News On Japan

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

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The Japanese government has decided to expand its tuition-free high school program this spring. Public high school tuition is now completely free regardless of household income, and starting next academic year, the scope of support for private schools will also be broadened.

Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa's Ryukyu heritage, suffered extensive damage in a devastating fire in October 2019 that destroyed the main hall and many other structures. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

A deepening labor shortage in Japan’s construction industry is beginning to impact homebuyers, with some experiencing delays of more than six months before construction can even begin due to a lack of available carpenters.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Education NEWS

Kyushu University held its entrance ceremony on April 3rd, welcoming 2,594 new undergraduate students. As many begin living alone for the first time, they face rising living costs, with average monthly allowances increasing slightly to 72,350 yen.

When the sun sets in the world’s most captivating cities, a different kind of elegance emerges. For the refined traveler who craves more than the ordinary, cities like Tokyo and Dubai transform into luxurious playgrounds where fantasies take flight under the moonlight.

When the sun sets in the world’s most captivating cities, a different kind of elegance emerges. For the refined traveler who craves more than the ordinary, cities like Tokyo and Dubai transform into luxurious playgrounds where fantasies take flight under the moonlight.

The Osaka Prefectural Board of Education has decided to move the general entrance exam date for public high schools to March 1st, starting three years from now.

The Imperial Household Agency announced that Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of the Akishino family, who will begin his studies at the University of Tsukuba this spring, will have a private apartment prepared near the university for potential solo living.

A cultural event at JR Asahikawa Station on Friday introduced children to traditional Ainu dance, aiming to preserve the heritage of Japan’s indigenous people.

Uragawa Elementary School in Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, closed its doors after 151 years, marking the end of an era for the Uragawa district. Established in 1874, the school was the last remaining elementary school in the area, where there were once four.

"My horoscope tells me about my strengths and weaknesses, the best and worst parts of my personality, how my day is going, and who I am most connected with... it can even help me make smart decisions, like whether to date Todd."