In Osaka Prefecture, the increasing trend of fewer students enrolling in public high schools has culminated in what many are now calling the "Neyagawa Shock," reflecting the overwhelming response to the latest data concerning student admissions. With the results of the general entrance examination selection for the fiscal year 2025 (7th year of Reiwa) set to be released on March 21, 2025, the situation is drawing attention to the implications of Japan's declining birthrate and shifts in educational preferences.
Recent reports indicated that over half of the 128 full-time public high schools in Osaka did not meet their enrollment capacities. This unsettling trend has been largely attributed to a societal shift favoring private schools, partly due to the implementation of government policies that effectively make tuition at private institutions free or less burdensome for families. In essence, this movement is reshaping the educational landscape of Osaka and potentially influencing similar policies nationwide.
The Prefectural Board of Education acknowledged they did not anticipate the stark drop in applicants, which caused alarm among educators and administrators. Notably, Neyagawa and Yao high schools attempted to respond to previous years’ high application rates by adding one class, extending capacity by 40 students each in the 6th year of Reiwa. However, this move ultimately backfired, as their admission rates have now plummeted to unsettling levels.
A survey from late November 2024, conducted by the Osaka Prefectural Public Junior High School Principals Association, revealed an unprecedented peak in students preferring private schools as their first choice, with a rate of 26.22%. Astonishingly, this marked the first time that students wishing to attend public schools dipped below 70% of total applicants.
As many traditional public high schools struggle with declining numbers, schools that have managed to establish specialized departments focused on science and mathematics have gained a competitive edge. Noteworthy examples include prestigious institutions like Shitennoji and Kitano high schools, which have tailored their offerings to appeal to academically inclined students. These transformations play a critical role as public schools grapple with their declining popularity.
This dire shift has not escaped the notice of policymakers. Notably, Osaka’s ordinance regarding the consolidation and elimination of underperforming public high schools—first enacted in 2012—was born from an effort to introduce competitive dynamics between public and private educational institutions. As a result, the number of public high schools in the region is projected to decline by 11 from 2016 to 2025.
One alarming case is that of Neyagawa High School, which for years was known for its high standards and competitive application rates. Traditionally, the school saw high demand; in 2023, Neyagawa had a rate of 1.29 with 413 applicants for 320 spots. Even after expanding capacity, its performance dropped to 0.94 in the current enrollment cycle, raising significant concerns for its future.
Moreover, the balance of attraction has also shifted toward private institutions that now provide enhanced resources and opportunities for further academic pursuits. Many public high schools, including Neyagawa, are now viewed as less appealing in comparison, which has resulted in growing anxiety among school officials about the relevance and retention of public high schools.
The urgency of these challenges has been echoed by discussions among various stakeholders in the educational field. Masahiko Fujiyama from the Kaisei Educational Group pointed out that a public school offering a class size of 600 students per grade cannot compete with the private alternatives where resources and structures allow for greater student experiences.
Kaori Sueto, an expert in educational administration, noted the competition posed by integrated junior and senior high schools, further straining public institutions. "To remain relevant, public high schools must develop strong strategies that elevate their appeal to students contemplating their academic futures," she stated.
While critics of the Osaka prefectural policies highlight their implications, Governor Yoshimura expressed a more cautious approach toward reform. "We will consider more than just three consecutive years of enrollment shortages when determining necessary restructuring," he said. He underlined the need for quality public education that students genuinely choose, suggesting a shift in focus from survival metrics to educational excellence.
The situation observed in Osaka is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend affecting many regions in Japan where public high schools are reconsidering their roles in a society grappling with demographic changes and evolving educational expectations. As these schools adapt to the new realities, the landscape of public education may be permanently altered.
Looking ahead, the potential integration of responsive educational strategies, as recommended by the Central Education Council's latest guidelines, could set a precedent for developing attractive public high schools capable of drawing students even on a smaller scale. The urgency of crafting compelling educational paths resonates strongly in the conversations surrounding this ongoing crisis.
As the completion of this transition unfolds, each public high school, including the storied Neyagawa High School, faces the monumental task of adapting to an educational environment significantly altered by societal trends. March 21, 2025, looms ahead, promising to unveil not just numbers, but the future of youth education in Osaka and beyond. As Neyagawa prepares for the school year, the goal remains firm: fostering pride while adapting to modern educational demands.
