#Japan #Tokyo #Education #globalization #Symposium

The Rise of International University Admissions in Japan

Japan's high school education is undergoing a historical transformation as the number of students advancing to overseas universities has surged remarkably, recently reaching 2.32 times the previous count in just two years. This rapid increase, particularly concentrated in Tokyo, is a testament to the accelerating globalization of high schools across the nation. On September 6, 2025, a significant symposium will gather leading educators from the top high schools spearheading this movement at the University of Tokyo. This event, sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), aims to unveil practical case studies regarding career guidance, English education, and public relations strategies that have contributed to this shift.

The symposium's organizer, the International Student Success Association (ISSA), has collaborated with various reputable organizations, including Tobitate! Study Abroad Japan, and educational foundations to ensure that the educators leading this initiative set the agenda for the event. Garnering strong support from high school stakeholders nationwide, this year marks the third edition of the symposium, which has gained significant attention from both within and outside the educational sector. As a hands-on event connecting educational practitioners with policies and international assessment criteria, it stands as an essential opportunity for educators and stakeholders alike to address pressing challenges in global education.

Three Key Highlights of the Symposium

1. Keynote Addresses from Leading High Schools

The keynote presentation will feature educators from three of the top 10 schools with the highest number of overseas university admissions. They will share their firsthand experiences on effective career guidance, English education, and public relations strategies that have doubled their success rates in just two years.

• - Ikubunkan Global High School: Principal Yoshio Kamakura will discuss their philosophy of 'choosing pathways from the world map,' highlighting their robust educational framework that ensures students attain overseas level English proficiency by graduation, contributing to a 40% university acceptance rate.
• - Mita International Science Academy: Vice Principal Tomoya Narashima will provide insights into their English immersion and STEAM education approach, emphasizing the school's collective efforts that support an increase in students' achievements.
• - Seiritsu Gakuen High School: Class Director Takanori Iizawa will explain their strategies for balancing domestic and overseas university preparation, including essay writing and external collaborations that yield significant improvements in short periods.

2. Practical Workshops on Education Techniques

This year's symposium introduces nine specialized workshops focused on practical aspects of career guidance, public relations, and securing study-abroad funding. Participants will choose from a range of sessions tailored to help school administrators, teachers, and public relations staff implement effective strategies immediately.

Workshops include:

• - Crafting effective short-term study abroad programs
• - Strategies for branding schools as strong in English language learning
• - Comprehensive guides for strategic entrance exams
• - Frameworks for successful career guidance in securing university placements
• - Building effective internal teams for overseas career guidance
• - Innovative student recruitment strategies amid declining birth rates in Japan
• - Examples of local schools pioneering overseas admission strategies
• - Cost-effective methods for studying abroad and acquiring scholarships
• - Actions to cultivate students' global awareness

3. Official Support from MEXT Enhances Credibility

Receiving official backing from MEXT this year raises the symposium's profile as a reliable source of insight into national education reforms. The opening remarks will confirm the Ministry's priorities in the evolving landscape of high school education in Japan.

Event Details

• - Location: Ito International Research Center, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Hongo 7-3-1, Tokyo
• - Date: September 6, 2025, from 1 PM to 6 PM
• - Cost: Free of charge
• - Audience: High school administrators and personnel involved in international education
• - Capacity: Limited, first-come, first-served basis requiring prior registration (school-related personnel only)
• - More information and registration: ISSA Symposium Registration

Concluding Remarks

Otsuka Yohei, the representative of ISSA, comments, "Japan's high school education is truly beginning to ride the global wave. Once an option for only a few select students, overseas university admissions are becoming a realistic and attractive path for many high schoolers. The driving force behind this movement stems from the global demand for talented individuals and the extraordinary efforts of schools to respond to this need. This symposium is not merely a venue for information exchange; it's a frontline platform where educators share successful strategies and insights gained from their experiences in transforming educational practices. Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies for implementing effective career guidance, English education, and sustaining global competitiveness in their schools. Now is a critical moment for educators in Japan to unite in designing future learning for students, making international education a commonplace option rather than a unique challenge."