When Japan's leading university announced in January that it intends to shift undergraduate enrollment from spring to autumn in line with colleges worldwide, the plan created waves far beyond the academic world.
The University of Tokyo's move would have a far broader and deeper effect on Japanese society and force authorities to amend long-established practices, notably the season when companies recruit graduates and the timing of various national examinations, such as those medical students take in February to qualify for a medical license.
But the response from government and the business world has so far been favorable, with most officials welcoming the university's efforts to internationalize its operations. The proposed shift comes at a time when fostering a broader global perspective among the nation's youth is increasingly viewed as a priority.