Record 350,000 Japanese Students Chronically Absent as Bullying Cases Hit New High

TOKYO, Nov 01 (News On Japan) - The number of elementary and junior high school students in Japan who are classified as "chronically absent" has reached a record high of about 350,000, according to the Ministry of Education's latest survey.

Each year, the Ministry of Education surveys elementary, junior high, high schools, and special education schools nationwide on issues such as chronic absenteeism and bullying. The results for the last fiscal year were released on October 31.

The survey revealed that the number of elementary and junior high students in a state of chronic absenteeism increased by about 47,000 from the previous year, totaling 346,482 students. This marks the 11th consecutive year of increase and a record high.

At the high school level, the number also rose by about 8,000, reaching a record 68,770 students.

The Ministry of Education attributes this increase in part to a growing understanding among parents, many of whom no longer feel compelled to force their children to attend school.

In addition, the number of bullying cases recognized in elementary, junior high, and high schools reached a record 732,568 cases.

There were also 1,306 severe bullying incidents classified as "serious cases" that could lead to chronic absenteeism or suicide, the highest number recorded. In about 40% of these cases, schools had not recognized the incidents as bullying until they were officially identified as serious cases.

Source: ANN

Chiba to Double Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Weekend Tolls During Peak Hours

Chiba Prefecture has announced a plan to revise the toll system on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, currently being tested, by doubling toll fees during peak congestion hours from April next year.

Russian Diplomats in Japan Continue to Evade Parking Fines

The issue of diplomatic vehicles avoiding parking fines in Japan due to diplomatic immunity continues, with Russia reaching a record-high number of violations, accounting for 63% of the total.

Naomi Watanabe, Yumiko Suzuki Named Among BBC's 100 Women of 2024

The BBC has announced its 2024 edition of '100 Women,' celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on society, selecting Japanese talent Naomi Watanabe (37) as one of the honorees.

Osaka Police Clash With Protesters During Forced Eviction

Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the city’s day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation.

JR Group to End Sales of Round-Trip Tickets

The JR Group announced on December 2nd that it will end the sale of "round-trip tickets" by around March 2026. Additionally, "consecutive trip tickets" will also be discontinued during the same period.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Kejoro - The Dangerous and Seductive Long-Haired Yokai - Japanese Mythology

Kejōrō is a yokai from Japanese folklore, depicted as a woman with long hair that covers her face. She is known for seducing men and then ensnaring them with her hair, which becomes uncontrollable and suffocating. (See U in History / Mythology)

Black Noodles!? Special Occasion Japanese School Lunch

This school makes special black noodles and other special treats for their Japanese school students lunch on special occasions and even do a little dress up for Halloween. (Japanese Food Craftsman)

Former Tsukiji Market Site Welcomes School Students

The site of the former Tsukiji Market was opened Sunday to the public for the first time, with about 100 participants, including elementary school students and their parents.

Nearly 90% of Struggling Families Call for Free Schooling Costs

A large-scale survey conducted by an organization supporting economically challenged families raising children revealed that nearly 90% of respondents in struggling households hope for measures to make school-related expenses for elementary, junior high, and high schools free.

'Ukrainian Honorary Consulate' Opens at Kobe Gakuin University

The only Ukrainian Honorary Consulate in Japan has been established at Kobe Gakuin University in Kobe.

Recreating Monet’s Water Lilies with Just 8 Crayons!

Hi, this is Shibasaki! In this video, I’ll show you how to recreate Claude Monet’s iconic masterpiece, Water Lilies, using only 8 crayons. It’s an easy and fun way to dive into the world of Impressionist art! (Watercolor by Shibasaki)

Hideyoshi Strikes Back - Sengoku Jidai Documentary

The history of Japan continues with a new series on Sengoku Jidai. This episode describes early campaigns of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the battles of Okehazama, Inabayama, Kanegasaki, Nagashima, Tottori and Takamatsu. (Kings and Generals)

History of the Imagawa Clan

In this video we look to examine the complex history of the Imagawa clan. A family which enjoyed a storied history of prominence until their legendary downfall. Yet you may be surprised to learn how they still survived even after the death of Imagawa Yoshimoto at Okehazama! (The Shogunate)

< 2 3 4 5 >