It is clear that Japan's higher education sector stands at a key crossroads, facing both challenges and opportunities in an evolving global landscape which will impact the patterns of movement of international students. A recent conversation with Professor Hiroshi Ota, a leading figure in international education in Japan, sheds light on these dynamics, as well as the critical importance of benchmarking the student experience. This conversation comes at a crucial time, with Japan preparing to host a significant international education conference, to discuss these issues.
The Political Backdrop: A Rising Tide of Nationalism
Hiroshi highlights a significant shift in Japan's political climate with the emergence of far-right parties gaining traction. This surge in nationalism, fuelled by anxieties surrounding immigration and a "Japan first" mentality, has direct implications for higher education. One example is the recent decision to restrict PhD scholarships to Japanese students only, driven by concerns about the number of Chinese students receiving funding. This protectionist move, while perhaps politically expedient, risks undermining Japan's research capacity, its attractiveness to international talent and creates a degree of uncertainty for international students.
The International Student Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges
Despite these political headwinds, Professor Ota emphasizes that a "golden opportunity" exists for Japan to capitalize on the changing global landscape. As traditional destinations become less welcoming for international students, Japan, along with other East Asian countries like Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, could emerge as a more attractive alternative.
However, seizing this opportunity requires a strategic and nuanced approach. Ota points out that Japanese higher education institutions and the government need to be more aware of this shifting landscape and proactively adapt their policies and practices.
The Student Experience Imperative: A Need for Honest Feedback
Here's where the importance of benchmarking the student experience comes into sharp focus. As competition for international students intensifies, institutions need to understand what truly matters to students and how they can differentiate themselves. Ota notes that many Japanese universities conduct their own satisfaction surveys around graduation, but he expresses some scepticism about the reliability of the results.
He argues that international students in Japan, influenced by cultural norms, may be hesitant to express negative feedback directly to their institutions. There's a tendency to provide "socially desirable answers" and avoid criticizing the institution they chose to attend. Additionally, students with negative experiences may be less likely to respond to surveys at all, skewing the results.
This is where third-party benchmarking tools like the Student Barometer become invaluable. By providing an independent and anonymous platform for students to share their experiences, these tools can help institutions gather more honest and candid feedback. This, in turn, allows them to identify areas for improvement and tailor their services to better meet the needs of international students and allow for national and international benchmarking.
Beyond Satisfaction: Fostering a True Partnership
Ota stresses that improving the student experience requires a genuine partnership between institutions and students. Institutions must demonstrate that they are truly interested in hearing both positive and negative feedback and that they are committed to using that feedback to drive positive change.
He contrasts the reticence of some Asian degree-seeking students with the more vocal feedback from exchange students from Western countries. This highlights the need for institutions to create a culture where all students feel comfortable expressing their opinions, regardless of their cultural background.
Conference on International Education in Japan:
It's particularly timely to consider these issues, as Japan is on the cusp of hosting a major conference focused on international education. The Summer Institute on International Education Japan 2025 conference, taking place on August 6th and 7th, is expected to draw around 300 participants, including representatives from Japanese universities, vocational schools, language schools, private companies, and government. The conference aims to bridge the gap between academic research, practical implementation, and government policy. High-ranking government officials are expected to attend, signalling the importance of international education to Japan's future. The conference promises to be a crucial forum for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including strategies for enhancing the student experience and navigating the evolving political landscape. Ota says that the main goal of the conference is to bring together practitioners, government, and academia to discuss the same topics, which is very rare in Japan.
The Road Ahead: Embracing Innovation and Adaptability
Ota emphasizes that Japan's higher education sector needs to embrace innovation and adaptability to thrive in the changing global landscape. He cites the unique example of Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) which is hosting this year’s SIIEJ.
KUAS really stands out in Japan because it mixes things up with interdisciplinary education, strong ties with industries, and hands-on learning. Unlike traditional universities that stick to theory, KUAS is all about practical skills and real-world experiences, focusing on innovation and getting students ready for the global stage. This approach is mainly thanks to the philosophy of its chairman, Shigenobu Nagamori, who emphasizes practical learning and industry connections.
With the upcoming conference providing a platform for critical discussions and knowledge sharing, Japan is poised to take meaningful steps towards enhancing its appeal to international students. By gathering honest feedback, fostering a true partnership with students, and embracing innovation, Japan can position itself as a leading destination for international students in the years to come.
To find out more about the International Student Barometer ISB), the global benchmark for the student experience, and how it helps institutions develop competitive edge, access the ISB Overview.