Why 1 in 5 Tokyo Kids Take Elite Middle School Exams episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 29, 2026 · 8 MIN

Why 1 in 5 Tokyo Kids Take Elite Middle School Exams

from Narrative Japan · host Narrative Japan Podcast🌸

Discover why nearly 1 in 5 Tokyo kids take elite middle school exams at age 12. We explore Japan's booming cram school industry, record bankruptcies, the STEM shift, and what it means for businesses eyeing the Japanese education market.◆Introduction: A deep dive into Japan's high-stakes middle school exam culture and the billion-dollar industry it created.In this episode, Professor Haru and Sakura discuss Japan's unique "juken" phenomenon over tea in Tokyo. From free high school tuition unexpectedly fueling cram school demand, to small tutoring centers collapsing while giants thrive, to parents rethinking "more homework = better results" — we unpack the trends reshaping Japanese education and the business opportunities hidden within.◆NoteThe content of this program is intended solely for informational purposes and reflects the personal views of the creators.Please make any investment or business decisions based on your own judgment and responsibility.This program does not endorse or recommend any specific financial products or investment strategies.

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