by Wonsuh Song
[Tokyo] Every year, Tokyo sees increasingly fierce competition for admission to its private middle and high schools. Yet a new contingent of players is emerging in this race: students and families coming from China. Traditionally, “study abroad” for Chinese families often meant going to the United States or other English-speaking countries. However, the rise of mothers and children moving to Japan reflects a shifting dynamic in how Chinese families view their educational options. This is already making a notable impact on Tokyo’s entrance examination landscape.
Bunkyō Ward, home to top academic institutions such as the University of Tokyo and the Tokyo Campus of the University of Tsukuba, has long enjoyed a reputation for its strong academic environment. Recently, four public elementary schools there—Seishi (誠之), Sendagi (千駄木), Shōwa (昭和), and Kubomachi (窪町)—have become a hot topic, especially among China’s expatriate communities. These schools are collectively referred to as “3S1K,” and they are witnessing surging popularity among Chinese families seeking a coveted spot for their children.
Historically, these neighborhoods attracted professors and researchers from the University of Tokyo who sought quiet residential areas. Their presence gave rise to the schools’ reputations as “elite academic zones.” Ironically, the actual status of these professors living nearby has changed over the years, but the prestigious image alone has been transmitted overseas—particularly to China. Consequently, some parents are even renting small apartments and transferring their residency to ensure their child can attend these sought-after schools. Reports suggest that certain classes have up to 10 Chinese children, creating a noticeable demographic shift.
While this presents opportunities for international exchange and heightened motivation for students, it also raises questions: Is it beneficial for a child—whether Japanese or Chinese—to be in a class where almost half the students speak a different mother tongue? The outcome could be positive in fostering cultural diversity, but it might also lead to social friction or language barriers.
Among Tokyo’s 23 wards, Bunkyō boasts the highest rate of public elementary school graduates opting for private middle schools—approximately 48.20%. It’s no surprise, then, that Chinese students and families have also set their sights on this competitive environment.
A key factor is SAPIX, a major prep school (juku) known for its rigorous programs and outstanding success rates in admitting students to top-tier institutions. Characterized by a curriculum aimed at honing thinking skills rather than rote memorization, as well as frequent streaming tests, SAPIX has become a magnet for ambitious families—Japanese and Chinese alike.
Notably, Chinese parents who enroll their children at SAPIX have organized multiple WeChat groups by grade level. A few years ago, an influential parent managed to merge these various groups into one cohesive network, allowing senior members to pass on vital exam strategies, past test questions, and insider tips to newcomers. This “Underground SAPIX” collective has grown in scale, intensifying the already heated competition within it.
Chinese families’ strong commitment to education has roots stretching back to the historical imperial examination (keju) system. Today, there’s a growing sentiment that it may be “easier to enter the University of Tokyo (Todai) than top-tier Chinese universities.” Hence, Japan is increasingly viewed as a prime destination for those seeking both quality education and a more manageable application process.
On Chinese social media, the term “潤 (run)” has emerged to describe people leaving China in pursuit of a better life. Among these, those heading specifically to Japan are called “潤日 (run ri)”. While the U.S. or other Western countries traditionally dominated Chinese study-abroad choices, Japan’s stability, proximity, and robust education system have made it an attractive alternative.
On many Japanese campuses—whether at the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, or Keio University—hearing Chinese spoken is no longer unusual. Once a minority presence, Chinese students are now a notable demographic, shaping the cultural and academic fabric of these renowned institutions.
The influx of Chinese students, many of whom start their education in Japanese elementary schools, then move to private middle and high schools before entering prestigious universities, is causing a shift in cultural and linguistic diversity in classrooms. This can be a boon, as both local and foreign students benefit from heightened international exposure and competition. On the other hand, excessive concentration of one nationality can raise concerns about social integration and whether certain groups may be marginalized.
In response, schools are beginning to improve outreach, employing social media and hosting open houses to better engage foreign families. Ensuring transparency of information—such as access to previous exam papers and study materials—could help prevent an “insider’s advantage” within tight-knit online communities like WeChat.
China’s “new wave” of arrivals is reshaping Japan’s educational and social landscape. Nowhere is this trend more evident than in places like Bunkyō Ward, where the so-called “golden route” of elementary school → private middle/high school → elite university has become a proven formula for success. This steady flow of Chinese students is already influencing local real estate markets, academic communities, and Japanese families’ own examination strategies.
It remains to be seen whether this trend will ultimately yield predominantly positive or negative outcomes. What’s certain is that Japanese education is becoming more global and diverse—shifting from a largely homogeneous system toward one that must address various languages, cultural norms, and teaching methods. This evolution could spark new ideas, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and enrich Japan’s overall educational landscape, provided that both local and foreign communities learn to grow together rather than apart.
As Japan faces a declining birthrate and a growing need to secure talent, we can expect even more doors to open for foreign students and immigrants. The critical question is: How should Japanese society and its schools design their future? Considering the rapidly diversifying classrooms and communities, developing an inclusive system that embraces the “new wave” will be a vital task for the years ahead.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Lecturer at Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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