On March 10, 2025, major national universities including Kyoto University, Tokyo University, and Kobe University released their lists of successful applicants for the first term, marking another competitive year for high school students across Japan.
According to rankings based on high school survey results, Kitano High School from Osaka led the pack for Kyoto University this year with 100 successful candidates, increasing from 90 last year. Following closely was Rakunan High School (Kyoto) securing second place with 69 applicants, though it saw a decline of 14 from the previous year's total of 83. Third place went to Todaiji Gakuen from Nara, which produced 60 successful candidates. Tennoji and Osaka Seikogakuin rounded out the top five, with 53 and 51 acceptances respectively.
The impact of this year's admissions can be seen through the top twenty rankings for Kyoto University:
- 1st: Kitano - 100 (90) ↑
- 2nd: Rakunan - 69 (83) ↓
- 3rd: Todaiji Gakuen - 60 (71) ↓
- 4th: Tennoji - 53 (51) ↑
- 5th: Osaka Seikogakuin - 51 (37) ↑
- 6th: Nada - 50 (53) ↓
- 7th: Koyou Academy - 47 (47) →
- 8th: Osaka Toin - 46 (30) ↑
- 9th: Asaoka - 45 (41) ↑
- 10th: Zeze - 42 (45) ↓
- 11th: Horikawa - 41 (48) ↓
- 12th: Takatsuki - 39 (27) ↑
- 13th: Kanazawa Izumigaoka - 34 (15) ↑
- 14th: Okazaki - 32 (28) ↑
- 14th: Ibaraki - 32 (23) ↑
- 16th: Rakusei - 30 (48) ↓
- 17th: Tokai - 29 (26) ↑
- 18th: Nara - 26 (27) ↓
- 19th: Saikyo - 25 (50) ↓
- 19th: Nagata - 25 (26) ↓
- 19th: Suma Gakuen - 25 (18) ↑
- 19th: Nishiyamato Gakuen - 25 (29) ↓
Meanwhile, Kobe University announced its admissions statistics showcasing the successful applicants. Suma Gakuen from Hyogo maintained its top position with 42 successful candidates, but this was down from last year's 54. It was followed by Kobe High School, which saw 37 students accepted, down from 50. Third, fourth, and fifth places consisted of Nagata, Osaka Kiryo, and Takatsuki high schools.
The detailed ranking for Kobe University is as follows:
- 1st: Suma Gakuen - 42 (54) ↓
- 2nd: Kobe - 37 (50) ↓
- 3rd: Nagata - 35 (N/A)
- 4th: Osaka Kiryu - 30 (N/A)
- 5th: Takatsuki - 29 (N/A)
- 6th: Shijonawate - 27 (N/A)
- 6th: Tennoji - 27 (N/A)
- 6th: Hyogo - 27 (N/A)
- 9th: Toyonaka - 26 (N/A)
- 10th: Kasugaoka - 25 (N/A)
- 10th: Amagasaki Main - 25 (N/A)
- 12th: Himeji West - 23 (N/A)
- 13th: Nara - 20 (N/A)
- 14th: Otemae - 19 (N/A)
- 15th: Kanazawa Izumigaoka - 18 (N/A)
- 15th: Sagano - 18 (N/A)
- 15th: Ibaraki - 18 (N/A)
- 15th: Seifu Nankai - 18 (N/A)
- 15th: Koyou Academy - 18 (N/A)
- 20th: Mikuni Hill - 16 (N/A)
- 20th: Himeji East - 16 (N/A)
The results come amid intense competition as students from various high schools prepare for their futures. The 2025 admissions results reflect both the challenges and achievements of prospective students striving for top positions at prestigious universities. Many high schools are instrumental for students and often remain under close watch by educators, parents, and communities.
For those eager to learn more about the successful candidates and their journeys, the upcoming publication of the AERA magazine on March 12 will feature detailed analysis and insights on students who succeeded this year, showcasing their faces and passion for knowledge. It’s becoming clearer than ever how competitive education is becoming, capturing the attention of students, educators, and institutions alike.
With Tohoku University also preparing to announce its rankings, anticipation grows as the educational community awaits the outcome. Tohoku's successful applicants list as of 6 PM on March 10 indicates Sendai Daini topped with 74 candidates, followed by Sendai Daiichi and Yamagata Higashi, enhancing the overall narrative of striving for academic excellence within the region.
The enthusiasm surrounding university admissions symbolizes broader aspirations within Japanese society for educational achievement and personal growth, setting the stage for future generations to continue pushing their limits.