The reason why Proceeding to Medical School is popular in Japan and South Korea and the Advantages of getting a medical license

Medical school has historically been a sought-after destination for many students in countries around the world. However, its appeal is especially notable in Japan and South Korea. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, and understanding them sheds light on the cultural, social, and economic nuances of these nations.

Economic Stability and advantages

Pursuing a career in medicine in both Japan and South Korea offers a pathway to financial security. Doctors are well-compensated, and the profession is typically seen as recession-proof. With the ever-present need for healthcare, a career in medicine guarantees relative job stability.

In Japan, doctors' interests continue to be protected because of the strength of the medical associations. Just as no matter how many shootings occur in the U.S., the National Rifle Association's power does not make regulations rapidly stronger.

If they are unable to work full time due to illness or lack of other commitments, they can still have a high paying (10000 yen/h) part-time job if they have a medical license.　

In Japan and Korea, on average, those who enter medical school earn at least two times as much in their lifetime as those who enter other intentional fields. Engineers in artificial intelligence and other information fields, without exception, also earn less than doctors.

In contrast, even if you graduate from top schools like the University of Tokyo or Kyoto University, you are very very unlikely to earn as much as a doctor. Many graduates of the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University end up becoming cram school teachers or other positions that do not match the academic ability and skills that they have.

In addition, it is difficult to change careers in professions other than medicine, and one is forced to work in an organization for the rest of one's life.

Prestige 

In both Japanese and Korean cultures, the medical profession is held in high esteem. Becoming a doctor is not only seen as an achievement for the individual, but it also brings honor to the family. This societal respect plays a significant role in motivating students to aim for medical school.

Aging Population

Both Japan and South Korea have rapidly aging populations. Because of the declining birthrate and aging population, it is more solidly profitable to be a doctor, whose income is guaranteed by the universal health insurance system, than to work in the private sector.
 Also, such demographic shift creates an increasing demand for healthcare services, thus ensuring that medical professionals will remain in demand for the foreseeable future.

Competitive Edge

 In the highly competitive job markets of Japan and South Korea, having a medical degree can set one apart.
 Of course, the rigorous training and education associated with a medical degree can open doors in other sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and healthcare management.
 Even if graduates decide not to practice medicine or other related regions, possession of a difficult certification, such as a medical license, makes a person valuable and proves his/her excellence. They can easily get in top-tier  companies. 

Conclusion and Recommendation to enter Japanese medical school for Students with High Academic Achievement in other countries such as U.S. and China

In conclusion, the popularity of medical school in Japan and South Korea is influenced by a combination of cultural, social, and economic factors. The decision to pursue a career in medicine is often a blend of personal ambition and societal expectations, and in these countries, both of these forces powerfully converge on the medical field.

Also, I believe it is a good option for American, Chinese students, and those in other countries to pursue medical school in Japan if they fail the university entrance examinations in their home countries.

Why you should study at a Japanese medical school?

There are several reasons .

・Japanese medical schools are easier to enter than top schools in Japan or even outside Japan

・Japan offers a wealth of scholarships for international students

・Japanese medical schools have quotas for international students and give them priority admission.

・Japanese public university medical schools have very low tuition fees.　It costs only 530,000 yen (3600 US dollars) a year.

・Medical schools in Japan begin with undergraduate programs, so students can obtain a license two years earlier than medical schools in countries with a medical school system.

・It is relatively easier to graduate from Japanese medical schools, compered to medical schools in other countries like US and Korea. In Japanese, Attendance requirements are not strict. In fact, I have studied or attended lectures very little since I entered my school, but I could earn credits.

・Doctor is one of the most privileged profession in Japan, and it is very difficult to get the same level of treatment in other professions.

・If you obtain a medical license in Japan, you can work as a doctor in various countries other than Japan.

In light of the above, I think you can see that if you are unsuccessful in gaining admission to a top school in your country like an Ivy League school, you should aim for a Japanese medical school.

My profile

I would like to introduce a brief profile of myself so that readers can decide if they will find my experience useful.

My own results of admissions in the last year

TOEFL ibt 98

Japanese Medical school (enrolled)

The University of Tokyo, Japanese Technology Management Masters Program (accepted)

Profile

Undergrad Institution: Kyoto University
Major: Physics, Math
Minor: Statistics
GPA in Major: 3.85
Overall GPA: 3.8

When I graduated from high school, I could not do chemistry at all and chose physics and geology for the subject in my university entrance examination.

In addition, I majored in physics at university, so I started studying chemistry and biology just before 4 months before the examination of the medical school.

Due to lack of time and funds, I did not attend any preparatory school such as KALS to prepare for the medical school transfer exam. In addition, since I was in my fourth year of university, I also applied for the school of engineering of the University of Tokyo and prepared for the entrance examination of it in parallel.

Teaching Experience

More than 4 years working at tutoring schools and medical school prep schools

3 years of tutoring experience

Taught all kinds of students from junior high school students to adults and international students

Experienced in all of the above subjects

Helped students pass Tokyo University, private/national medical schools, etc.