This feature, based on a report from Chūō-Kōron, examines the reality of Chinese students in Japan and the growing insularity of their communities. New data from JASSO show 336,708 international students in Japan as of May 1, 2025, with Chinese students accounting for 36.7%, and the Chinese population in Japan rising to about 900,100. Behind the trend are the intense gaokao competition and regional disparities in China, as well as rising family investments in education. Although undergraduate enrollment remains high, a tight job market pushes many toward graduate study or overseas options. The piece also explores why Japan is a preferred destination and what daily life looks like for these students.