OSAKA, May 17 (News On Japan) –
Japan’s coverage to supply free highschool tuition for each private and non-private colleges is increasing choices for households who as soon as gave up on non-public training as a result of price. However, in Osaka, the place this coverage was applied forward of different areas, even prestigious public excessive colleges are actually struggling to fill seats.
The prefecture has begun discussions to revise the one-school-only utility rule that limits scholar decisions. Newscaster Naomi Trauden reviews on the shifting floor of public training.
Starting within the 2026 educational yr, highschool tuition shall be made free nationwide. One mom, elevating an elementary faculty little one, stated, “The cost of education can be heavy, so this is a relief. Now, choosing between public and private isn’t such a big issue. It gives us more options.” She added, “If my child is drawn to private school, that’s fine. If they prefer public, that’s also fine. I don’t feel strongly one way or the other.”
However, not everyone seems to be optimistic. Some residents say public funds needs to be directed towards extra pressing wants like meals and day by day assist, particularly amid rising residing prices.
In Osaka, the place tuition-free non-public training started in 2024, the influence has already been dramatic. At non-public Kagura Gakuen High School in Osaka City, enrollment has surged by 50% this yr, rising by about 100 college students to 300. “Private schools used to be seen as expensive,” stated one faculty official. “Now that tuition is free, the barrier has dropped and it’s easier to choose them.”
Kagura Gakuen has raised its annual tuition from 576,000 yen to 630,000 yen. Under Osaka guidelines, tuition exceeding 630,000 yen should be lined by the college itself. Many non-public excessive colleges are pushing charges proper as much as this threshold. Some critics argue this quantities to opportunistic value hikes beneath the free tuition scheme.
The faculty launched a brand new manga and illustration course this yr, hiring exterior professionals to show six hours per week. The charge improve has been used to reinforce the curriculum. Additional upgrades embody a newly put in elevator and revamped restrooms, school rooms, air-con, and health club flooring. The faculty says these modifications purpose to not compete, however to supply an surroundings the place college students can thrive.
Students within the manga course say they take pleasure in studying from actual professionals and really feel motivated by classmates who share their passions.
Meanwhile, public colleges are dealing with mounting strain. Osaka Prefectural Kawa High School, based in 1909 and generally known as an elite educational establishment, didn’t fill its enrollment for the primary time because the present entrance system started in 2016. The faculty’s 2025 applicant-to-seat ratio fell beneath 1.0, dropping to 0.94. Social media dubbed the shock “Negawa Shock,” expressing shock that even high colleges are struggling.
In Osaka, greater than 30% of scholars apply solely to personal colleges, whereas practically half of the 131 public excessive colleges have unfilled quotas. This development predates the nationwide rollout of the free tuition coverage. Kawa High School’s ageing constructing, now over 80 years previous, lacks ample funding as a result of public funds limitations. While the college plans to renovate its bogs this yr, outdated amenities nonetheless affect center schoolers’ decisions.
Some say higher funding in public colleges is crucial to protect their enchantment. One official commented, “Free tuition is greatly appreciated by families. But we hope the same level of investment being made in private education can also be extended to public schools.”
The tuition-free coverage has additionally had sudden uncomfortable side effects. Cram colleges, particularly these concentrating on prestigious non-public center and excessive colleges, are seeing a surge in demand. One such Tokyo-based cram faculty, beforehand targeted solely on public colleges, lately added a devoted private-track program and even opened a brand new constructing for it. “We’ve been surprised by the response,” stated a workers member. “Many parents are now using the money they save from free tuition to invest in extra courses.”
One such cram faculty now expenses 20,000 yen per 30 days and has seen a noticeable improve in college students. Experts warn that the coverage might widen disparities if not applied fastidiously.
Educational advisor Komura from Benesse Educational Research Center says that colleges should now compete for college kids, however warns that with out ample academics to execute new applications, reforms might fail. Schools throughout Japan are already reporting a trainer scarcity.
Komura additionally raised issues about funding. “If the budget is drawn from within the existing education framework, it could mean cuts to teacher salaries or university research funds, which would be unacceptable,” he stated.
As the full-scale rollout is about for subsequent yr, the results stay unsure. Public and personal colleges play totally different roles throughout areas, and a one-size-fits-all method might not work nationwide. While the coverage might assist extra college students attend their ideally suited colleges, it might additionally dampen educational motivation if not paired with broader assist.
Under the present plan, tuition equal to about 120,000 yen for public excessive colleges shall be lined with out revenue restrictions beginning this yr. Next yr, common tuition for personal excessive colleges may also be backed nationally.
During a latest panel dialogue, one Tokyo-based mum or dad stated the coverage is useful however questioned whether or not households in much less city areas with fewer faculty choices would really feel the identical profit. Another pointed to a Nikkei survey performed in February by which 70% of economists opposed free non-public highschool tuition, citing issues it could encourage tuition inflation and undermine public faculty enrollment.
The Japan Innovation Party, which championed the coverage, has confronted growing scrutiny. As debates proceed, Japan’s prefectural governors have submitted a proper request to the Ministry of Education, calling for emergency monetary assist to enhance public faculty amenities. For many, the worry is that with out balanced funding, public training might fall into decline.
Source: テレ東BIZ