by Wonsuh Song
Japan, grappling with a rapidly aging population and declining birthrates, has recently reported that the percentage of students advancing to higher education institutions (universities, junior colleges, vocational schools, etc.) has reached 87.3%, the highest figure on record. The enrollment rate for universities (including undergraduate programs) and junior colleges stands at 62.3%, while that for vocational schools has climbed to 24.0%, indicating an overall upward trend. At first glance, one might assume that this reflects the robust state of Japan’s education system. However, these figures alone are not enough to capture the complexities on the ground. Beneath these statistics, many regional universities are facing severe under-enrollment, and some are even contemplating closure or consolidation.
It is true that the growing enrollment rate in universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools suggests that Japanese society increasingly views higher education as “essential.” Yet this does not automatically translate to a qualitative improvement across the entire educational landscape. In reality, many applicants are flocking to metropolitan universities and popular vocational schools, leaving regional universities to bear the full brunt of population decline.
Moreover, from kindergartens to elementary, middle, and high schools, the total number of school-aged children continues to decrease at a rapid pace. For example, the number of children in kindergartens is down by 84,000 from the previous year, and elementary schools now enroll 5.94 million students—a record low. Even if the rate of college enrollment increases, it does not necessarily boost admissions at regional universities if the overall pool of prospective students continues to shrink.
Regional private universities, in particular, are suffering from significant under-enrollment due to the concentration of applicants in metropolitan universities and well-known vocational schools. While the total number of students in higher education stands at around 2.95 million—showing a slight increase—this rise is largely attributable to growth in graduate school and vocational school enrollment. In contrast, the number of undergraduate students (2.628 million) has actually declined, directly affecting regional universities, which struggle to meet their enrollment quotas.
As a result, some regional universities have been forced to consider merging with other institutions or shutting down altogether. If a university disappears, it inevitably leads to an outflow of younger demographics from the area, significantly undermining the region’s vitality. This is not merely an educational issue but a problem that could impact regional economies and demographic structures at large.
Even amid these challenges, regional universities are searching for ways to survive and to reposition themselves as essential community hubs. The strategies they are adopting can be summarized as follows:
- Developing Localized Academic Programs
Many regional universities are establishing or expanding academic programs that leverage local strengths. In Hokkaido, for instance, a university is focusing on “smart farming,” combining agriculture with AI technology to foster local agricultural talent. In Kyushu, another institution offers curricula that integrate tourism and cultural content, aiming to revitalize the local economy. - Expanding International Student Enrollment
To offset population decline and promote internationalization, universities are actively recruiting students from overseas. They provide English-language courses, dormitories, scholarships specifically for international students, and community-exchange programs designed to create a welcoming environment. International students do more than simply fill seats; they also enhance diversity and help globalize local communities. - Strengthening Ties with Local Communities and Industry
Regional universities are increasingly expected to act as hubs for solving local issues and fostering innovation. By collaborating with local businesses to design curricula or partnering with municipalities in “regional revitalization” projects, these institutions can create a tight-knit framework where students gain hands-on experience that benefits both themselves and the community. - Pursuing Digital Transformation and Educational Reform
Competing with metropolitan universities demands embracing online education and advanced technology. Some regional universities are introducing specialized courses in AI and big data, accessible remotely, to attract new groups of learners and broaden their reach.
Japan is not alone in this dilemma. In South Korea, the number of applicants for university entrance examinations (the Suneung) has almost halved in the past 20 years, from 870,000 in 2000 to 420,000 in 2021, and regional universities are experiencing a shortage of capacity. Although the government is implementing financial support, restructuring measures, and specialized local programs, experts predict that the challenges faced by regional institutions will persist unless deep-rooted issues—such as the preference for Seoul-area universities and employment-focused mindsets—are addressed.
Ultimately, what regional universities must strive for goes beyond merely securing enough applicants; they need to prove themselves indispensable to their communities. By contributing to local revitalization and fostering innovation, a university can become so integral that a region “cannot function” without it.
A university is no longer merely a place where knowledge is transmitted unilaterally; it is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing a wide range of societal issues—economic, cultural, environmental, and more. Even if Japan’s university enrollment rate reaches all-time highs, regional universities that fail to generate new value in tandem with local communities could still be overwhelmed by a declining youth population.
Behind the news of “record-high enrollment rates,” there is a stark reality confronting regional universities. Rooting themselves in local communities, maintaining a global outlook, and pioneering innovative education—these are the steps to becoming a “university that is truly needed” in the years ahead. It will be critical not to be swayed by statistics alone but to reassess the essential role of regional universities for the sake of each community’s future.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
- Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of School Teacher Education, Shumei University
- Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Waseda University
- Visiting Researcher, Center for Spatial Information Science, University of Tokyo
댓글 남기기