To combat the decline in Japanese students studying abroad, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is finally taking action. Special five-year grants of ¥100 million to ¥200 million will be offered to 40 universities for study abroad programs. These grants are a welcome step forward with far-reaching benefits. The education ministry seems to have got the right idea with practical steps for implementation.

Japanese students' exposure to other cultures, languages and experiences has steadily decreased in recent years. The number of Japanese college students studying abroad declined by 28 percent, from 82,000 in 2004 to 59,000 in 2009.

During the same period, the number of students from South Korea, China and India studying abroad more than doubled, according to the Institute of International Education, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization promoting international exchange. Unless this trend is reversed, Japan's international competitiveness and awareness of other countries and cultures will continue to suffer.