EHIME, Jan 14 (News On Japan) –
Japan’s longest-named college, Kochi Prefecture Sukumo City Ehime Prefecture Minamiuwa District Ainan Town Shinozan Elementary and Junior High School Union–operated Shinozan Elementary and Junior High School, positioned in Ainan Town on the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture, has determined to droop courses within the 2026 college 12 months and shut completely within the 2027 college 12 months.
The college was established as a joint operation between Kochi and Ehime prefectures as a result of the Shino River, which flows beside the varsity constructing, marks the prefectural border, and residents on each side traditionally maintained shut ties. This association allowed youngsters from each prefectures to attend the identical college.
At its peak, the mixed elementary and junior highschool enrollment reached round 300 college students. However, ongoing depopulation and a declining birthrate have steadily decreased the variety of new entrants. The college now has simply 9 college students in complete, with three in elementary college and 6 in junior highschool.
With no prospect of enrollment recovering, native authorities have determined to put the varsity on hiatus within the 2026 college 12 months earlier than closing it altogether the next 12 months.
Source: 産経ニュース