Photo/Illutration Education minister Toshiko Abe speaks to reporters on May 27. (Takahiro Takenouchi)

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ban on international students at Harvard University, the education ministry has asked Japanese universities to welcome them on their campuses.

“We’ve been hearing growing concerns from Japanese students in the United States as well as those planning to study there,” education minister Toshiko Abe said on May 27. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and do everything we can to ensure that these eager, talented young people can continue their studies.”

The ministry plans to release details of the support measures provided by each participating university to assist the displaced Harvard students.

Abe also announced the launch of a support hotline for Japanese students in the United States affected by the situation. The initiative will be coordinated by the state-backed Japan Student Services Organization.

The United States remains the most popular destination for Japanese students studying abroad.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s ban on Harvard’s ability to enroll international students.

However, if the decision is overturned, it could force thousands of foreign nationals to leave the university, including 110 students and 150 researchers from Japan.

The minister’s announcement came a day after the University of Tokyo unveiled its own plan to temporarily host students from Harvard as part of a broader initiative to support international students affected by disruptions.

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