Cherry blossoms have long accompanied the start of the school year in Japan, but that may soon change to autumn leaves. The University of Tokyo is looking into the possibility of beginning its school year in the fall rather than spring. If adopted, the change, which would likely be followed by other universities, would put Japan in line with the rest of the world in a practical and sensible way.
First of all, this change would encourage Japanese students to study abroad. At present, many students are reluctant to study overseas for the simple reason that it puts them out of step with their peers, since Japan's semester schedule fits almost no other country.
The shift would also facilitate foreign students coming to Japan. Aligning Japan's university schedule with others would allow a smooth exchange rather than the current scheduling nightmare.