The number of foreign students studying at Japanese language schools has hit a record high this year, according to a survey conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization. What do you think are some reasons for this?

How many of these "students" actually finish their studies and how many drop out and go missing?

JT had a story on this last year. The work hours for students are limited by law, but how well is this regulated and how many "students" exceed these hours?

There isn't a single answer!

Some will vanish into illegal work.

Others will work part time and finish their education after which they may do one of two things, return home hopefully work in a business that requires Japanese or look for employment in Japan to try and remain.

Many of the students I have met working at my local convenience stores all come from countries where even the Japanese minimum wage is considered very good pay, and many are also on some for of government program that also provides financial support for their education.

The others I know are doing Japanese language followed by technical schools, in fields that Japan needs workers in.

These students are hoping for employment at least medium term to long term, Geriatric care and construction are the 2 fields most I meet say they are studying or planing on studying, with a smaller number in technology including car, computer, automation/robotics, etc....

Cheap labour.

A weak yen also makes it easier for young people to convince their parents to sponsor a short immersion program in Japan that includes language courses.

I've seen it all on the local TV: everyone in the world loves Japan, wants to become like Japanese and get an insight, however incomplete, into its unique culture. Of course, they want to study Japanese for that purpose as well as be immersed in the continual wonder.

maybe same reason like in Australia?

to come like a student than to be a "skilled worker"?

The reason is it's easier to get a work visa now.

Language student now, laborer later!