Education research and its academic communities have developed in close connection with national education systems. However, increased globalization and digital interconnectedness necessitate the internationalization of educational research, which demands deeper engagement with international colleagues and communities. This presents a substantial challenge, particularly for Japan’s education research communities that are deeply rooted in the national language and research structures. What should be done to provide early career researchers in education with future research perspectives and careers that are well connected to international research communities as well as national and local educational communities? What is the role of comparative education research in this context? Drawing on my research with leading experts, I will explore diverse perspectives on internationalization from the leaders of educational research associations, early career researchers, and prominent comparative education scholars.