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The Inaugural Ryugaku Festival 2025: A New Era for Study Abroad

The Ryugaku Festival 2025 took place on August 9 and 10, 2025, with over 400 participants engaging in a dialogue about studying abroad. Organized by current international students, this event aimed to reshape perceptions around studying overseas by addressing the reality of loneliness, information disparity, and financial barriers faced by students today. With significant interest in studying abroad among Japanese students—reflecting a 53.3% increase in the number of students studying overseas from Japan according to the Ministry of Education—a clear need for accessible information and support emerged.

The Rising Interest in Studying Abroad and the Associated Challenges

Japan is witnessing a growing inclination toward studying abroad, with the government targeting a goal of 120,000 high school students studying overseas by 2033. However, many aspiring students encounter barriers to realizing their dreams due to currency fluctuations, increased visa restrictions in the U.S., and insufficient support and information from educators. Historically, the first wave of studying abroad catered primarily to elite students, leading to a second wave where agents made it more accessible. Yet, a myriad of issues, including gaps in information and problems associated with agencies, has arisen. In response, SmiRing advocates for the new model—Study Abroad 3.0—where peer support from current students transforms apprehension into hope through shared experiences.

Overview and Features of the Festival

The festival, guided by the slogan "Creating a Day to Change the Concept of Study Abroad," brought together more than 80 active international students alongside public institutions and corporate sponsors, culminating in a highly successful inaugural event.

Event Details

• - Dates: August 9-10, 2025, | Venue: Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower (Hybride Online Available)
• - Results: 442 registrations; approximately 370 attendees; average satisfaction score of 8.8/10
• - Sponsors: Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), NPO Study Abroad Association, AFS Japan
• - Support: Gakushi Inc., Bangga Inc., En-Japan New Graduate Recruitment部

This festival combined the physical venue in Tokyo with online participation, allowing students from regions like Okinawa and Tochigi to engage and thus reduce geographical disparities.

Programs Offered

On-Stage (Venue Programming)

• - Keynote speeches by renowned figures, including Saya Kobayashi of “Birigyaru” fame, and influencer talks.
• - Presentations by Ranmaru Kishitani
• - Panel discussions featuring current international students discussing topics such as English proficiency, academic paths, and career choices.
• - Competitions targeting prospective students and current ones—with cash prizes and study abroad giveaways.
• - Interactive quizzes and networking opportunities.

Booth Experiences

• - Scholarship consultations led by organizations like the Yanai Masaru Foundation and JASSO.
• - Country-specific booths for 1-on-1 consultations with current international students.
• - Study abroad map creation and overseas class experiences to help visualize students’ academic paths.

Online Offerings

• - Virtual campus tours of institutions like UCLA and Sunway University in Malaysia via YouTube Live.
• - Workshops by current influencers on effective English learning methods.
• - Panel discussions featuring testimonies from scholarship recipients outlining their journeys.

Voices From Participants

Students and parents praised the festival for its authenticity and warmth, particularly highlighting the significance of accessing real-life information about studying abroad and scholarships—a vital financial concern. Participants noted that this event provided an invaluable opportunity to learn directly about overseas universities and the scholarship systems that they had previously believed were insurmountable barriers.

Conclusion: A New Model for Addressing Study Abroad Financial Challenges

The festival successfully tackled one of the primary obstacles to studying abroad: financial strain. By offering platforms for real life successes, the event proliferated the idea of a new financial cycle, where emotional support turns into tangible financial aid. The competition awarded scholarships and study opportunities based on pure aspirations, encouraging participants to share their dreams rather than merely resume-based selections. This innovative approach pairs emotional recognition with financial support, offering a refreshing perspective on educational funding.

Future Plans

Following the festival, SmiRing outlined plans to establish novel standards and initiatives to further enhance the study abroad experience. Key areas of focus include:
1. Enhanced 1-on-1 Interactions with Current Students: Expanding the framework for peer-to-peer discussions nationwide, aiming for over 100 engagements by December, to alleviate feelings of solitude and narrow the information gap.
2. Stronger Collaboration with Schools and Local Governments: Promoting experiential learning through new curricula emphasizing study abroad as a natural career option while developing areas to mentor eager students amidst faculty shortages.
3. Development of Sustainable Financial Models: Shifting away from traditional scholarship funding towards systems based on emotional connections, empowering all aspiring students through