Internationalization of Japanese higher education in the 1980's and early 1990's

The Japanese response to its recognition that the country's economic achievements implied that it should increase its interaction with the world-wide community is analysed with particular reference to developments in the 1980's and early 1990's. Attention is particularly drawn to the significant part played by Japanese government initiatives aimed at increasing the number of foreign students coming to Japan to study and at facilitating the employment of foreign nationals as members of faculty in Japanese universities. Curricular developments within Japanese universities including undergraduate programs with an international flavour intended for Japanese students and the development of several graduate schools with a focus on international development are detailed. Programs on Japanese language and culture, some aimed at Junior Year Abroad students mainly from the USA, are noted as well as the steps taken to smooth the path of foreign researchers seeking to complete doctoral studies in Japan. Inter-governmental and inter-university agreements are described including projects aimed at training scientists and other specialists from developing countries which include training in Japanese institutions. The paper identifies a complementary movement by foreign institutions, mainly in the USA (prompted in part by awareness of Japan's mounting trade surplus with the USA) to establish branches in Japan; it is shown that such developments were encouraged by Japanese municipalities, especially those anxious to re-vitalize their communities. The conclusion reviews the whole development and adds a note on problems which may lie ahead in the future.