News On Japan

Record 300,000 students in Japan do not attend school

TOKYO, Oct 04 (News On Japan) - The number of truants at elementary and junior high schools in Japan has reached a new high of almost 300,000 students, and reported bullying cases in all schools at about 690,000 during the 2022 academic year.

The results of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) indicate that 299,048 elementary and junior high school students across the country were in non-attendance in the 2022 academic year, representing an increase of 54,108 students (22.1%) from the previous year.

This marks the 10th consecutive year of increase and continues to set new highs.

MEXT attributes this escalation to factors such as the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in living environments, disrupted daily routines, and various restrictions in school life, all of which may have affected students' motivation to attend school.

The number of recognized bullying cases in elementary, junior high, and high schools reached 681,948, which is an increase of 66,597 cases (10.8%) from the previous year, setting a new record high. This increase is believed to be partly due to the resumption of extracurricular activities and school events, leading to increased interactions among students amid the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A record 923 cases were classified as "serious incidents of bullying," an increase of 217 cases (30.7%) from the previous year. Out of the serious bullying cases (923 cases), 357 cases (38.7%) were initially not recognized as bullying. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) believes that this indicates ongoing challenges in schools' recognition of bullying incidents.

Additionally, the number of students who reported suicide across all schools increased by 43 people compared to the previous year, reaching a serious situation that is close to the record high of 415 people in the 2020 academic year, with a total of 411 students.

For the first time, a survey on "suicide due to corporal punishment and inappropriate instruction by educators," commonly known as "instructional deaths," was conducted, resulting in one case in elementary school and one case in high school.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The Tokaido Shinkansen resumed service at 7:00 p.m. on April 30th after a power outage forced a suspension of operations, but major delays continued to affect the timetable.

Shizuoka Governor Heita Suzuki announced on April 30th that the prefecture will implement its “Cool Biz” dress code throughout the year starting in May 2025. Previously limited to the warmer months from May through October, the initiative encourages relaxed attire for government workers, such as going without neckties, to create a more comfortable working environment.

Vietnam’s national pavilion finally opened on April 30th -- 17 days behind schedule -- after delays in exhibit preparations kept it closed during the April 13th launch of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

The "phantom bridge," a Hokkaido heritage site in the Tokachi region known for appearing and disappearing with the seasons, has begun drawing visitors again in 2025 as its elusive form grows increasingly fragile.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Education NEWS

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

Oda Nobunaga’s sealed letter, bearing his personal red seal, has been discovered at Hyakusaiji Temple in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, roughly 100 years after its whereabouts became unknown.

A 12-year-old girl living with Apert syndrome, a rare condition that causes abnormalities in bones and joints, is pouring her passion into the piano. Having overcome daily challenges through her own ingenuity, she shares the feelings she pours into her music.

The Genpei War comes to its epic conclusion as Minamoto no Yoritomo faces off against not only the remaining Taira forces but also his own cousin who steps forth to oppose him. The dawn of a new era of samurai rule is at hand. (The Shogunate)

In Heian-period Japan, pilgrimages by noblewomen were less about religious devotion and more about experiencing the outside world, sightseeing, and flaunting wealth and status. (Linfamy)

There are some English words that are harmless. But to Japanese, they sound FILTHY! Yes, simple words like chin, napkin, and even people's names like Gary and Ben can sound very inappropriate in Japan! Today, I'll share all of these words with you! (Mrs Eats)

Japan has seen a dramatic surge in tourism over the past decade, with visitor numbers tripling, bringing both economic benefits and greater intercultural exchange. However, this growth has also led to issues of "overtourism," especially on trains—the country's most popular means of transport—where overcrowding and cultural misunderstandings about behavior have caused concern among locals.

Achieving academic success isn’t only about securing good grades—it’s about learning how to continuously improve, developing effective study methods, and building the confidence to face challenges.