- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,056
- 18,911
Japan is continuing to struggle with worsening school absenteeism, as new data from the education ministry shows record numbers of children missing classes. The issue has persisted for more than a decade, though recent measures to tackle it have begun to produce slight but noticeable improvements. According to the ministry's most recent survey, 353,970 elementary and junior high school students were reported as chronically absent during fiscal 2024 — defined as missing 30 or more school days for reasons other than illness or economic hardship. This figure is the highest on record and marks the twelfth straight year of increase.
To tackle the problem, education authorities have widened access to alternative learning environments within schools and increased the presence of counsellors and other support specialists. They have also encouraged a more collaborative system in which teachers receive support from school staff and external experts, while parents receive consultation and guidance services. In recent years, students who meet specific requirements have been allowed to count certain off-campus study activities toward their attendance. During fiscal 2024, this arrangement was applied to more than 56,000 chronically absent students.
To tackle the problem, education authorities have widened access to alternative learning environments within schools and increased the presence of counsellors and other support specialists. They have also encouraged a more collaborative system in which teachers receive support from school staff and external experts, while parents receive consultation and guidance services. In recent years, students who meet specific requirements have been allowed to count certain off-campus study activities toward their attendance. During fiscal 2024, this arrangement was applied to more than 56,000 chronically absent students.