In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization and the improvement of Chinese families’ economic strength, there has been a growing trend towards diversification in the choices for children’s education. Countries and regions in Asia, such as Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, are increasingly becoming popular destinations for Chinese students and parents due to their high-quality educational resources, favorable employment prospects, and relatively affordable study costs. Particularly recently, news about Japan relaxing its visa policies has attracted widespread attention in the study abroad community. A series of favorable policies have led many to believe that studying abroad in Japan is entering a “golden age.”
1. Relaxed Visa Policies, Lower Study Abroad Barriers
Recently, the Japanese government announced a series of visa policy adjustments aimed at attracting more international students to study in Japan. These new policies include the introduction of a 10-year multiple-entry visa, which provides significant convenience for international students and their families, allowing for more flexible and free activities such as visiting family, friends, and for business. Additionally, the group visa stay duration has been extended to 30 days, the requirement for a 3-year visa to enter Japan within three months has been lifted, and the application conditions for 3-year visas have been relaxed, simplifying the visa process. Of particular note is the simplification of visa requirements for the elderly, demonstrating Japan’s comprehensive commitment to attracting international talent.
It is especially worth mentioning that China is the first country to implement the 10-year visa policy with Japan. This not only affirms the friendly relations between China and Japan but also paves the way for broader exchanges and people-to-people ties between the two countries. Furthermore, the Japanese government has officially announced plans to expand its intake of international students to 400,000 and has raised the employment rate target for these students to 60%. These measures undoubtedly provide more opportunities and broader development space for students planning to study in Japan.
2. Aging Population Intensifies, Japan’s “Talent War” Fully Commences
Due to the dual impact of an aging population and a declining birthrate, the Japanese government has been continuously strengthening various talent recruitment policies to address future labor market challenges. According to the Japanese government’s latest announcement, Japan aims to have 400,000 international students by 2033. As of May 1, 2023, the number of international students in Japan had reached 279,274, with Chinese students making up the largest group, numbering 115,493, accounting for 41.3%. Following China, countries such as Nepal, Vietnam, South Korea, and Myanmar contribute the largest number of students, with the majority of international students coming from South Asia and East Asia.
To attract and retain international talent, the Japanese government offers various benefits, including tuition reductions, scholarships, medical insurance, living allowances, and other social welfare programs. These policies not only alleviate the financial burden on international students but also improve their quality of life in Japan, making studying in Japan an increasingly attractive option.
3. Advantages of Studying in Japan
So, why is Japan becoming a popular destination for Chinese families seeking education in Asia? This can be attributed to several advantages that studying in Japan offers.
(1) Rich Educational Resources
For many families, one of the core goals of sending their children abroad for higher education is to attend world-class universities. Among Asian countries and regions, Japan boasts many top-ranked universities. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, institutions such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Osaka University are all in the top 100. These universities are renowned for their academic research and provide students with ample academic resources and research opportunities.
(2) High Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to the high tuition fees of 150,000 to 200,000 USD per year in Western countries, the tuition fees for programs in Japan are relatively lower, generally around 10,000 USD per year or even less. With fluctuations in exchange rates, the cost of studying in Japan has continued to decrease, making it a highly cost-effective option for students.
(3) Strong Employment Prospects
In the context of a highly competitive global job market, the employment prospects for international students in Japan remain particularly optimistic. According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, the employment rate for Japanese university graduates in the spring of 2024 is expected to reach 98.1%. This means that almost all university graduates can find employment, with some even facing competition from multiple companies. This favorable job market is a major draw for international students.
(4) Geographical Advantages
For families sending their children abroad, Japan’s proximity makes it easier to travel back and forth. With the latest visa policy relaxations, visiting or accompanying students has become more convenient. This geographical advantage allows parents to visit their children more frequently and gives students more opportunities to understand Japanese society and culture.
(5) Easy to Learn Japanese
Unlike international courses in Western countries like the U.S., the U.K., Canada, or Australia, Japanese schools generally do not have strict language requirements, allowing students to enroll without prior Japanese language proficiency. Students are placed in classes based on their Japanese level and can start from scratch. Moreover, since the Japanese language shares similarities with Chinese, it is relatively easier for students to learn. This language learning convenience allows more students to adapt smoothly to studying and living in Japan.
4. Deeper Advantages of Studying in Japan
(1) High Educational Quality and Research Strength
Japan’s higher education system is known for its rigor and innovation. Prestigious universities like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University not only have a solid foundation in fundamental disciplines but are also leaders in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and materials science. International students here can receive high-quality education and participate in top-tier research projects, laying a solid foundation for their future careers.
(2) Cultural Experience and International Perspective
Japan is a country where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. International students can experience rich traditional culture, such as tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and the way of the samurai, while also enjoying the vibrancy and efficiency of modern cities. The bustling metropolis of Tokyo and Osaka and the tranquility of ancient cities like Kyoto and Nara offer students unique cultural experiences. Through studying in Japan, students can expand their international perspective, engage in academic exchanges, and experience intellectual exchanges across cultures, which is crucial for developing global thinking and cross-cultural communication skills.
(3) Employment and Entrepreneurial Environment
The Japanese government and businesses provide strong support for international students, especially in emerging industries such as technology and healthcare, offering more development opportunities. Many Japanese companies collaborate closely with universities and research institutions, offering international students diverse options from campus to career. After completing their studies, students can choose to work in Japanese companies or research institutions, gaining valuable practical experience.
(4) Convenient Living
The cost of living in Japan is relatively low, and international students can reduce their financial burden through part-time work and internships. The part-time job market in Japan offers ample opportunities for students to gain practical experience, such as internships in international companies or participating in cross-border exchange programs. These experiences help students develop skills and build professional networks for their future careers.
(5) Safety and Emergency Support
Japan boasts excellent public safety and a well-established legal system, providing a safe learning and living environment for international students. Moreover, the Japanese government and businesses offer various emergency support mechanisms, such as emergency contact centers for international students and overseas student insurance, ensuring that students receive timely assistance when facing difficulties.
In conclusion, Japan’s relaxed visa policies, rich educational resources, cost-effective study options, favorable employment prospects, geographical advantages, ease of learning Japanese, and strong support systems all make studying in Japan an attractive option for international students. For Chinese families, studying in Japan is not just an academic pursuit but also an opportunity for cultural experiences and expanding global perspectives.
