Why Are Indian Students Suddenly Interested in Studying in Japan?

Over the past few months, one question has been coming up repeatedly in my counselling room: “Ma’am, what do you think about Japan?”

Two years ago, hardly anyone asked this question. Today, students and parents from Gujarat and Surat, who until now had only considered the USA, UK, Canada and Australia for overseas education, are adding Japan as a fifth destination to their list. So, what has changed? Let us look at what the numbers reveal and what I honestly tell parents about this emerging option.

First, let us understand the reality behind the numbers

Japan has not yet become a large-scale study destination for Indian students. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), there were only around 1,685 Indian students in Japan in the academic year 2024. In comparison, approximately 123,000 students came from China and around 65,000 from Nepal.

However, the real story is not the current number of Indian students but the changing direction. According to JASSO, the total number of international students in Japan reached a record 408,069 by May 2025, registering a 21.2% increase in one year. Japan clearly wants more Indian students to be part of this growing international student community.

Reason 1: Options in other countries are becoming increasingly limited

For years, a large proportion of Indian students preferred a handful of English-speaking countries. That situation is now changing. Industry reports indicate that the USA issued significantly fewer new student visas in 2025. According to a report citing India's Ministry of External Affairs, the number of Indian students studying abroad declined by 5.7% last year. This was the first such decline after several years.

When uncertainty increases around traditional destinations, sensible families begin exploring other options as well.

Reason 2: India and Japan are actively inviting each other

The governments of both countries have announced a target of facilitating exchanges involving more than 500,000 people over five years. This includes 50,000 highly skilled Indians who are expected to work in Japan.

In the education sector, Japan has also expressed its intention to increase the number of Indian students to several thousand. Various scholarships, including the Japanese government's MEXT Scholarship, are being promoted to support this objective. Indian students can also explore the MEXT Scholarship application process through the Embassy of Japan in India.

In January 2026, Indian vice-chancellors visited Japan.[4] Indian universities such as JGU are also developing academic partnerships with Japanese institutions.[5]

Reason 3: Japan needs talented young people

Japan's ageing population is growing, and the country has been facing a labour shortage for a long time. This challenge is particularly visible in technology and engineering sectors.

As a result, educated and skilled young people from countries such as India are becoming important to Japanese universities and companies. For students, this could mean an opportunity to study and build a career in a country that has a growing interest in attracting their talent.

Reason 4: Japan's strength in science and technology

Japan has a strong reputation in engineering, robotics, electronics, materials science and, increasingly, the semiconductor sector. Students pursuing education in these fields are considering Japan as an important option because of its research culture and the quality of its universities.

The reality: What can make studying in Japan challenging?

If I tell families only about the attractive aspects, I would not be doing justice to them.

Language: Japanese can be the biggest challenge for many students. Although English-taught programmes are available, knowledge of Japanese may be essential for everyday life and many employment opportunities.

A clear career pathway: Compared with countries that have long-established post-study work arrangements, career opportunities and work-permit processes for Indian graduates in Japan are still evolving. There is also a need for greater clarity and simplification of these processes at the policy level in India.

A smaller Indian community: Since the number of Indian students is relatively low, students may find it difficult to access familiar social networks and support systems, particularly outside major cities.

Cost and culture: Living expenses can be high in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. It may also take time to adapt to Japan's work culture, discipline and social practices.

The need for early planning: Scholarship application processes, such as those for MEXT, generally begin well in advance. Students who start planning late may miss valuable opportunities.

Which students should seriously consider Japan?

Students interested in research in engineering, technology, science or design.

Students who are willing to learn Japanese seriously, rather than treating it as just an academic requirement.

Families who value a safe and well-organised environment and are prepared to plan well in advance.

Students who have clear academic, financial and career-related reasons for choosing Japan.

Five simple steps to get started

First, define your academic and career objectives, and then choose the country.

Prepare separate lists of programmes taught in English and Japanese.

Check scholarship deadlines at least one year in advance.

Start learning Japanese as early as possible.

Keep your financial documents clear, consistent and well-organised for the visa application.

My advice to parents

Japan is an attractive option, but it is not a shortcut. Families who choose Japan for the right reasons, prepare well in advance and seek advice from an honest counsellor before making a decision are more likely to make the most of this opportunity.

If your child's willingness to learn the language and academic and career plans are aligned with what Japan offers, it can be an excellent and rewarding choice. If not, other international education destinations remain open.

A country should not be chosen merely because it is trending. The decision must be based on the student's abilities, interests, budget and future career prospects.

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