Key Strategic Goals by 2033 (via J-MIRAI Strategy):

• Inbound Mobility:

  • Attract 400,000 international students (from 336,000 in 2024).

  • Triple international student enrolment in high schools.

  • Increase post-graduation employment of foreign students in Japan by 25%.

  • Expand English-only programmes and joint/dual degree partnerships.

• Outbound Mobility:

  • Send 500,000 Japanese students abroad (currently ~200,000).

  • Includes 150,000 degree-seekers, 230,000 short-term, and 110,000 high schoolers.

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Japan’s Current Position

As a Study Destination:

• Already saw 21% growth in inbound students in both 2023 and 2024.

• Growth primarily driven by language students; now shifting focus to degree-level enrolments and career outcomes.

• Heavy reliance on China (60% of graduate/postgraduate students), prompting diversification efforts targeting South Asia, Africa, and Australia.

As a Source Market:

• Japanese students are reluctant to go abroad due to:

  • Misaligned academic calendars (job hunting disadvantage).

  • High domestic university employment outcomes.

  • Low English proficiency (ranked 92nd globally by EF).

  • Financial barriers.

• Many now prefer regional destinations (e.g., Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines) due to lower cost and cultural proximity.

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Market Challenges

• Demographic pressure (29% of population over 65): needs talent infusion and international workforce integration.

• Labour skill shortages:

  • Forecasted shortfall of 450,000 IT professionals by 2030.

  • High demand for bilingual professionals in digital and AI-related fields.

• Sustainability focus: Growth in green jobs across transportation, infrastructure, and energy sectors.

• Rising preference for skills-based hiring, online certifications, and upskilling older workers.

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Implications for Educators and Recruiters

Opportunities:

• Japan is both a recruitment market and a destination competitor.

• Strong government support creates a predictable policy environment.

• Opportunities to:

  • Recruit language students into degree pathways.

  • Provide short-term, flexible programmes for older professionals.

  • Align courses with digital, green, and AI sector needs.

  • Offer bilingual instruction or Japanese immersion options.

Risks and Competition:

• Japan faces growing competition from other Asian hubs offering lower tuition and cultural proximity.

• Western institutions may struggle with Japan’s cost sensitivity and job market alignment issues for outbound students.

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Conclusion

Japan’s dual strategy of boosting inbound and outbound mobility reflects urgent demographic and economic needs. For global educators, Japan is a rising opportunity market, especially if programmes are tailored to labour market gaps, affordability concerns, and cultural factors. Meanwhile, Japan itself is emerging as a strong regional competitor as a destination, especially in Asia.