NAFSA is proud to introduce a new series of blog posts, written by NAFSA Global Partners. These institutions represent a broad range of perspectives, develop innovative approaches that enrich the field, and bring a wealth of expertise to the international education community.
If you’ve attended a NAFSA annual conference in the past, you might have seen the cherry blossom trees blooming in the expo hall. In Japan, each spring is marked by the loveliness of cherry blossom trees throughout the country. Since cherry blossoms are a meaningful symbol in Japanese culture—not only in education but also in paintings, films, poetry, and literature—the STUDY in JAPAN booth will again be decorated with cherry blossom trees at the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, to welcome the participants from around the world.
STUDY in JAPAN is a unified brand made by JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) and JAFSA (Japan Network for International Education) to promote the activities of the leading Japanese universities and organizations. But do you really know the difference between JASSO and JAFSA?
JASSO
In order to promote the globalization of Japan through international student exchange, the JASSO provides support services, including scholarships and resources related to recruiting and enrolling international students and sending Japanese students abroad.
To support people outside of Japan, JASSO provides information and promotes studying in Japan through the Study in Japan website and social media channels, as well as through Japan Study Abroad Fairs and other overseas events. It also provides information and consultation on studying in Japan through JASSO overseas offices.
JASSO works with government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, to promote studying in Japan.
In addition, JASSO administers the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students, which is taken by international students who want to attend Japanese universities.
JASSO disseminates information through its study abroad information website and YouTube channel. It also provides scholarships to Japanese students who wish to study abroad and further supports these students by hosting study abroad fairs organized by JASSO and supporting study abroad fairs held by educational institutions, embassies in Japan, and other organizations.
JAFSA
JAFSA was established in 1968 as a nonprofit, nongovernmental, volunteer-based organization. The organization’s original name was the “Japan Association for Foreign Student Affairs” (JAFSA). But in 2000, to acknowledge the increased number of Japanese students studying abroad, JAFSA changed its name to “JAFSA: Japan Network for International Education.” As of April 2025, JAFSA has 326 members, including 227 Japanese universities—we are proud to represent the largest network of Japanese universities. JAFSA also organizes the STUDY in JAPAN booths at NAFSA annual conferences and supports the sessions of JAFSA member presenters.
See You at NAFSA 2025
At the upcoming NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, we hope you’ll join our session, “Behind the Scenes: Crafting Japan's International Strategy Through Collaborative Efforts” on Wednesday, May 28, 4:30 p.m.–5:20 p.m. (PDT). The speakers of this session are listed below.
- Kuniaki Sato
Director, International Affairs Division, Higher Education Bureau Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan - Keiko Ikeda, PhD
Professor, Kansai University - Shinnosuke Obi, Dr.-Ing.
Dean, International Center Keio University
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will be as a special distinguished STUDY in JAPAN exhibitor at NAFSA 2025, where representatives of JNTO will introduce the cultural richness and natural beauty of Japan and promote the country as a destination for international students from around the world. We cordially invite you to visit the STUDY in JAPAN booth 1727. Looking forward to seeing you in San Diego!