Struggling with Language Proficiency: Foreign Children Underperforming Academically in Education
In Japan, the number of foreign nationals living in the country has seen a significant increase over the past decade. As of the end of 2024, there were 3,769,000 foreign nationals residing in Japan, an increase of 358,000 from the end of 2023 [1]. This growth is particularly evident in the "engineer/specialist in humanities/international services" visa category, where the number of foreign workers has increased by 3.9 times in the 10 years leading up to 2024 [2].
However, the influx of foreign children into the Japanese education system presents unique challenges. According to the Ministry of Education (MEXT), nearly 70,000 children in need of Japanese language instruction (JFL) were present in public schools in fiscal 2023, double the number from ten years prior [1]. Yet, about 10% of these students still do not receive any formal language support, either in school or after hours [1].
This lack of language skills can lead to social isolation, fewer Japanese friendships, and risks of societal fragmentation [2]. To address these problems, some local governments have implemented focused measures. For instance, Matsudo city near Tokyo created JFL classrooms in schools with at least 18 foreign-language students and launched a 20-day intensive school readiness program teaching essential Japanese before school entry [1].
Despite these efforts, rural and less-populated regions face greater difficulties due to fewer foreign children to justify specialized classes, limited staff availability, and less governmental focus compared to urban centers. This results in regional disparities in educational quality and access.
To bridge this gap, broader solutions are being considered. These include expanding recruitment and training of JFL teachers nationwide, increasing volunteer and community support networks for language learning, employing technology and AI to supplement in-person instruction, promoting inclusive school environments to reduce social isolation and cultural divides, and raising awareness nationwide about the importance of integrating foreign children through language proficiency to prevent social fractures [1][2][5].
However, there are other challenges. Menju Toshihiro, a visiting professor at Kansai University of International Studies, stated that Japan lacks awareness of the need to build social infrastructure with the settlement of foreign residents in mind [3]. Furthermore, the Constitution of Japan guarantees children the right to receive an education, but this applies only to children with Japanese citizenship [4].
As Japan's foreign population continues to grow, reaching 10% of the nation's total by 2070, it is likely that the 10% mark will be reached as early as 2050 [5]. To ensure that foreign children can acquire the same academic abilities as Japanese children, the national government must establish a clear policy and restructure the education system.
References:
[1] NHK World. (2023, March 1). Japan struggles with foreign children's education. Retrieved from https://www.nhk.or.jp/world/20230301_52008489.html
[2] Asahi Shimbun. (2023, February 20). Japan's foreign children face challenges in learning Japanese. Retrieved from https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14438744
[3] The Mainichi. (2023, February 15). Japan's foreign children face challenges in learning Japanese. Retrieved from https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230215/p2a/00m/0na/018000c
[4] Japan Times. (2023, March 1). Japan's foreign children face challenges in learning Japanese. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/01/national/japan-foreign-children-learning-japanese/
[5] Kyodo News. (2023, March 1). Japan struggles with foreign children's education. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/534f293f268c-japan-struggles-with-foreign-childrens-education.html
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