The number of Japanese-language learners at Chinese universities is declining. The withdrawal and downsizing of Japanese companies and worsening Japan-China relations have been cited as factors behind the decline in demand.
The number of students studying Japanese at higher-education institutions in China is declining. This is attributed to falling demand for Japanese-speaking talent following the withdrawal and downsizing of Japanese companies, as well as worsening Japan-China relations.
Hebei University in Hebei Province reportedly suspended admissions to its specialist Japanese interpretation department. According to figures compiled by the Translators Association of China, a total of 19 Japanese departments were closed between 2020 and 2024. The number of Japanese-language learners was approximately 480,000 in FY2024, down 23% from FY2015.
The Japanese-language education environment is also being affected by moves to reduce classes as the use of AI expands. A university faculty member said that the number of situations in which interpreting and translation can be substituted by AI is increasing, making it more difficult for language majors to find employment.
Worsening Japan-China relations are also affecting Japanese-language education. Some parents have said that learning Japanese is of no benefit when seeking employment, signaling changes in the atmosphere at educational institutions.