand international student enrollment further, with a goal of reaching 400,000 students by 2033. This growth in foreign students reflects not only a response to global educational needs but also an attempt by Japan to enhance its labor market and cultural exchange. Overall, the increase in foreign students not only benefits the institutions through tuition fees but also enriches the cultural landscape of Japan while fostering international relationships.