TOKYO, Feb 25 (News On Japan) - A growing number of young people from China are traveling to Japan to take university entrance exams, drawn by the lower costs, perceived ease of admission, and better safety compared to their home country.
One Chinese student explained: "There are too many test takers in China. Compared to China, getting into a Japanese university is easier."
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On February 25th, the second-stage entrance exams for national universities, including the University of Tokyo, began across Japan. At test venues, students were seen clasping their hands in prayer-like gestures before the exams.
A Chinese female applicant aiming for the University of Tokyo shared her reason for choosing Japan: "University entrance exams in China are too difficult. I want to study at a top university in Japan."
Many of these students are escaping China's highly competitive exam system, opting instead for Japan’s university admissions process.
To better understand the trend, reporters visited Takadanobaba in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward, an area packed with language schools and cram schools catering to foreign students. Signs for Chinese-oriented prep schools line the streets, making the area a competitive hub for aspiring students.
One such cram school, with approximately 1,200 students enrolled, has already sent over 100 students to the University of Tokyo.
Inside the classrooms, students were diligently studying Japanese, a key requirement for university entrance. One of the study materials emphasized Japanese communication nuances, stating: "Avoid asking 'Why?' too often, as it may make the other person feel pressured and unwilling to talk."
To prepare for Japanese university entrance exams, many of these students spend a full year at such cram schools before applying.
A Chinese student remarked: "The most important thing when choosing a university is deciding what you want to study first and then selecting a school accordingly."
Japan's lower tuition fees compared to Western countries and its reputation for safety make it an appealing choice for Chinese students.
One student shared future aspirations: "I want to work in Japan. My first choice is to become a teacher, and my second is to be a literary translator."
Beyond affordability and safety, another major factor drawing Chinese students to Japan is the relative ease of university admission compared to their home country.
When asked about the difficulty of getting into university, one Chinese student said: "It’s easier in Japan. I don’t think the entrance exams here are as strict. I don’t want to take part in China's intense entrance exams—Japan offers more opportunities."
The trend of Chinese students avoiding the grueling competition of their home country’s exams in favor of Japanese universities continues to grow.
According to Li Xu, CEO of Keicheng Education Group, "The number of Chinese applicants is more than ten times that of Japanese applicants. It's easier to get into prestigious universities in Japan."
The University of Tokyo, in particular, remains highly prestigious among Chinese students. University journalist Reiji Ishiwata noted, "Many Chinese people recognize the University of Tokyo as one of Japan’s top institutions. Having a University of Tokyo degree adds significant prestige even when returning to China."
