Although most of the students hope to start their careers in Japan, some would like to return home, which could lead to the growth of these industries across Asia.
"I loved Final Fantasy and I wanted to become a video game programmer," said Lee Byong Ok, 29. "There are schools with courses for video game programmers in South Korea, but I wanted to learn about Japanese games," he said. Lee came to Japan after studying economics in South Korea in 2002, and is currently a sophomore in the game software course at Japan Electronics College.
About half of them study information technology related fields and the remaining students study animation, computer graphics and video game design.
"Japanese animators such as Hayao Miyazaki are internationally recognized," college spokesman Tamotsu Terawaki said. "Vocational schools offer clear programs and motivated students are entering our college," he said.
"Chinese girls are surprised to see how pretty Japanese girls look in (fashion magazines) `JJ' and `CanCam,'" Zhang said. "Shiseido is a well-known brand in China," she said in explaining her reasons for studying in Japan.
After working at a Japanese company in China, Zhang came to Japan when she was 23 and worked at a clothing company. She hopes to become a make-up artist when she returns to China.
According to Akihiko Hayashi of Trajal Hospitality and Tourism College, many young Asians looking to start a career in the hotel industry are coming to study in Japan to learn about Japanese-style hospitality.
"If you've studied and worked in Japan, it's easier to find a job in Taiwan where jobs are scarce," she said. "Only a few women are working in the hotel industry, but I hope to become one," Huang said.
"Since (exchange students) have more trouble financing their education in Japan than Japanese students, their attitude is more serious. Exchange students bring a positive learning environment to our classes," Hayashi said.
The number of Asian exchange students surged in the early 1990s, but many received inadequate support. As a result, foreign students have to pass the Japanese-language proficiency test to be admitted to vocational schools.
"As a consequence of this condition, the standard of exchange students at vocational colleges has risen," says Akinori Ariga, deputy secretary general of Metropolitan Tokyo Professional Institution Association.
"Some come here to continue education after university. They are eager to study the advanced technology on offer in Japan and gain skills that give them competitiveness internationally," he said.
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