Go abroad: Japan employers and colleges eye globalized school year

September start expected to encourage students to study overseas

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Known as Japan's most prestigious university, the University of Tokyo follows a quarterly academic calendar that makes it easier for students to study abroad. © Reuters

ASUKA HATA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Employers and universities have welcomed the growing debate on pushing back the Japanese academic year's start to September, hoping to encourage more students to study abroad and expand the nation's pool of globally competitive talent.

The debate has gained momentum as a way to allow students, who have not been able to go to school since the new school year began in April, to start over in September. But the move would also bring Japan's academic year in line with the global norm. 

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