Japanese universities are having a hard time. Demographic trends are shrinking the student body, government subsidies are shrinking as prices rise, infrastructure is aging, and more and more questions are arising about the value of the education offered by many of these institutions.
A vibrant higher education system is essential for a healthy society and economy. Graduates must have the tools, capacity and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Education and opportunities for advancement must be available to everyone in society.
Japan’s economic performance in the half century after World War II proved that its education system was fit for purpose. The difficulties of the past two decades suggest that this is no longer the case. Japan is struggling to reform higher levels of education to ensure students have the skills they and the country need.
