About This Article This article is based on an in-depth interview with Dr. Bill Shang, a distinguished professor with extensive expertise in international education, tourism, and cultural policy. Born and raised in Tokyo, Dr. Shang pursued higher education in the United States and China, earning a Ph.D. in Chinese history through art from the University of Tokyo. He has served as Dean and Vice President at Tama University and continues to support international tourism development through research, academic exchange, and policy consulting.
As globalization accelerates and cross-border collaboration becomes increasingly vital, Japan faces a paradox: while the country welcomes record-breaking inbound tourism, its outbound travel—especially among youth—has dwindled. Dr. Bill Shang, an academic leader with extensive cross-cultural experience, asserts that international exposure is essential not only for personal development but also for national progress.
“Travel is more than leisure—it is a pedagogical process,” Dr. Shang explains. “Young people gain critical insights about their own society by stepping outside of it.”
Dr. Shang’s own trajectory—from a multicultural upbringing in Tokyo to graduate studies in New York and Beijing—embodies this ethos. “Living abroad challenged my assumptions. It gave me comparative perspectives and a deeper appreciation for Japan’s cultural nuances,” he reflects.
Yet for many of today’s youth, international experiences remain out of reach or undervalued. Contributing factors include rising travel costs, linguistic insecurity, and a cultural narrative that views Japan as self-sufficient. Dr. Shang warns against complacency: “Many students ask why they should study English or travel when they can simply hire interpreters. This mindset discourages global engagement.”
To address these trends, he calls for targeted interventions: robust funding for study abroad programs, institutional incentives, and revised curricula that prioritize intercultural communication and global citizenship. “Education policy must evolve to reflect the realities of a global economy. We need to normalize international study as a formative part of higher education,” he insists.
Programs such as friendship city exchanges, international internships, and dual-degree pathways can serve as scalable models. Dr. Shang emphasizes their dual benefits: “These aren’t just opportunities for students—they’re strategic investments in our workforce. Multilingual, culturally competent graduates are critical to Japan’s competitiveness.”
Moreover, such experiences instill adaptability, independence, and cross-sectoral awareness. “This isn’t simply about becoming global citizens. It’s about preparing globally literate professionals capable of thriving in dynamic, international environments,” he adds.
Without a reinvigorated push for outbound mobility, Japan risks creating a generation disconnected from global trends and dialogues. As Dr. Shang cautions, “To shape the future, our youth must first see the world—and understand where they stand within it.”
