Osaka to Cut 32 High Schools Over Next 15 Years

Aug 20, 2025 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Osaka Prefecture has projected that the number of its prefectural high schools should be reduced by about 32 over the next 15 years, leaving around 104 schools, as the decline in the student population shows no sign of stopping. The prefecture currently operates 136 schools.

With applications falling due to the shrinking number of students, Osaka has been consolidating schools since 2012. Measures have included halting student recruitment at schools that failed to meet enrollment quotas.

At a meeting held on August 18th to discuss future restructuring, the prefecture presented estimates showing that, given the continued outlook for declining student numbers, 104 schools would be the appropriate level 15 years from now.

Officials said that based on this projection, they will begin examining restructuring methods that both secure educational opportunities and maintain specialized learning programs.

Source: YOMIURI

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