Japan’s growing wave of political and social conservatism is sparking concern among academics, who fear it could undermine efforts to attract more foreign students. The rise of far-right parties like Sanseito, with its “Japanese First” slogan, and the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi — known for her conservative stance and tough policies on China — have raised questions about the future of Japan’s internationalisation agenda. Takaichi’s administration is prioritising national security, pledging to increase the defence budget and establish a new intelligence agency, which academics warn could threaten research independence and academic freedom.
Experts like Professor Tomoko Ako from the University of Tokyo warn that nationalist policies focused on security and self-sufficiency could limit funding for international collaboration and diversity initiatives at universities. These developments come as the government faces criticism for increasing defence-related research subsidies and potentially steering public research funds toward military-oriented projects.
The administration’s hardline stance on immigration is another source of concern. Minister Kimi Onoda, who also oversees immigration, has called for stricter enforcement against foreign nationals violating rules. Her earlier comments targeting Chinese students for tax issues have resurfaced, fueling fears of discrimination. This is particularly sensitive since Chinese students make up 41% of Japan’s international student population — and as much as 70% in art schools — many of whom pursue careers in Japan’s growing gaming and IT sectors.
Analysts also warn of a policy shift that may deprioritise foreign students in funding allocations. According to expert Yuriko Sato, the government may reduce scholarship budgets for international students while increasing support for Japanese students studying abroad. This follows social media backlash during the July elections, when false claims about generous scholarships for Chinese students stirred anti-foreign sentiment and public pressure to tighten scholarship eligibility.
Controversy has also surrounded Japan’s Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (SPRING) programme, which provides significant funding to graduate students, including internationals. Critics in the Diet have pushed for inserting a nationality clause to restrict funding to Japanese nationals. If approved, the changes could dramatically cut support for international PhD students by fiscal 2027, drawing widespread protest from academics and students.
Despite these challenges, Japan’s universities remain dependent on international students, who currently represent 14% of total enrolments and over 21% of graduate students. With Japan’s youth population projected to shrink by 25% by 2050, experts argue that foreign students are essential to maintaining university revenues and filling workforce gaps, especially in sectors like IT where a shortage of nearly 800,000 workers is expected by 2030.
Observers stress that while Japan’s government continues to emphasize internationalisation in official rhetoric, its growing conservative turn risks undermining the very openness and diversity that such goals depend on. As the political climate tightens, the future of foreign students — and Japan’s standing as a global education hub — hangs in the balance.
