Okinawa fosters international talent with study-abroad subsidies

Education

Far-flung Japanese prefecture eyes widening young people’s perspectives by funding travel

Studying abroad during high school is said to improve practical language skills and international adaptability. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)

YUMIKO URASAKI and TAKUMA NAGAMORI

November 15, 2025 07:47 JST

NAHA, Japan/FUKUOKA, Japan — Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, is using subsidies to encourage high school students to study abroad, hoping to develop international talent and improve understanding in a territory with a major American military presence.