Nipponica

The aid program, known as the "SPRING" (Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation) initiative, was launched in academic 2021 by the ministry's Japan Science and Technology Agency. It pays doctoral candidates up to 2.9 million yen (about $19,200) annually for living and research expenses. In the 2024 academic year, of the total 10,564 recipients, about 40%, or 4,125 individuals, were international students, with Chinese nationals making up the largest number -- 3,151. This led to criticism from ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers and others in the Diet.

Another blow to foreign residents. Some might slam this subsidy as wasteful spending but how else do you entice students to come to Japan when there are better and more lucrative options elsewhere. 2.9 million isn't much but it is enough to live a simple life as a student. I would think that this long term investment in education would pay off but perhaps the short term political gain was too shiny to pass up.