On Dec. 12, the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry released its Kyushu Economic Internationalization Data, an annual statistical report that includes figures for categories such as trade volume and foreign visitors. According to the data, the number of international students securing employment in Kyushu reached 560 in 2012, a 30% increase over the previous year and the highest number on record. Also, auto exports topped ¥1 trillion for the first time ever. More than 10% of international students in Japan study in Kyushu, but the region has been singled out for its lack of places to work. “With an eye on overseas expansion, the number of companies expressing interest in hiring international students is increasing,” said one Bureau official. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 12/13
