The Japanese government is set to establish a certification system to recognise universities in the country, marking a significant move to reinforce internationalisation efforts and promote global initiatives. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between Japanese universities and their counterparts abroad while attracting international talent to the country. This marks the first-time introduction of a certification system by the Japanese government to actively endorse institutions supporting programmes with an international impact.
However, previously, Japan lacked a framework for certifying institutions that actively contributed to global programs. In line with their broader goals, the government also seeks to increase the number of Japanese students studying abroad to 500,000 by 2033, with a parallel target of hosting 400,000 international students in the country by the same year.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio emphasised the importance of investing in human capital to establish a new model of capitalism. He underscored the necessity of supporting start-ups, recognising the abundance of talent launching their own companies.
Since 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology has allocated funds to universities collaborating with prestigious institutions globally through the ‘Top Global University Project.’ Notable institutions benefiting from these funds include the University of Tokyo, Hokkaido University, Keio University, and Waseda University. The educational scene in Japan has witnessed a positive shift, with a notable increase in the number of classes offered in foreign languages, nearly tripling in the fiscal year 2022 compared to 2013. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in the number of Japanese students engaging in international study programs. These developments underscore Japan’s commitment to fostering a more globally connected and competitive higher education environment.
