International students are critical for Japan’s future.
Last decade, the government aimed to attract 300,000 of them per year to foster economic growth, heighten global competitiveness and infuse new energy into the country. Global educational exchange can result in highly educated workers. Even if international students return to their home countries, they become ambassadors by driving future business, tourism, opportunities, alliances and goodwill to Japan. Foreign students can help Japan enhance its image abroad and positively impact global university rankings.
Japanese firms often face hurdles in their global ambitions by the younger generations’ lack of a global mentality. International students can elevate Japanese students by sparking interest, fostering stronger foreign language skills, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and cultivating new perspectives.