This article provides a brief overview of Japanese higher education and its recent kokusaika [internationalization] efforts. Chisato Nonaka is originally from Japan and has worked with and in Japanese higher education institutions (hereafter HEIs) for over eight years. Her current research focuses on the identity(ies) of Japanese university students. Sarah Phillips has worked in the field of international education for over 15 years with the past twelve years at Rice University where her work has focused on the development of international research and educational exchange programs between the U.S. and Japan for science & engineering (S&E) students. Her current research focuses on the motivations for participation in and impacts of international experiences for S&E students.