【Survey of Foreigners from 50 Countries】Strengths of Japanese Education are "Discipline", 50% of Challenges are "Students' Confidence and Expressive Power"

Tomonokai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tokunori Tokuoka; hereinafter: Tomonokai), which provides the global experience program "Power in Me" for junior high and high schools nationwide, conducted a survey targeting foreigners residing in Japan (current international students and graduates) who have participated in "Power in Me." The survey aimed to understand the characteristics of Japanese school education they felt through the program and the differences from education in their home countries.

Many of the survey respondents are international students who came to Japan with a strong interest in Japanese education and culture, and are diligently studying and researching at Japanese universities and graduate schools. Through their objective perspectives, the unique strengths of Japanese schools, which emphasize discipline and character building, as well as areas for growth such as communication skills, have been revealed.

## Survey Overview
Survey Period: March 16 to March 22, 2026
Target Audience: Foreigners residing in Japan with experience studying at Japanese educational institutions and participating in "Power in Me (Global Experience Program)"
Valid Responses: 161 people
Survey Method: Content Analysis of free-description responses

## Attributes of Survey Respondents
Countries of Origin: 50 countries in total (Asia 22 countries / Africa 13 countries / Europe 7 countries / North America 3 countries / South America 3 countries / Oceania 2 countries)
Study Destinations/Alma Maters in Japan: Universities, Graduate Schools
*Details refer to separate appendix.

## Survey Details
1) Evaluation of Japanese School Education: Approximately 30% highly evaluate "cooperation and non-cognitive abilities" and "learning environment"
When asked about the characteristics and challenges of Japanese schools felt through participation in "Power in Me," many responded that "Well-equipped school facilities/environment and safety (30.4%)" and "Discipline, moral education, and manners (29.8%)" were characteristics. The learning environment and collective discipline of Japanese schools were highly evaluated.

On the other hand, "Lack of practical skills in English/foreign language education (28.0%)" and "Lack of creativity, respect for individuality, and flexibility (11.8%)" were pointed out as challenges, with opinions suggesting room for growth in acquiring practical skills and fostering a mindset that is not bound by preconceived notions.

- [Positive] Well-equipped school facilities/environment and safety: 30.4%
- [Positive] Discipline, moral education, and manners: 29.8%
- [Positive] Independence and teamwork through cleaning and school lunches: 21.1%
- [Challenge/Growth Area] English/foreign language education (lack of practical skills): 28.0%
- [Challenge/Growth Area] Lack of creativity, respect for individuality, and flexibility: 11.8%

*Excerpt from responses:
Japanese education values discipline and cooperation, and I feel a strong sense of solidarity and cooperation. However, I also feel that emphasizing "correct answers" too much makes students afraid of failure, which suppresses the exploration of new ideas. I believe that fostering an environment that encourages free discussion and creativity, and where students are not afraid of failure, can further nurture students' confidence. (Brazilian nationality)

Regarding English education, I feel it would be better if students had more opportunities to learn from real experiences rather than just textbooks. This would allow students to gain confidence in English and experience that English is not something to be feared, but rather a tool to connect with the world and encounter diverse perspectives. (Nepali nationality)

It is wonderful that students are not only striving for academic achievement but also learning how to become good members of society. (Mozambican nationality)

2) Evaluation of Japanese Junior and Senior High School Students: Excellent "politeness and serious attitude" and room for growth in "ability to express oneself with confidence"
When asked about the strengths and areas for growth of Japanese junior and senior high school students felt through program participation, "politeness, discipline, and manners (38.5%)" and "seriousness and diligence (19.9%)" were highly evaluated as human qualities. On the other hand, approximately half cited "lack of confidence and tendency to fear failure (50.3%)" as a challenge, and additionally, "speaking and communication skills (43.5%)" and "critical thinking and assertiveness (21.7%)" were indicated as areas for growth in the ability to express one's thoughts with confidence and critical thinking skills.

- [Strength] Politeness, discipline, and manners: 38.5%
- [Strength] Seriousness and diligence: 19.9%
- [Challenge/Growth Area] Lack of confidence and tendency to fear failure: 50.3%
- [Challenge/Growth Area] Speaking and communication skills: 43.5%
- [Challenge/Growth Area] Critical thinking and expressing one's own opinions: 21.7%

*Excerpt from responses:
Japanese students have high abilities in a wide range of fields such as art, general education, and history. Many students are shy at first, but they gradually open up and gain confidence, often showing remarkable growth by the end of the program. (Afghan nationality)

I feel that "curiosity" is one of the strengths of Japanese students.