Latest news with #TokyoMetropolitanKokusaiHighSchool
The Mainichi
03-07-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Japan's free high school policy may provoke exodus from public schools
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's decision to make high school tuition virtually free, even for private institutions, is raising alarm among educators and policy experts, who warn it could accelerate an exodus from public schools and deepen inequalities. While aimed at easing households' financial burdens amid inflation, the policy -- rushed through as part of a political deal -- also risks undermining the role that public high schools have long played as "safety nets" for students with diverse needs. Critics say the government has failed to pair the tuition measure with adequate support for struggling public schools, many of which are already facing shrinking enrollment and budget shortfalls, putting their very survival in question. So far, public schools have adapted to various social changes, but they have also grappled with challenges such as excessive teacher workloads and more frequent cases requiring individualized responses such as bullying and truancy. In one English lesson at a public high school in a mountainous town in the suburbs of Tokyo, 11 first-year students took turns interviewing each other about daily activities. The 40-minute class was mostly spent with students standing and practicing conversation. Teacher Shunsuke Nakamura walked around the classroom, encouraging them to make eye contact, checking their grammar and applauding correct responses. His hands-on approach was designed to boost student confidence and foster a more engaging environment. "Although it increases the workload for teachers, I focus on offering care and education tailored to their individual needs and on motivating them to learn," Nakamura said, stressing the importance of being inspired by classmates to lift the overall level of the class. He said the school's roughly 260 students include individuals with developmental disabilities, some of whom struggle to attend regularly, and others living in poverty, with a portion enrolled in evening classes at Tokyo Metropolitan Itsukaichi High School. While praising Nakamura's efforts, Principal Mariko Matsuzaki said she feels that the school's shortcoming lies in its promotional strategy, even as unique courses are being introduced utilizing the abundant natural resources of the nearby valley. "Our school carries out educational activities in collaboration with community entities, but its unique features are not even fully recognized by local residents," Matsuzaki said, as it joins other Tokyo-run facilities in failing to fill seats. Another public institution, Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School, near the capital's Shibuya district, said its strength is accepting teenagers from a range of backgrounds, with a third of its about 715 students being either Japanese children returning from living abroad with their families or foreign nationals. At the school's annual highlight occasion, students confidently delivered speeches in English on topics of their choice -- such as overcoming nervousness, passion for movies and feminism -- before an audience of around 700 in the gym. Participants also gave presentations in fluent Chinese, French, German, Korean and Spanish -- languages taught at the school as part of its curriculum -- showcasing the linguistic diversity and global outlook of the student body. An official at the institution said the move to make tuition effectively free at public and private high schools, which began earlier in Tokyo in 2024, has contributed to a drop in applicants and enrollment, even though the entrance exam remains competitive. Asked what the school offers compared with private counterparts that also promote global education, Haruki Honma, a teacher in charge of English, said, "Here, every day -- whether inside or outside class -- is international exchange, thanks to the makeup of our students." "I doubt other Japanese private schools have this much diversity in their student makeup. Students naturally learn from each other's different cultures and backgrounds, both inside and outside class," Honma said. Momentum to reform Japan's high school tuition exemption program picked up late last year as the minority ruling coalition, led by Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party, and the opposition Japan Innovation Party drew closer. The ruling camp agreed to adopt the JIP's signature policy of tuition-free high schools to secure its support for passing the fiscal 2025 draft budget in parliament. From the 2026 academic year, income limits for aid to families with children in private high schools will be scrapped and the maximum subsidy raised to about 457,000 yen ($3,150), near average tuition levels. The cap was removed in fiscal 2025 for public schools. At this juncture, families earning under 9.1 million yen annually receive 118,800 yen in tuition support for both public and private high schools. For private schools, those earning less than 5.9 million yen may receive up to 396,000 yen in aid. In the Osaka prefectural and Tokyo metropolitan governments, which have already implemented their own free high school education programs, a shift away from public high schools has been observed. Analysts say debate by policymakers has centered only on addressing household financial burdens, with little discussion on how tuition subsidies could affect the overall education system, including the role of public schools as safety nets. The state-led policy "pressures public schools" to attract more applicants but lacks funding or extra teachers, leaving them unable to "compete with private schools" on an equal footing, said Hideyuki Konyuba, a professor of education policy at Teikyo University. "It is necessary that the state provide resources -- money and teachers -- for public" institutions, he said, adding it must also craft a vision for Japan's high school system, which while not legally compulsory is effectively viewed that way with nearly 99 percent of junior high students enrolled. (By Junko Horiuchi)
Kyodo News
19-06-2025
- General
- Kyodo News
FOCUS: Japan's free high school policy may provoke exodus from public schools
By Junko Horiuchi, Spotlight Japan - 1 hour ago - 16:29 | All, Spotlight, Japan Japan's decision to make high school tuition virtually free, even for private institutions, is raising alarm among educators and policy experts, who warn it could accelerate an exodus from public schools and deepen inequalities. While aimed at easing households' financial burdens amid inflation, the policy -- rushed through as part of a political deal -- also risks undermining the role that public high schools have long played as "safety nets" for students with diverse needs. Critics say the government has failed to pair the tuition measure with adequate support for struggling public schools, many of which are already facing shrinking enrollment and budget shortfalls, putting their very survival in question. So far, public schools have adapted to various social changes, but they have also grappled with challenges such as excessive teacher workloads and more frequent cases requiring individualized responses such as bullying and truancy. In one English lesson at a public high school in a mountainous town in the suburbs of Tokyo, 11 first-year students took turns interviewing each other about daily activities. The 40-minute class was mostly spent with students standing and practicing conversation. Teacher Shunsuke Nakamura walked around the classroom, encouraging them to make eye contact, checking their grammar and applauding correct responses. His hands-on approach was designed to boost student confidence and foster a more engaging environment. "Although it increases the workload for teachers, I focus on offering care and education tailored to their individual needs and on motivating them to learn," Nakamura said, stressing the importance of being inspired by classmates to lift the overall level of the class. He said the school's roughly 260 students include individuals with developmental disabilities, some of whom struggle to attend regularly, and others living in poverty, with a portion enrolled in evening classes at Tokyo Metropolitan Itsukaichi High School. While praising Nakamura's efforts, Principal Mariko Matsuzaki said she feels that the school's shortcoming lies in its promotional strategy, even as unique courses are being introduced utilizing the abundant natural resources of the nearby valley. "Our school carries out educational activities in collaboration with community entities, but its unique features are not even fully recognized by local residents," Matsuzaki said, as it joins other Tokyo-run facilities in failing to fill seats. Another public institution, Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School, near the capital's Shibuya district, said its strength is accepting teenagers from a range of backgrounds, with a third of its about 715 students being either Japanese children returning from living abroad with their families or foreign nationals. At the school's annual highlight occasion, students confidently delivered speeches in English on topics of their choice -- such as overcoming nervousness, passion for movies and feminism -- before an audience of around 700 in the gym. Participants also gave presentations in fluent Chinese, French, German, Korean and Spanish -- languages taught at the school as part of its curriculum -- showcasing the linguistic diversity and global outlook of the student body. An official at the institution said the move to make tuition effectively free at public and private high schools, which began earlier in Tokyo in 2024, has contributed to a drop in applicants and enrollment, even though the entrance exam remains competitive. Asked what the school offers compared with private counterparts that also promote global education, Haruki Honma, a teacher in charge of English, said, "Here, every day -- whether inside or outside class -- is international exchange, thanks to the makeup of our students." "I doubt other Japanese private schools have this much diversity in their student makeup. Students naturally learn from each other's different cultures and backgrounds, both inside and outside class," Honma said. Momentum to reform Japan's high school tuition exemption program picked up late last year as the minority ruling coalition, led by Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party, and the opposition Japan Innovation Party drew closer. The ruling camp agreed to adopt the JIP's signature policy of tuition-free high schools to secure its support for passing the fiscal 2025 draft budget in parliament. From the 2026 academic year, income limits for aid to families with children in private high schools will be scrapped and the maximum subsidy raised to about 457,000 yen ($3,150), near average tuition levels. The cap was removed in fiscal 2025 for public schools. At this juncture, families earning under 9.1 million yen annually receive 118,800 yen in tuition support for both public and private high schools. For private schools, those earning less than 5.9 million yen may receive up to 396,000 yen in aid. In the Osaka prefectural and Tokyo metropolitan governments, which have already implemented their own free high school education programs, a shift away from public high schools has been observed. Analysts say debate by policymakers has centered only on addressing household financial burdens, with little discussion on how tuition subsidies could affect the overall education system, including the role of public schools as safety nets. The state-led policy "pressures public schools" to attract more applicants but lacks funding or extra teachers, leaving them unable to "compete with private schools" on an equal footing, said Hideyuki Konyuba, a professor of education policy at Teikyo University. "It is necessary that the state provide resources -- money and teachers -- for public" institutions, he said, adding it must also craft a vision for Japan's high school system, which while not legally compulsory is effectively viewed that way with nearly 99 percent of junior high students enrolled.
Japan Today
19-06-2025
- General
- Japan Today
Japan's free high school policy may provoke exodus from public schools
Shunsuke Nakamura teaches English at Tokyo Metropolitan Itsukaichi High School in the suburbs of Tokyo on June 5. By Junko Horiuchi Japan's decision to make high school tuition virtually free, even for private institutions, is raising alarm among educators and policy experts, who warn it could accelerate an exodus from public schools and deepen inequalities. While aimed at easing households' financial burdens amid inflation, the policy -- rushed through as part of a political deal -- also risks undermining the role that public high schools have long played as "safety nets" for students with diverse needs. Critics say the government has failed to pair the tuition measure with adequate support for struggling public schools, many of which are already facing shrinking enrollment and budget shortfalls, putting their very survival in question. So far, public schools have adapted to various social changes, but they have also grappled with challenges such as excessive teacher workloads and more frequent cases requiring individualized responses such as bullying and truancy. In one English lesson at a public high school in a mountainous town in the suburbs of Tokyo, 11 first-year students took turns interviewing each other about daily activities. The 40-minute class was mostly spent with students standing and practicing conversation. Teacher Shunsuke Nakamura walked around the classroom, encouraging them to make eye contact, checking their grammar and applauding correct responses. His hands-on approach was designed to boost student confidence and foster a more engaging environment. "Although it increases the workload for teachers, I focus on offering care and education tailored to their individual needs and on motivating them to learn," Nakamura said, stressing the importance of being inspired by classmates to lift the overall level of the class. He said the school's roughly 260 students include individuals with developmental disabilities, some of whom struggle to attend regularly, and others living in poverty, with a portion enrolled in evening classes at Tokyo Metropolitan Itsukaichi High School. While praising Nakamura's efforts, Principal Mariko Matsuzaki said she feels that the school's shortcoming lies in its promotional strategy, even as unique courses are being introduced utilizing the abundant natural resources of the nearby valley. "Our school carries out educational activities in collaboration with community entities, but its unique features are not even fully recognized by local residents," Matsuzaki said, as it joins other Tokyo-run facilities in failing to fill seats. Another public institution, Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School, near the capital's Shibuya district, said its strength is accepting teenagers from a range of backgrounds, with a third of its about 715 students being either Japanese children returning from living abroad with their families or foreign nationals. At the school's annual highlight occasion, students confidently delivered speeches in English on topics of their choice -- such as overcoming nervousness, passion for movies and feminism -- before an audience of around 700 in the gym. Participants also gave presentations in fluent Chinese, French, German, Korean and Spanish -- languages taught at the school as part of its curriculum -- showcasing the linguistic diversity and global outlook of the student body. An official at the institution said the move to make tuition effectively free at public and private high schools, which began earlier in Tokyo in 2024, has contributed to a drop in applicants and enrollment, even though the entrance exam remains competitive. Asked what the school offers compared with private counterparts that also promote global education, Haruki Honma, a teacher in charge of English, said, "Here, every day -- whether inside or outside class -- is international exchange, thanks to the makeup of our students." "I doubt other Japanese private schools have this much diversity in their student makeup. Students naturally learn from each other's different cultures and backgrounds, both inside and outside class," Honma said. Momentum to reform Japan's high school tuition exemption program picked up late last year as the minority ruling coalition, led by Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party, and the opposition Japan Innovation Party drew closer. The ruling camp agreed to adopt the JIP's signature policy of tuition-free high schools to secure its support for passing the fiscal 2025 draft budget in parliament. From the 2026 academic year, income limits for aid to families with children in private high schools will be scrapped and the maximum subsidy raised to about 457,000 yen ($3,150), near average tuition levels. The cap was removed in fiscal 2025 for public schools. At this juncture, families earning under 9.1 million yen annually receive 118,800 yen in tuition support for both public and private high schools. For private schools, those earning less than 5.9 million yen may receive up to 396,000 yen in aid. In the Osaka prefectural and Tokyo metropolitan governments, which have already implemented their own free high school education programs, a shift away from public high schools has been observed. Analysts say debate by policymakers has centered only on addressing household financial burdens, with little discussion on how tuition subsidies could affect the overall education system, including the role of public schools as safety nets. The state-led policy "pressures public schools" to attract more applicants but lacks funding or extra teachers, leaving them unable to "compete with private schools" on an equal footing, said Hideyuki Konyuba, a professor of education policy at Teikyo University. "It is necessary that the state provide resources -- money and teachers -- for public" institutions, he said, adding it must also craft a vision for Japan's high school system, which while not legally compulsory is effectively viewed that way with nearly 99 percent of junior high students enrolled. © KYODO
Kyodo News
19-06-2025
- General
- Kyodo News
FOCUS: Japan's free high school policy may provoke exodus from public schools
By Junko Horiuchi, Spotlight Japan - 5 minutes ago - 16:29 | All, Spotlight, Japan Japan's decision to make high school tuition virtually free, even for private institutions, is raising alarm among educators and policy experts, who warn it could accelerate an exodus from public schools and deepen inequalities. While aimed at easing households' financial burdens amid inflation, the policy -- rushed through as part of a political deal -- also risks undermining the role that public high schools have long played as "safety nets" for students with diverse needs. Critics say the government has failed to pair the tuition measure with adequate support for struggling public schools, many of which are already facing shrinking enrollment and budget shortfalls, putting their very survival in question. So far, public schools have adapted to various social changes, but they have also grappled with challenges such as excessive teacher workloads and more frequent cases requiring individualized responses such as bullying and truancy. In one English lesson at a public high school in a mountainous town in the suburbs of Tokyo, 11 first-year students took turns interviewing each other about daily activities. The 40-minute class was mostly spent with students standing and practicing conversation. Teacher Shunsuke Nakamura walked around the classroom, encouraging them to make eye contact, checking their grammar and applauding correct responses. His hands-on approach was designed to boost student confidence and foster a more engaging environment. "Although it increases the workload for teachers, I focus on offering care and education tailored to their individual needs and on motivating them to learn," Nakamura said, stressing the importance of being inspired by classmates to lift the overall level of the class. He said the school's roughly 260 students include individuals with developmental disabilities, some of whom struggle to attend regularly, and others living in poverty, with a portion enrolled in evening classes at Tokyo Metropolitan Itsukaichi High School. While praising Nakamura's efforts, Principal Mariko Matsuzaki said she feels that the school's shortcoming lies in its promotional strategy, even as unique courses are being introduced utilizing the abundant natural resources of the nearby valley. "Our school carries out educational activities in collaboration with community entities, but its unique features are not even fully recognized by local residents," Matsuzaki said, as it joins other Tokyo-run facilities in failing to fill seats. Another public institution, Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School, near the capital's Shibuya district, said its strength is accepting teenagers from a range of backgrounds, with a third of its about 715 students being either Japanese children returning from living abroad with their families or foreign nationals. At the school's annual highlight occasion, students confidently delivered speeches in English on topics of their choice -- such as overcoming nervousness, passion for movies and feminism -- before an audience of around 700 in the gym. Participants also gave presentations in fluent Chinese, French, German, Korean and Spanish -- languages taught at the school as part of its curriculum -- showcasing the linguistic diversity and global outlook of the student body. An official at the institution said the move to make tuition effectively free at public and private high schools, which began earlier in Tokyo in 2024, has contributed to a drop in applicants and enrollment, even though the entrance exam remains competitive. Asked what the school offers compared with private counterparts that also promote global education, Haruki Honma, a teacher in charge of English, said, "Here, every day -- whether inside or outside class -- is international exchange, thanks to the makeup of our students." "I doubt other Japanese private schools have this much diversity in their student makeup. Students naturally learn from each other's different cultures and backgrounds, both inside and outside class," Honma said. Momentum to reform Japan's high school tuition exemption program picked up late last year as the minority ruling coalition, led by Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party, and the opposition Japan Innovation Party drew closer. The ruling camp agreed to adopt the JIP's signature policy of tuition-free high schools to secure its support for passing the fiscal 2025 draft budget in parliament. From the 2026 academic year, income limits for aid to families with children in private high schools will be scrapped and the maximum subsidy raised to about 457,000 yen ($3,150), near average tuition levels. The cap was removed in fiscal 2025 for public schools. At this juncture, families earning under 9.1 million yen annually receive 118,800 yen in tuition support for both public and private high schools. For private schools, those earning less than 5.9 million yen may receive up to 396,000 yen in aid. In the Osaka prefectural and Tokyo metropolitan governments, which have already implemented their own free high school education programs, a shift away from public high schools has been observed. Analysts say debate by policymakers has centered only on addressing household financial burdens, with little discussion on how tuition subsidies could affect the overall education system, including the role of public schools as safety nets. The state-led policy "pressures public schools" to attract more applicants but lacks funding or extra teachers, leaving them unable to "compete with private schools" on an equal footing, said Hideyuki Konyuba, a professor of education policy at Teikyo University. "It is necessary that the state provide resources -- money and teachers -- for public" institutions, he said, adding it must also craft a vision for Japan's high school system, which while not legally compulsory is effectively viewed that way with nearly 99 percent of junior high students enrolled.
Asahi Shimbun
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Trump's student visa suspension spreads anxiety, anger in Japan
After preparing for months or even years to further their education in the United States, Japanese students are receiving an unwanted lesson in anxiety and victimization. Their plans have been thrown into turmoil since the Donald Trump administration on May 27 ordered U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to temporarily stop accepting appointments for interviews for student visas. According to U.S. media, the visas affected are for full-time academic studies, cultural exchanges and vocational schools in the United States. Interviews that have already been scheduled can still be conducted. The period of suspension will continue until further instructions are issued by the U.S. State Department within the next few days, according to the reports. 'Oh no,' said a man in his 30s in Tokyo after seeing the news. He said he was about to apply for a student visa to study at a graduate school in the United States this summer. 'I'm just going to have to wait and see first,' he said. 'I wonder what is going to happen now.' The United States is the most popular destination for study-abroad students from Japan, and thousands of Japanese could be affected by the U.S. action. 'We are still confirming the details,' a senior education ministry official said. 'But if true, we believe it will have a very significant impact, and not just on those who are planning to study in the United States in the future.' SOCIAL MEDIA FEARS, TOO Obtaining a U.S. visa usually requires an interview at an embassy or consulate. An 18-year-old who plans to attend a U.S. university from September expressed fears despite having completed the interview required to obtain a student visa. 'Now that the interview is done, all I can do is wait,' he said. Studying in the United States is his only education option since he has not entered a Japanese university since graduating from high school, he said. 'I'm worried that I won't be able to go to the United States,' he said. The teenager cited another source of concern. The Trump administration is considering strengthening its monitoring of social media posts written by people who want to study in the United States. The student said that since April, he has been careful about what he posts on Instagram on the advice of his study abroad agent. 'VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE' According to a survey conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization, 89,179 Japanese students were studying abroad in fiscal 2023. Of them, the largest number--13,517--were in the United States. 'The students have done nothing wrong,' said Taichi Nitta, vice principal of Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School. 'They are victims of circumstance.' The school offers an international baccalaureate course that prepares students for universities abroad. Three of its students are scheduled to enter U.S. universities in September. 'We don't know what the future holds, so we have to follow the information,' Nitta said. 'I hope that the students will be able to do what they want to do.' The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies usually sends around 80 students to the United States for short-term and long-term studies. According to a university spokesperson, about 30 students are scheduled to travel to the United States from around August. Some of them have yet to obtain student visas. 'We are afraid they will be affected from now,' the spokesperson said. 'All we can do now is gather information.' EF Education First Japan, a Tokyo-based study-abroad support company, has received inquiries from students since the Trump administration's pause was reported. 'Can I get a visa?' one student asked. 'I am anxious because I am about to apply for a visa.' A company official noted that it was still possible to book an interview through the U.S. Embassy's website. 'There is a possibility that (the process) will be suspended in the future, so please apply for the visa now,' the official told the student. Students who plan to enroll in U.S. schools in September generally apply for visas in June or July, the official said. 'We may have to propose other countries, such as Canada and Australia,' the staff member said. Midori Matsunaga, director of the study abroad guidance department at Agos Japan Inc., a Tokyo-based prep school, said, 'I hope that students will not be swayed by speculation and will remain calm and obtain the correct information.' She said she tells students who plan to travel to the United States in autumn: 'We expect you will receive suggestions and instructions from the colleges you plan to attend. Do not panic and wait for further updates.'
