The global outbreak of COVID-19 dramatically changed our way of life.

One area significantly impacted during the pandemic was international study. The number of international students in Japan dropped by more than 80,000 from its peak by 2022, and welcome parties—traditionally held in person—were forced to be canceled.

However, with the gradual easing of Japan’s entry restrictions, the country has slowly resumed accepting international students. In-person events are also making a comeback across Japan, and society is gradually regaining its pre-pandemic rhythm. Some universities have resumed hosting welcome parties for the first time in three years, and others have returned to in-person formats, signaling a steady revival of such gatherings.

Now, as things reopen, is the perfect time to revisit the needs of international students and create welcome parties that are truly enjoyable and memorable for them.

We propose hosting welcome parties that exceed the expectations and needs of international students by utilizing the special charm of “unique venues.”

Table of Contents

1. Recent Trends in International Student Enrollment
2. Needs of International Students
3. Current Status and Format of Welcome Parties by Host Institutions
4. The Unique “Japanese Essence” of Unique Venues
5. One-Stop Support from UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN

Recent Trends in International Student Enrollment

-Changes Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

According to the 2022 (Reiwa 4) survey on the status of international students in Japan conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the number of international students in Japan had been steadily increasing since 2011, when changes to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act altered how international students were counted. This upward trend continued until 2019, when the number of international students peaked at 312,214. However, due to the global spread of COVID-19, that number dropped to 231,146 in 2022—a decrease of more than 80,000 compared to the pre-pandemic peak in 2019—indicating a significant shift in the study-abroad landscape.

Starting November 8, 2021, the application process for the new entry of international students resumed, allowing host institutions to submit requests to relevant ministries. This marked the gradual reopening of borders to privately funded international students. As a result, universities and support organizations across Japan quickly began strengthening support systems and infrastructure for incoming international students.

Furthermore, on March 17, 2023, at the Education Future Creation Council, Prime Minister Kishida announced the government’s goal of increasing the number of international students in Japan to 400,000. In order to reach this target, the government is considering measures such as enhancing Japanese language education, recruiting students abroad at earlier stages, and expanding internship programs aimed at encouraging international students to remain in Japan for employment after graduation.

【References, URL】
Japan Student Services Organization: “Survey on the Status of International Students in Japan, 2022 (Reiwa 4)”
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: “Reopening Entry to Japan for Privately Funded International Students at Universities”
Nikkei: “Government Sets Goal to Host 400,000 International Students and Send 500,000 Japanese Students Abroad by 2033”

-Countries with the Highest Number of International Students in Japan

According to the 2022 (Reiwa 4) Survey on the Status of International Students by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), students from the Asian region account for 93.0% of all international students in Japan, while those from Europe and North America make up 4.6%. Among Asian countries, China has the largest share at 44.9%, followed by Vietnam at 16.2%. Other countries in the Asian region sending students to Japan include Nepal, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and various others.

【References, URL】
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), “2022 Survey on the Status of International Students in Japan (Reiwa 4)”

Needs of International Students

As the country emphasizes strengthening the acceptance of international students, it is essential not only for the government but also for the institutions that actually host international students to understand and respond to their needs.

Questions such as:

• “Why did you choose Japan as your study destination?”

• “What do you want to do while studying in Japan?”

• “What is your purpose for coming to Japan to study?”

should be considered by the host institutions, and they must respond appropriately to the answers from the students.

According to a survey conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) among international students currently studying in Japan:

〈Purpose of Studying Abroad〉
【1st place】To work or find employment at a Japanese company
【2nd place】To obtain a degree
【3rd place】To acquire skills and knowledge necessary for employment

These results show that many students come to Japan with employment in mind, indicating a strong demand for job support services.

Additionally, “to experience a different culture” ranked 7th in the survey, showing that exposure to Japanese culture—unavailable in their home countries—is also an important purpose of studying abroad.

Regarding the reasons for choosing Japan as a study destination:

〈Reasons for Choosing Japan〉
【1st place】Interest in Japanese society and a desire to live in Japan
【2nd place】Wanting to study the Japanese language and culture
【3rd place】The appeal of education and research at Japanese universities and institutions

These results highlight international students’ strong interest in Japan as a country.

From these findings, the main needs of international students can be broadly categorized as:

• Employment support

• Learning about Japan’s unique society and culture

【Reference, URL】
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), Why Study in Japan? – The Appeal of Studying in Japan

Current Status and Content of Welcome Parties Hosted by Institutions Accepting International Students

Welcome parties for international students are often organized by the International Exchange Offices of universities and other educational institutions. In some cases, student-led international exchange groups are also responsible for hosting these events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall situation for studying abroad became extremely challenging, and many welcome parties were postponed or canceled. However, with the gradual return of in-person gatherings, some universities have resumed hosting welcome parties starting this year.

These welcome parties are typically positioned as opportunities for exchange between international students and Japanese students, faculty, and staff. The events often include social gatherings, meals, quiz games, and recreational activities. A common feature is the emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and providing international students with uniquely Japanese experiences.

One notable characteristic of current welcome parties is their focus on offering international students experiences that are uniquely Japanese. At the same time, one of the major needs identified among international students is the desire to learn about Japan’s unique society and culture. In light of this, future welcome parties should aim to offer even more opportunities for experiencing authentic aspects of Japanese culture.

【Reference, URL】

Kyoto University, Graduate School of Agriculture, International Exchange Office: Guidance & Welcome Party for New International Students and Researchers (April/October)
Kyushu Sangyo University, International Exchange Center: Welcome Party for New International Students Held!
Tohoku Fukushi University: Welcome Party for International Students Held for the First Time in Three Years!

The Unique “Japaneseness” Offered by Unique Venues

-What is a Unique Venue?

Having explored the needs of international students and the characteristics of current welcome parties, did you know there are special venues in Japan that can provide even more uniquely Japanese experiences for international students?

These special locations are known as Unique Venues. A Unique Venue offers experiences that are deeply rooted in the local area—ones that cannot be found elsewhere. Examples include historical buildings, shrines and temples, castles, museums, and art galleries. By hosting conferences or receptions in such places, organizers can create a strong sense of uniqueness and regional character.

【Reference, URL】
Japan Tourism Agency, Unique Venues

-Unique Venues Managed by UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN

UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN curates and centralizes information on carefully selected unique venues from across the country. It provides comprehensive support for planning and organizing events in these exceptional spaces.

Below, we introduce one of the recommended unique venues managed by UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN—ideal for hosting welcome parties for international students.

【Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort】

• Designated National Tangible Cultural Property

• Established in 1870 as a long-standing traditional Japanese ryotei (fine dining inn)

• Japanese-modern interior design

• Kyoto-style French cuisine featuring an abundance of locally sourced ingredients

Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort, a landmark along Kyoto’s Kamo River, was once the largest and most prestigious traditional ryotei (Japanese fine dining inn) in the city. Today, it has been transformed into a restaurant and banquet venue that carefully preserves the charm and elegance of its historic past.

The greatest appeal of a unique venue lies in the sense of exclusivity—offering experiences that can only happen in that particular place. As welcome parties for international students evolve, there is an increasing expectation to provide more distinctly “Japanese” experiences. One effective way to meet this need is by utilizing unique venues.

Instead of holding the event in a university hall, hosting a welcome party in a unique venue—a space rich in Japanese character—allows international students to experience Japan firsthand while engaging in meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

【Reference, URL】
UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN，FUNATSURU KYOTO KAMOGAWA RESORT
VMG HOTELS＆UNIQUE VENUES，FUNATSURU KYOTO KAMOGAWA RESORT

One-Stop Support by UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN

UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN provides one-stop support for events held at unique venues—from planning and venue arrangements to preparation and on-the-day operations.

We offer a dedicated one-stop contact service to assist with every step of the event or party planning process. This allows us to host truly special welcome parties that take into consideration the diverse backgrounds, religions, and specific needs of international students.

Now that welcome parties for international students are resuming, why not create an unforgettable experience in a one-of-a-kind space—where simply being there allows guests to feel fully immersed in the essence of Japan? We aim to deliver welcome parties that exceed expectations and leave lasting impressions.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact us through the link below. We look forward to helping make your event a success.

【Contact Us Here】