Despite the "senpai–kōhai" relation's deep roots in Japanese society, there have been changes since the end of the 20th century in academic and business organizations. "Kōhais" no longer show as much respect to the experience of their "senpais", the relation has become more superficial, and the age factor has begun to lose importance. The student body has diversified with Japanese students, who have spent a large part of their lives overseas and have returned to Japan, as well as foreign students without a mentality rooted in the Japanese hierarchical system.