NIKKEI Film: Chinese migrate to Japan for education

More Chinese are migrating to Japan than ever before, with many driven by a “search for freedom.” The easing of requirements for obtaining visas has made it possible for wealthy and middle-income Chinese to more easily move to Japan, and the number of Chinese residents in the country is expected to exceed 1 million in 2026. But what does "search for freedom" mean, exactly? For many, it's better educational opportunities.

In interviews by Nikkei, Chinese people said they were unhappy with the stifling atmosphere and anxiety they found in China, noting how fierce the competition is for entering universities there.  “We want to bring up our children in a better educational environment,” one person said. “In China, graduating from a university does not lead to finding employment,” noted another. 

Takadanobaba in Tokyo. The neighborhood is home to many preparatory schools for Chinese nationals aiming to enter Japanese universities. (Photo by Koji Uema)

Takadanobaba in Tokyo. The neighborhood is home to many preparatory schools for Chinese nationals aiming to enter Japanese universities. (Photo by Koji Uema)

Takadanobaba, a neighborhood in Tokyo, has become a hub for preparatory schools specializing in university entrance exams for Chinese people who dream of finding employment and living in Japan after graduation.

Chinese students already make up large percentages of foreign students at leading universities in Japan, representing as much as 70% at the University of Tokyo.

“I like Japan’s atmosphere of freedom."

Song Jiaying, Hitotsubashi University student

Song Jiaying, 19, is one of them. This spring, she gained admission to the prestigious Hitotsubashi University. “I like Japan’s atmosphere of freedom" she said. "I’m no longer thinking of returning to China.”  Song is no exception.

“When I was in China, I had to study hard for the gaokao,” says Song Jiaying, 19, who attends an entrance exam prep school in Tokyo. “I had no choice because I believed it was the right way.” (Photo by Koji Uema)

“When I was in China, I had to study hard for the gaokao,” says Song Jiaying, 19, who attends an entrance exam prep school in Tokyo. “I had no choice because I believed it was the right way.” (Photo by Koji Uema)

“Japan’s education has a good balance."

Liu Yanming, an employee at a Japanese company

Liu Yanming, 50, migrated to Japan two years ago for his son, an elementary school student who likes soccer. He was attracted by Japan’s educational environment and did not hesitate about moving.  “In China, studying is really hard,” he said. “But in Japan, both study and soccer can be done with pleasure and in a balanced way.”

Liu Yanming, 50, who workes for a Japanese company, came to Japan with his family, attracted by what he sees as a good balance in the country’s educational environment. His son is an avid soccer player. (Photo by Koji Uema)

Liu Yanming, 50, who workes for a Japanese company, came to Japan with his family, attracted by what he sees as a good balance in the country’s educational environment. His son is an avid soccer player. (Photo by Koji Uema)

“Migrating to Japan is a challenge for children."

Jin Xin, restaurant operator in Shenyang

Jin Xin, 46, who runs a restaurant in China’s Liaoning province, looks forward to emigrating to Japan. His wife is already in Japan and has been making efforts over the past year to prepare for the family’s migration. 

“I want my son to become an internationally minded person and adapt himself to life in Japan and to Japanese society,” says Jin Xin, a restaurant operator in China who plans to move his family to Japan. (Photo by Tomoki Mera)

“I want my son to become an internationally minded person and adapt himself to life in Japan and to Japanese society,” says Jin Xin, a restaurant operator in China who plans to move his family to Japan. (Photo by Tomoki Mera)

^{Reporters and videographers: Kunihiro Iwasaki, Naoki Asanuma, Toru Tsunashima, Kohei Fujimura, Koji Uema, Tomoki Mera, Wataru Ito
Editors: Akira Endo, Ryo Osuga, Yoshimasa Shimizu, Yu Nakamura, Yuki Kohara}
^{Narration: Makiko Utsuda}
^{Copy editor: Brian Chapman}

Note: Occupations and ages are as of the time of the interviews.