Chinese parents are fuelling Tokyo’s education race

As China’s economic turmoil deepens, elite families are increasingly seeking stability abroad. Japan has emerged as a preferred destination, particularly for those prioritizing education. With declining birth rates, Japan’s school admission process is more accessible, prompting Chinese parents to enrol their children in Tokyo’s growing international schools. The influx of Chinese students is especially visible in cram schools, where they prepare for competitive junior high exams.

A distinct migration trend is unfolding in Bunkyo Ward, a historic academic hub in northern Tokyo. Renowned for its top-tier educational institutions, the district attracts Chinese families eager to secure quality schooling for their children. Its legacy as a centre for scholars tracing back to samurai estates converted into schools underscores its appeal as an intellectual stronghold.

Bunkyo Ward’s appeal to Chinese families is undeniable. Home to the University of Tokyo, it boasts a reputation for safety—often ranked the safest ward—and offers a high-quality living environment with easy access to attractions like Korakuen amusement park. Within the Chinese community, four prestigious elementary schools—Seishi, Sendagi, Showa, and Kubomachi—have earned legendary status, collectively known as “3S1K.” Their academic excellence makes them highly sought after by Chinese parents.

In China, disparities in school quality drive families to relocate to top districts—a practice called xuequfang, or “school district homes.” Haidian District in Beijing exemplifies this trend, as its elite middle schools funnel students into prestigious universities like Peking and Tsinghua, a path extensively detailed in Amber Jiang’s bestseller, Getting Ashore.

The increasing number of Chinese families relocating to Bunkyo aligns with the broader trend of prioritizing access to top-tier public schools. Records from one of the 3S1K schools indicate a noticeable rise in students of Chinese heritage. These students now constitute over 10% of the school’s population, though the actual figure could be higher.

Foreign student enrolment in Bunkyo’s elementary schools grew from 389 in 2023 to 467 in 2024, suggesting a concentrated presence of Chinese students within the 3S1K schools. Many parents have chosen to move to the ward specifically to secure placements for their children, often influenced by discussions on platforms like Douyin, China’s domestic version of TikTok.

Many Chinese families moving to Bunkyo see it as a pathway to top universities in Japan, China, or the U.S. To strengthen their children’s academic prospects, some are enrolling them in SAPIX, Tokyo’s leading cram school network. Reports suggest that a 70-square-meter apartment in the area recently sold for ￥190 million ($1.29 million), allegedly purchased by a Chinese buyer.

However, some parents have found the curriculum not significantly different from other public schools and suspect real estate agents may be overstating Bunkyo’s appeal. Concerns also arise as children continue speaking Chinese with newly arrived peers, prompting some to reconsider their choice of neighbourhood.

The sharp rise in Chinese families relocating to Bunkyo has reinforced its reputation as an education-focused district. Reports indicate that their presence in certain apartment buildings has multiplied within a year, recreating the competitive atmosphere some had sought to escape. Data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government shows a 60% surge in Chinese residents from January 2022 to January 2024.

On RedNote, a Chinese social media platform, discussions highlight Bunkyo’s academic appeal. Posts emphasize its high progression rate to prestigious junior high schools and reference historical parallels, likening parental sacrifices to Mencius’ mother moving homes for educational benefits. Many listings target Chinese buyers, further amplifying interest in the district’s real estate market.

The influx of Chinese families into Bunkyo is putting pressure on the housing market. Many newcomers struggle to find affordable properties, especially outside the highly sought-after 3S1K school districts. In one case, a couple arriving in Japan in 2023 found only a 75-square-meter unit renting for ¥350,000, beyond their budget.

Concerns over China’s intense education system continue to drive migration. Some parents cite excessive study hours, diminished extracurricular activities, and rising student stress as key reasons for leaving. The growing competitiveness of university entrance exams has fuelled this urgency, with the concept of “juan,” or involution, reflecting the escalating pressure. As a result, the pursuit of better education abroad—particularly in Japan—shows no signs of slowing down.

Many Chinese families initially consider Bunkyo for its academic reputation but often find housing prices prohibitive. As an alternative, some are turning to Urawa Ward in Saitama, another area recognized for its strong educational environment. Property selection is frequently based on the academic standing of nearby schools, with some families securing apartments around ¥20 million ($133,000).

Among Chinese real estate agents, Urawa is increasingly referred to as “Little Bunkyo” due to its abundance of cram schools. Rising land prices reflect growing demand, and the nearby city of Shiki, also known for academic excellence, is now informally called “Little Urawa.”

The pursuit of academic success continues to drive Chinese families toward Bunkyo and similar districts, contributing to record-high junior high entrance exam rates in greater Tokyo. While many Japanese parents view the competition as internal, this perspective may shift as elite public schools increasingly attract academically ambitious Chinese students.

China’s increasingly opaque education policies have fuelled uncertainty, prompting elite families to seek stable academic pathways abroad. The growing influx of Chinese students into Tokyo’s schools, particularly in Bunkyo Ward, reflects a broader dissatisfaction with domestic schooling constraints. While Japan offers accessibility and prestige, rising housing costs and integration hurdles persist. As Beijing’s educational reforms remain unpredictable, the migration trend is reshaping Tokyo’s academic and real estate landscape, creating new pressures and opportunities for both local and international families.