Foreign Students Protest Fee Hike at Musashino Art University Amidst Growing Concerns.

5000 signatures, Online Petition against "Musashino Art University’s Fee Increment

Musashino Art University Known as "Musabi" in Japan, was established in 1929 as Teikoku Art School. Its notable alumni include writer Ryu Murakami and illustrator, writer, and actor Lily Franky. But despite the long list of notable alumni, this university recently faced backlash for its decision to impose an extra fee of 363,000 yen ($2,500) per year on foreign students, starting in April 2025, keeping domestic fees unchanged.

The university claimed that the fee would improve the study environment for foreign students, but students see it as discriminatory and an arbitrary move. On August 4, foreign students protested in central Tokyo, arguing that the decision was made without their input and was unfair. A Chinese student who chose the university for its liberal academic environment but this discriminatory decision of the university was dictatorial for him. Of the 700 foreign students at the university, who make up nearly 15% of the total, more than half are Chinese. Many were drawn to the university for its free expression policies and shared cultural elements, such as the use of Chinese characters.

Stating its position, the university said that extra fees will expand Japanese language and culture programs and introduce a scholarship system for financially struggling students. Additionally,  it will improve services to better management of foreign students' enrollment. This move follows a 2019 incident where another university lost contact with many overseas students, some of whom may have overstayed visas or worked illegally. The university’s public relations team emphasized the need to develop a robust system for accommodating international students both now and in the future.

As of August 20, an online petition against the new fee had gathered over 5,000 signatures, supported by foreign students from Tama Art University and Tokyo University of the Arts, as well as individuals in the arts industry. The petitioners argued that many foreign students work up to 28 hours per week and, struggle with financial burdens and cannot handle high tuition fees. They deemed the university’s demand unfounded and questioned the need for increased Japanese-language education, noting that most foreign students already completed two years of language and art studies before enrolling in Japanese art universities.

Another Chinese student at the University expressed concern that the new fee might create tension between foreign and Japanese students after seeing a post from a Japanese student labeling foreign students as selfish. Distressed by the situation, she decided to change her plans and seek enrollment at a different Japanese university. The university's decision to increase fees for foreign students follows a government rule change. allowing national universities to remove tuition limits for international students to improve their environment. It also comes after an education ministry directive for universities to check foreign student enrollment status.

Shun Ishihara, a sociology professor at Meiji Gakuin University, argued that the university might be using the rule change to address financial issues amid declining applicants, rather than addressing visa abuse concerns. He suggested that increasing fees for foreign students is an easy solution for the university, which cannot raise fees for domestic students due to potential backlash.

Japanese artists and art critics argued that raising fees for foreign students is unjustified and overlooks their valuable contributions to campus diversity. Artist Tsubasa Kato emphasized that supporting international students benefits everyone and helps prevent Japanese universities from becoming isolated globally. The university’s public relations team said it would sincerely address the feedback from students and the broader community.

Editor’s Note:
 

Musashino Art University has sparked controversy by introducing a new fee of 363,000 yen ($2,500) per year for international students starting in April 2025, while maintaining the same fees for domestic students. This  20 % increment decision has been criticized as discriminatory and unjust, leading to protests and an online petition with over 5,000 signatures by students. The university argued the fee will enhance support services and programs for international students. However, many students and supporters question the necessity of the increase and its impact on campus harmony. Students are not feeling safe due to the ongoing situation and seeking enrollment in other universities. This protest tarnishing the university’s image globally will negatively impact its students' enrollment. 

Skoobuzz hopes that Musashino Art University will address student concerns and use this opportunity to improve support and integration for its international community.