The line chart shows the changes in the number of international students in Japan from 1985 to 2003, while the pie graph provides information on the geographic regions of origin of foreign students in Japan in 2003.
Overall, the number of overseas students in Japan steadily increased over the 18-year period, with the majority being self-financed. It is notable that Asians comprised the largest group of foreign undergraduates in 2003.
During this period, the number of foreigners studying in Japan rose significantly from 15,000 to approximately 109,500. The growth was primarily driven by self-funded students, whose numbers increased from about 12,000 in 1985 to over 98,000 in 2003. In contrast, the figures for students on MEXT scholarships and receiving government subsidies in 1985 were around 2,500 and 770, respectively.
However, the number of undergraduates coming to Japan through foreign government study programs only saw a slight increase to 1,627 by the end of the period, while those on MEXT scholarships gradually increased to almost 9,750.
Regarding the regional distribution of overseas undergraduates in Japan, approximately 92% were from Asia, with a significant number from Korea and China. Students from Europe and the Americas each accounted for about 3%, while those from Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East comprised only 0.6% to 1% by 2003.