When Dipu Tamang arrived in Japan from Nepal in 2024, he joined a growing stream of young people who see the country less as a traditional study destination and more as a structured route into work and long-term opportunity.
The 22-year-old graduated from Shinjuku Heiwa Japanese Language School in March and now studies international business at a vocational college in Tokyo. He juggles part-time work as a convenience store clerk and hotel housekeeper to help cover his living expenses.
¡°At first, I was interested in Japanese pop culture,¡± he said. ¡°Then I wanted to learn the language. Now, I can see myself building a future here.¡±
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