It is also true that studying in the United States costs about 25-30 percent more than it did two years ago. In addition, the demographics have not been favorable. Since 1992, the cohort of high school graduates has been steadily declining, meaning that the population of those most likely to study abroad has been decreasing. There are multiple reasons. First, the economy, though sluggish and in danger of a recession, has a broad and solid base, with certain business sectors, such as auto and electronics, continuing their solid earnings.
Individual savings continue to be very high relative to most of the industrialized world.
All of which is to say that study abroad continues to be affordable. Second, U.S. higher education continues to have a very strong reputation in Japan. For these reasons, it appears unlikely that there will be fewer students going to the United States from Japan in the near future. Barring any drastic and sudden downturn in the purchasing power of the average Japanese, the attraction of a U.S. education will outweigh the economic concerns. For several years now the numbers have hovered around 1,000 for full time students who have matriculated into universities.