Japan to expand language education for foreign residents

The education ministry plans to help local governments strengthen their Japanese language teaching programs through subsidies and expert guidance. | Getty Images

Jiji

Oct 19, 2026

The education ministry plans to expand Japanese-language education for foreign residents as their numbers reach a record high and many communities struggle to meet growing demand for classes.

Japan had a record 4,281,026 foreign residents at the end of June, Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita said. The education ministry plans to help local governments strengthen their teaching programs through subsidies and expert guidance.

In August this year, the ministry adopted a policy package on Japanese-language education aimed at helping Japanese and foreign residents live together harmoniously. It has sought ¥11.3 billion for related programs in its fiscal 2027 budget request, roughly four times the previous year’s budget.

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