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Japan has crossed its international student enrolment target of 400,000 eight years ahead of schedule, with total numbers reaching 435,200 by June 2025, according to ICEF Monitor. The figure highlights an 8.2% rise over 2024 and exceeds the 2033 goal by more than 35,000 students. A record 180,000 first-time international students drove the increase, based on data from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, as per ICEF Monitor report. The development signals a major shift in Japan’s higher education strategy as the country seeks to address demographic decline and labour shortages by attracting more foreign students and encouraging them to join the workforce. Ageing population shapes policy Japan faces a rapidly ageing population and shrinking domestic workforce. The government views international students as a key talent pool for critical sectors. Of the total foreign workforce in Japan, about 866,000 are classified as “highly-skilled.” Over the past decade, this category has expanded more than fivefold. At the same time, public debate around migration has intensified. In June 2025, Japan recorded four million foreign residents, the highest number to date. The new government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has acknowledged concerns about integration. In January 2026, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced stronger language support for incoming students and workers and said authorities would double the time required to obtain permanent residency. English-medium courses under consideration Universities are also debating the balance between Japanese- and English-taught programmes. Japanese remains one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers, creating barriers for foreign students and researchers. More institutions are expanding English-medium instruction to remain globally competitive. However, some argue that expanding English-only degrees may disadvantage Japanese students whose earlier education is largely in Japanese, as per The Japan Times. Select universities allowed higher intake, fees On 17 February, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology permitted three national universities , Tohoku University, Hiroshima University, and University of Tsukuba, to enrol more international students for the 2026 intake in selected programmes. The decision grants an exemption from rules that restrict institutions from exceeding ministry-mandated international student quotas, which otherwise limit their ability to establish new faculties. The Ministry has also encouraged universities to raise tuition fees for foreign students to strengthen support services. A previous cap that limited international tuition to 1.2 times domestic fees was lifted in 2024. From 2027, Tohoku University will increase annual tuition for international undergraduates and master’s students to 900,000 yen. The University of Tsukuba will charge 608,800 yen annually, while Hiroshima University has indicated it will raise undergraduate fees in the near future. Despite these hikes, tuition levels remain lower than in many leading global study destinations. Japan’s early achievement of its enrolment target highlights its push to position higher education at the centre of its economic and demographic strategy, even as it navigates domestic concerns over integration and access.

Tata Punch EV facelift 2026 was launched in India today, marking the model’s first major update since its debut. The refreshed electric SUV brings design tweaks and feature upgrades, with bookings opening alongside the launch and deliveries expected soon after. For buyers watching India’s entry EV space closely, the update focuses on styling polish, technology upgrades and possibly more range -- without changing the core formula that made the Punch EV popular.The Punch.ev facelift offers lifetime battery warranty with unlimited kms, a first in industry.The new product democratises EV adoption, Tata Motors MD Shailesh Chandra said at the launch event in Mumbai. "With a real-world range of ~355 km, fast charging capability, a lifetime HV battery warranty and a highly accessible price point, the Punch.ev facelift resolves the core concerns that have thus far held customers back from choosing an entry level EV as their primary car, he added."The new Punch.ev brings together everything customers seek in not just their first electric car but also their first household car, by holistically addressing the key barriers limiting EV ownership -- affordability, range confidence, charging convenience, and battery assurance; thereby solving the full equation for mainstream EV adoption at scale," TATA.ev said in a press release.Tata Punch EV Facelift 2026 launch: Check live updatesTata Punch EV Facelift 2026 battery specsThe new product features an EV battery with LFP prismatic cells.Battery design1.) protected against high crush load2.) mechanical and thermal shock resilience3.) electrical safety integrity4.) intelligent calibration controlCompared to global benchmarks, the new Punch.ev has the highest battery pack-to-footprint ratio.3 charging opsDC fast charger- CCS2wallbox charger- 7.2kWhome charger- 3.3kW 128596897 New Punch.ev facelift: Additional battery specs 40kWh battery packThe new Punch.ev has faster charging20-80% in 26 mins* (range top-up of 135km in 15 mins)~355km C75 real-world range 468km ARAI (P1+P2) certified rangeNew innovationsi-high beam alertsmart detectionalert as standard for your safety and othersThe new Punch.ev has 6 airbags.Just for Delhi NCR: Tata has partnered with Hopcharge for anytime charging, anywhere.Tata Punch.ev range The car offers an ARAI certified (P1+P2) range 468 kms, the company said. (ARAI Certified, Urban + Extra Urban (MIDC Part 1 + Part 2), actual performance figures may vary depending on various conditions including driving pattern, etc, it added).According to Tata.ev, the new car easily tops up the battery with 135 Km of real-world range in just 15 minutes, "roughly the time of a quick tea or coffee break on long drives". (Under test ambient conditions, the company added).Tata Punch EV Facelift 2026 colour optionsFearless yellowBengal rougeCaramelEmpowered oxideSupernova copperPure greyPristine whiteReports say Tata may introduce a larger 40–45kWh battery pack in future updates, aimed at improving real-world range. 128596949 Tata Punch EV Facelift priceThe introductory ex-showroom price of the Punch.ev facelift starts at Rs 9.69 Lakh.This price point essentially means the new Punch.ev brings EV ownership to near on-road price parity with ICE offerings in the entry-level small-car segment, the company said.Punch.ev BaaS' (battery EMI) price:The Baas facility is also on offer with the new launch as an alternative financing option for prospective customers.BaaS starting price: Rs 6.49 lakh + battery EMI of Rs 2.6 per km.