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The Mainichi
6 days ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
Cut to foreign PhD student support deals blow to Japanese academia
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government's plan to end financial support for foreign doctoral students has drawn criticism from students and academics who have labeled the step unjust and counterproductive to fostering a diverse, inclusive and thriving academic environment. Before the change proposed late June, the government offered up to 2.4 million yen ($16,400) as a living allowance annually to PhD students. Now, however, the education ministry plans to extend the support only to Japanese nationals, with the change likely taking effect as early as fiscal 2027, if approved by a ministry committee. "It is unacceptable that suddenly a line is drawn between the students based on nationality when both Japanese and foreigners have bonded and studied together daily. It is unthinkable that the students will be treated differently," said Emi Omuro, a Japanese third-year PhD student at Ochanomizu University. Omuro organized a rally in front of JR Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo in early July, with approximately 20 mostly-Japanese university students holding up placards saying, "Don't discriminate," "Nationality clause will shake the foundation of Japanese academia," and "Academia has no borders." The issue of payments to foreign students entered the political discussion during a parliamentary debate in March when Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Haruko Arimura stated that over a third of those who have received the money were foreign nationals. Arimura singled out Chinese students, saying the "government should not just stand by" and watch doctorate programs become dependent on Chinese students "from the perspective of national economic security." "The program cannot win the support of the public without clearly stipulating that it is designed to support Japanese nationals," Arimura said. Of the 10,564 people who received the subsidies in fiscal 2024, 39 percent were foreigners, with Chinese nationals accounting for 76 percent of the non-Japanese cohort at 3,151, according to the ministry. The number of foreign students at high-level institutions such as universities and vocational colleges as of May 2024 surged 21.7 percent from the previous year to 229,467, including 20,015 enrolled in PhD programs. The decision to withdraw support for foreign students comes in stark contrast to the government's stated goal of increasing the number of PhD candidates from overseas. It set a target to raise the ratio of international students in doctoral programs to 33 percent by 2033 over 10 years, up from 21 percent in 2023. "The (funding withdrawal) plan shows the government is only looking at one aspect of a person, their role as a researcher, when they are living human beings that need to make a living," Omuro said, adding that most would have to cut back on their study time to instead work to survive. Azusa Karashi, another Japanese doctorate student, said, "I am extremely angry at the government for creating a division between students, who improve knowledge and research by exchanging views and through communication. The measure suppresses people with diverse backgrounds." In addition to affecting the student experience, the loss of PhD students will deal a blow to the universities' research capabilities. Norihiro Nihei, professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Tokyo, warned that excluding and discriminating based on nationality will lead to a "steady decline in the level of academia in Japan over the medium to long term." "I have felt up close how many foreign students with highly specialized expertise have generated significant ideas and knowledge while studying at Japanese universities and raised the level of academia," Nihei said in a comment posted on an online petition against the changes. Demonstrating this brain drain, a Chinese graduate school student at the University of Tokyo said she would abandon plans to advance to a doctoral course because of the new measure, arguing it is unfair. "I was thinking of applying for (the program) next year. But given the inflation in the price of daily goods, I will give up advancing to a PhD program if I can't get financial support and look for a job instead," she said at the student rally in Ikebukuro. The government program was launched in fiscal 2021 to provide support for PhD students, offering 1.8 million yen to 2.4 million yen in living support, with the aid also covering research and other fees totaling up to 2.9 million yen. Foreign students will remain eligible for research expenses. Yusuke Kazama, lecturer at Nara Prefectural University, said the policy is a reflection of the recent increase in xenophobia in Japan, characterized by the "Japanese First" platform promoted by Sanseito, a new populist right-wing party that campaigns on anti-immigrant policies. "I fear that foreigners, who are in the minority, are being scapegoated" in this social phenomenon, Kazama said, stressing, "International students who have come to Japan with a desire to learn and who have chosen to study here should never be excluded."
Kyodo News
12-07-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
FOCUS: Cut to foreign PhD student support deals blow to Japanese academia
TOKYO - The Japanese government's plan to end financial support for foreign doctoral students has drawn criticism from students and academics who have labeled the step unjust and counterproductive to fostering a diverse, inclusive and thriving academic environment. Before the change proposed late June, the government offered up to 2.4 million yen ($16,400) as a living allowance annually to PhD students. Now, however, the education ministry plans to extend the support only to Japanese nationals, with the change likely taking effect as early as fiscal 2027, if approved by a ministry committee. "It is unacceptable that suddenly a line is drawn between the students based on nationality when both Japanese and foreigners have bonded and studied together daily. It is unthinkable that the students will be treated differently," said Emi Omuro, a Japanese third-year PhD student at Ochanomizu University. Omuro organized a rally in front of JR Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo in early July, with approximately 20 mostly-Japanese university students holding up placards saying, "Don't discriminate," "Nationality clause will shake the foundation of Japanese academia," and "Academia has no borders." The issue of payments to foreign students entered the political discussion during a parliamentary debate in March when Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Haruko Arimura stated that over a third of those who have received the money were foreign nationals. Arimura singled out Chinese students, saying the "government should not just stand by" and watch doctorate programs become dependent on Chinese students "from the perspective of national economic security." "The program cannot win the support of the public without clearly stipulating that it is designed to support Japanese nationals," Arimura said. Of the 10,564 people who received the subsidies in fiscal 2024, 39 percent were foreigners, with Chinese nationals accounting for 76 percent of the non-Japanese cohort at 3,151, according to the ministry. The number of foreign students at high-level institutions such as universities and vocational colleges as of May 2024 surged 21.7 percent from the previous year to 229,467, including 20,015 enrolled in PhD programs. The decision to withdraw support for foreign students comes in stark contrast to the government's stated goal of increasing the number of PhD candidates from overseas. It set a target to raise the ratio of international students in doctoral programs to 33 percent by 2033 over 10 years, up from 21 percent in 2023. "The (funding withdrawal) plan shows the government is only looking at one aspect of a person, their role as a researcher, when they are living human beings that need to make a living," Omuro said, adding that most would have to cut back on their study time to instead work to survive. Azusa Karashi, another Japanese doctorate student, said, "I am extremely angry at the government for creating a division between students, who improve knowledge and research by exchanging views and through communication. The measure suppresses people with diverse backgrounds." In addition to affecting the student experience, the loss of PhD students will deal a blow to the universities' research capabilities. Norihiro Nihei, professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Tokyo, warned that excluding and discriminating based on nationality will lead to a "steady decline in the level of academia in Japan over the medium to long term." "I have felt up close how many foreign students with highly specialized expertise have generated significant ideas and knowledge while studying at Japanese universities and raised the level of academia," Nihei said in a comment posted on an online petition against the changes. Demonstrating this brain drain, a Chinese graduate school student at the University of Tokyo said she would abandon plans to advance to a doctoral course because of the new measure, arguing it is unfair. "I was thinking of applying for (the program) next year. But given the inflation in the price of daily goods, I will give up advancing to a PhD program if I can't get financial support and look for a job instead," she said at the student rally in Ikebukuro. The government program was launched in fiscal 2021 to provide support for PhD students, offering 1.8 million yen to 2.4 million yen in living support, with the aid also covering research and other fees totaling up to 2.9 million yen. Foreign students will remain eligible for research expenses. Yusuke Kazama, lecturer at Nara Prefectural University, said the policy is a reflection of the recent increase in xenophobia in Japan, characterized by the "Japanese First" platform promoted by Sanseito, a new populist right-wing party that campaigns on anti-immigrant policies. "I fear that foreigners, who are in the minority, are being scapegoated" in this social phenomenon, Kazama said, stressing, "International students who have come to Japan with a desire to learn and who have chosen to study here should never be excluded."
Yomiuri Shimbun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Movie ‘Hana Manma' Rich with Life's Memories; Lead Actors Discuss Thoughts, Changes in Adaptation in Interview
The Yomiuri Shimbun Ryohei Suzuki and Kasumi Arimura Adapted from the 2005 Naoki Prize-winning short story collection, the film 'Hana Manma' ('PETALS AND MEMORIES') is all about life's memories, with a slight mystery. The movie was released in theaters on April 25. Actors Ryohei Suzuki and Kasumi Arimura share the screen for the first time, playing siblings. The following are excerpts from The Yomiuri Shimbun's interview with the actors, who shared their thoughts on the heartwarming movie. Family one of a kind The Yomiuri Shimbun: What did you think of the finished film? Ryohei Suzuki: I think the movie can be interpreted differently depending on the viewer's age and circumstances. In my case, I have a sister 8 years younger than me, so I saw things from Toshiki's perspective, but also imagined what his parents might be feeling. It has something to touch everyone's heart. Kasumi Arimura: I think everyone can relate to the idea that each family is one of a kind. Yomiuri: The original story focuses on the siblings' childhood. The script was expanded from the story's last few lines to show them grown up, which wasn't in the original. Suzuki: I was amazed at how well the world was expanded in the script. Arimura: The end result is an entertaining piece that everyone can love. Kansai dialect Yomiuri: I heard you two were like real siblings during filming. Suzuki: Since both of us are from the same area [Hyogo Prefecture], I felt a sense of closeness. Arimura: I'm usually reserved and get nervous, overthinking what to say. But I didn't feel any barriers this time as we communicated in Kansai dialect from the start. Suzuki: Kansai dialect is great for breaking the ice, isn't it? Yomiuri: The film also conveys the unique atmosphere of the Kansai region. Suzuki: First of all, Director Tetsu Maeda is someone who embodies the essence of Osaka. He knows when to be serious, but he always cracks jokes to keep everyone relaxed. Arimura: Since both the crew and cast spoke Kansai dialect, it was lively even off camera. Living and dying as precious Yomiuri: What are the highlights of the film? Suzuki: I want viewers to feel that living and dying, with all the loss of loved ones and the warmth of being raised by someone, are something truly precious. During filming, I thought about how to make it a movie that isn't just a tear-jerker. I hope the audience says, 'It is full of life.' Arimura: I think it's a work that makes you reflect on your past, like 'That seems familiar,' or 'I should call my family.' I really hope many people watch it. Childhood memories Yomiuri: What were your childhoods like? Suzuki: I was clumsy and always getting hurt. I doted on my sister, so I can relate to Toshiki's feelings. Yomiuri: What was a memorable event at that time? Suzuki: The opening of the [in 1993]. Back then, everyone talked about baseball, but suddenly, it was all about soccer. It felt like a new era had begun. Yomiuri Shimbun: What was your childhood like, Arimura-san? Arimura: I liked playing outside with my friends, catching cicadas and stuff. Suzuki: Can you still touch them now? Arimura: Cicadas? Yes. Suzuki: What about earthworms? Arimura: Earthworms are a no-go. Yomiuri: Where did you often go? Arimura: The takoyaki shop in my neighborhood. Takoyaki in Tokyo is fried and crispy on the outside, but the local version is soft and tender. It's absolutely delicious. I used to ride my kick scooter to go buy some. Synopsis of 'Hana Manma' Toshiki Kato, portrayed by Suzuki, lives in a working-class neighborhood in Osaka. After losing his parents at a young age, he has been the sole guardian of his younger sister, Fumiko, played by Arimura. Fumiko decides to marry, which is a weight off Toshiki's shoulders, but Fumiko has a secret she has been hiding from her brother. The original story is told in flashbacks to Toshiki's childhood, but the film version adds a significant original storyline depicting the siblings as adults. The film is directed by Tetsu Maeda and also stars Oji Suzuka and First Summer Uika. Ryohei Suzuki Born on March 29, 1983. Raised in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Suzuki debuted in 2006 and starred in NHK's Taiga epic historical drama 'Segodon' and the Netflix film 'City Hunter,' among others. Kasumi Arimura Born on Feb. 13, 1993. Raised in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture. Arimura debuted in 2010 and gained attention in 2013 for her role in the NHK drama series 'Ama-chan.' Won the Japan Academy Film Prize for best actress for her role in the film 'Hanataba Mitaina Koi o Shita' ('We Made a Beautiful Bouquet').
