Changes are on the horizon for public middle school extracurricular activities across Gifu Prefecture as regional organizations step up to fill leadership gaps beginning September 2026. Announced by the city’s Board of Education on the 16th, the new approach revolves around transitioning school-run clubs to community-led ones.
The newly planned programs, branded under the name "KOBE◆KATSU (コベカツ)," will be operated by local sports clubs, university associations, and non-profit organizations. Starting January 16, next year, these entities will be invited to take over the management of school activities aimed at enhancing student participation beyond traditional school boundaries.
The education chief, Yasushi Fukumoto, emphasized the benefits during the press conference, stating, "Teachers will now have the opportunity to focus on their fundamental duties and research on lessons instead of being bogged down by club activities." A key advantage of this new model is the flexibility it offers students, allowing them to take part in multiple clubs across different formats, including those less mainstream.
To fund these activities, the anticipated cost will come out as around 3,000 yen monthly per student, which will cover coaching fees and equipment expenses. The plans expect to utilize existing school facilities, meaning parents won’t face significant increases from current expenses. Pilot initiatives are expected to take place as long as the conditions are deemed favorable.
Setting the stage for this transition, the national government has indicated its commitment to reforming after-school programs between 2023 and 2025, with the period from 2026 to 2031 earmarked as the "Implementation Phase" for localizing activities even on weekdays.
Meanwhile, efforts to prevent coaching shortages have kicked off with the establishment of the "Prefectural Club Activities Promotion Council," composed of former educators. This body aims to recruit and train coaches, ensuring they are prepared to connect with local clubs and facilitate the transition smoothly.
The council's activities will address the coaching gap prevalent within Gifu City, where there is urgency for skilled leaders to sustain vibrant extracurricular programs. It will coordinate efforts to match various community resources with school needs effectively, laying the groundwork for sustainable after-school sports.
This model not only reflects the shifting educational policies across Japan but also embodies the dedication of community members to invest actively in youth development through sports. By leveraging local talent and resources, Gifu Prefecture appears set to cultivate a more socially engaged and physically active generation.
Given the increasing variations of student interests and the rising demand for more inclusive extracurricular access, this shift could inspire other regions facing similar challenges. It’s about giving students the chance to embrace wide-ranging activities and develop various skills outside the typical academic subjects.
News of the transition has been met with mixed feelings from parents and educators. While some appreciate the modernization of school activities and the potential for broader engagement, others worry about losing institutional consistency and support systems. Overall, the focus will remain on creating environments where students can thrive, learn, and grow through active participation.
This community-focused initiative marks a pivotal moment for Gifu's educational approach, reflecting broader trends within Japan and the nation’s desire to shift traditional educational paradigms toward more collaborative and integrated systems. Stakeholders will now watch closely how these developments roll out, impacting future generations of students.
