Kerry: Foreign students 'scared' of guns in U.S.

David Jackson | USATODAY

Secretary of State John Kerry says foreign students are increasingly leery of studying in the United States because of gun violence.

"We had an interesting discussion about why fewer students are coming to -- particularly from Japan -- to study in the United States," Kerry tells CNN. "And one of the responses I got from our officials from conversations with parents here is that they're actually scared.

"They think they're not safe in the United States and so they don't come."

Kerry singled out Japan, which has very restrictive gun laws.

From CNN:

"In 2011, Japan sent 21,290 students to study in the United States, making it the seventh largest country of origin for international scholars. That was down 14% from the previous year, according to numbers from the Institute of International Education.

"Figures have shown international study is down markedly among Japanese students to all destinations, including the United States. Experts have attributed the decline to Japan's low birth rate, the expense of foreign study in a poor economy, and a desire among Japanese young people to remain at home rather than venture to other countries.

"Unlike the United States, the right to private gun ownership in Japan is not guaranteed in law. Individuals wishing to possess any firearm must obtain a license and demonstrate a reason for owning the gun.

"Out of a total 582 homicides in Japan in 2008, 11 were by guns."