#Japan

Southeast Asian students are suddenly at the center of a global tug‑of‑war over talent. Governments from Australia to Norway are rewriting rules and budgets to pull in learners from ASEAN, while Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are rolling out ambitious targets and post‑study work routes to keep students in the region. A new report by DW synthesizes these moves and the intensifying competition for international enrollments, underscoring that Southeast Asia has become the third‑largest source region for outbound students globally. For Thai families weighing where to study, and for Thai universities deciding how to compete, the landscape is changing fast—and in their favor if they act quickly and strategically.

An extraordinary global competition has erupted for Southeast Asian students, transforming international higher education recruitment into a high-stakes diplomatic and economic battleground. Universities across continents are dismantling decades-old admission policies and launching multi-million-dollar campaigns specifically targeting ASEAN learners, recognizing Southeast Asia as the world’s third-largest source of mobile students. This unprecedented shift represents far more than simple enrollment competition—it signals a fundamental realignment of global academic power that positions Thai students and institutions at the center of a transformative opportunity. Recent comprehensive analysis reveals that governments from Australia to Germany are implementing radical policy changes, offering unprecedented scholarships, and creating entirely new pathways designed exclusively for Southeast Asian applicants. For Thai families contemplating international education and Thai universities seeking global partnerships, this moment presents both remarkable opportunities and critical strategic decisions that will shape educational trajectories for the next generation.

Japan has officially recognized an unprecedented number of overwork-related deaths and health disorders in fiscal year 2024, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. The ministry reported 1,304 government-recognized cases of so-called “karoshi” (death from overwork), representing a year-on-year increase of 196 cases. This surge sets a new record for work-related deaths and health issues in Japan—most of them involving strokes, heart conditions, depression, and other mental disorders, with the majority of the cases categorized as mental health disorders (nippon.com). Notably, this marks the first time Japan has reached over 1,000 officially recognized work-related mental health disorder cases in a single year—a stark warning for both policymakers and employers.

A devastating mental health crisis has engulfed Japan’s workforce, with official government data revealing the highest number of recognized overwork deaths and disorders ever recorded in the nation’s history. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has confirmed 1,304 cases of “karoshi”—literally meaning death from overwork—during fiscal year 2024, marking a shocking 196-case increase from the previous year. This unprecedented surge represents far more than statistical concern; it signals a fundamental breakdown in workplace safety that has transformed Japan’s corporate culture into a lethal environment for millions of workers.

Kyoto, once revered as the tranquil heart of Japanese tradition and Zen, is facing an identity crisis amid a tidal wave of global tourism. Once known for its serene temples, quiet alleyways, and iconic geisha culture, the city now finds itself struggling under the weight of overtourism, as highlighted in a recent exposé by New York Magazine’s Intelligencer (nymag.com). As international arrivals shatter records, this former imperial capital is wrestling with preserving authenticity while accommodating millions of visitors seeking a slice of “the real Japan”—often with chaotic results.

Japan has secured the top spot for the highest living standards in Asia based on the most recent international rankings, surpassing other regional powerhouses such as Singapore and South Korea, according to a 2024 report by U.S. News & World Report. The findings, which have garnered attention across Southeast Asia—including in Thailand—draw on an extensive range of metrics to measure quality of life, offering a timely snapshot of regional well-being at a moment of rapid economic and social change (VnExpress).

A new wave in fitness is gaining traction globally — and it’s as simple as walking, but with a twist. The Japanese interval walking method, now popular on social media and the subject of emerging scientific research, promises to boost cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, increase muscle strength, and support overall well-being through a simple but structured walking routine.

Originating in Japan as Interval Walking Training (IWT), this approach alternates short bursts of high-intensity walking with periods of slower-paced recovery. Proponents say it’s a smarter way to walk, delivering health results often associated with more strenuous exercise — and recent anecdotal reports, like one published by Tom’s Guide, suggest the method is accessible and enjoyable enough for sustained practice (Tom’s Guide).

A recent report by UNICEF has revealed that while Japanese children excel in physical health, their mental well-being remains among the poorest in the developed world. Ranking 32nd out of 43 developed and emerging nations, Japan’s position is largely attributed to a troublingly high youth suicide rate, despite improvements in other areas of child development. This stark finding underscores an urgent need for both national awareness and targeted policies to address the mental health crisis among Japanese youth, offering important lessons for countries across Asia, including Thailand.

A recent survey published by The Japan Times has revealed a concerning trend: Japanese people are exercising less than before, sparking discussions amongst health experts and policymakers about the potential long-term impacts on public health. This news puts the spotlight not only on Japan’s changing lifestyle patterns but also raises relevant questions for Thai society, where sedentary habits and non-communicable diseases are likewise on the rise.

According to the report, the survey—conducted in early 2025—highlights a decline in regular physical activity among the Japanese population, with a significant proportion indicating a reduction in daily exercise routines compared to previous years. The data suggests that busy work schedules, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban living constraints, and increased engagement with digital media contribute to this drop in physical activity. These findings are particularly significant for Thailand, where similar lifestyle shifts are being observed, and where the burden of lifestyle-related health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease continues to grow (Japan Times).