Japan Prefecture Ranking: International Students per 100,000 Population (2024–2025)

A ranking of international students per 100,000 residents (covering universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, and technical colleges) has been introduced in Oita Prefectural Government website, based on the 2025 Survey on the Enrollment Status of International Students conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). For a student planning to study in Japan, the rankings are not just numbers — they highlight where you’ll find the strongest international communities, the most supportive infrastructures, and the richest cultural experiences. Choosing a prefecture with a high ratio can make your study abroad experience smoother, more connected, and more rewarding.

For students considering studying in Japan, the criteria for choosing a university vary from person to person. In the past, we have presented rankings such as world university rankings, deviation score rankings, and employment rate rankings as useful references when selecting a university. This time as well, we hope the ranking will serve as a helpful reference for those making their choice.

Japan Prefecture Ranking: International Students per 100,000 Population (2024–2025)

Based on the 2025 Survey on the Enrollment Status of International Students conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), as compiled by Oita Prefecture.

Kyoto

• High university density: Kyoto hosts prestigious institutions such as Kyoto University, Ritsumeikan University, and Doshisha University. The sheer number of universities relative to its population makes the ratio of international students particularly high.
• Cultural and historical appeal: As Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto attracts students interested in Japanese language, history, and traditional arts.
• Coordinated recruitment: Initiatives like the “Study Kyoto Network” actively promote Kyoto abroad, offering scholarships, support services, and career opportunities.

• Population effect: Kyoto’s population is smaller than Tokyo’s, so international student numbers weigh more heavily in the per-capita calculation.

Tokyo

• Largest concentration of universities: Tokyo has the highest absolute number of universities and international students in Japan, including the University of Tokyo, Waseda, and Keio.
• Global city status: As Japan’s economic and cultural hub, Tokyo attracts students seeking both academic excellence and career opportunities.
• Population dilution: Because Tokyo’s population is so large, the per-capita figure is lower than Kyoto’s, even though the total number of international students is the highest.

Oita

• APU effect: The main reason Oita ranks so high is Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), which was founded with a strong international mission. Over half of its student body comes from overseas.
• Regional specialization: Unlike Tokyo or Kyoto, Ōita’s numbers are driven by one institution rather than a broad concentration of universities.
• Population size: Ōita Prefecture’s relatively small population amplifies the per-capita ratio, making the international student presence statistically significant.

Osaka: Why International Students Increased

• Expansion of Japanese language schools In districts like Ikuno and Tennoji, many new Japanese language schools opened, doubling the number of international students in just three years.
• Private universities filling quotas Small and mid-sized private universities in Osaka increasingly recruit international students to meet enrollment targets. Some institutions report that foreign students make up over 70% of their intake.
• Post-pandemic rebound After COVID-19 restrictions eased, Osaka became one of the top destinations for students returning to Japan, especially for language study.
• Population effect: With Osaka’s large urban population, the absolute increase is striking, even if per-capita ratios are moderated compared to smaller prefectures.

Gunma: Why International Students Increased

• International student intake type Gunma is classified as an “international student acceptance type” prefecture. Despite a large outflow of local students to Tokyo, Gunma universities maintain enrollment by attracting foreign students.
• High proportion in private universities At Gunma’s private universities, international students account for over 20% of new enrollments — the highest share nationwide.
• Multicultural policies Gunma has actively promoted multicultural coexistence, with initiatives like the “Gunma Multicultural Co-Creation Ordinance” and support programs for foreign residents. This environment makes the prefecture attractive to international students.

• Demographic balance: Gunma’s universities rely not only on local students but also on inflows from other prefectures and international students, creating a structural dependence on foreign enrollment.

Benefits of the ranking for Prospective International Students

• Understanding concentration The ranking shows where international students are most concentrated. Studying in a prefecture with a high ratio (like Kyoto) means you’ll find a larger community of peers from abroad, which can ease adaptation and provide support networks.
• Evaluating cultural exposure Prefectures with high ratios often have strong cultural or academic appeal. For example, Kyoto offers deep cultural immersion alongside a large international student body, while Oita’s APU provides a uniquely global campus environment.
• Assessing support systems Regions with many international students usually have better-developed support services — from multilingual offices to housing assistance and career guidance. Rankings indirectly highlight where these infrastructures are strongest.
• Networking opportunities A higher density of international students means more chances to build global networks, collaborate on projects, and join multicultural communities that can benefit your career long-term.
• Population effect Smaller prefectures with specialized universities (like Oita) may show high ratios because of one institution’s focus. This helps students identify unique study environments where international perspectives dominate campus life.