With the Unified University Entrance Exams just around the corner, chaos erupted recently when the established cram school Nichigaku, located in Tokyo's Shinjuku area, unexpectedly closed its doors. This move, announced on January 4, 2025, has left many students bewildered and anxious about their future.
Having operated for over 40 years, Nichigaku was well-regarded among high school students, boasting impressive university acceptance rates, where more than 90% managed to secure admission to their second choice or higher, including prestigious institutions like the University of Tokyo and Waseda University. The sudden closure sent shockwaves through the community, especially as the university entrance exams are set to take place on January 18 and 19.
Students arriving at the school for their usual winter classes on January 4 were greeted not by teachers but by the alarming sight of police officers. One high school senior expressed their shock, stating, "I was shocked because there was no sign of bankruptcy when we were attending lessons just before the new year." Another student added, "We were just about to undergo winter classes when we found it all shut down. It was complete chaos!" Such sentiments echo the feelings of many, as this closure stripped them of not only academic support but also the safe environment they had come to rely on.
The legal representatives of Nichigaku indicated the school faced serious financial difficulties. The Japan Academic Promotion Association, which operates Nichigaku, had reportedly accumulated debts exceeding 100 million yen due to dwindling enrollment numbers and difficulties managing operational costs. This precarious situation culminated in the abrupt closure without any prior notification. A representative commented, "We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused to students and parents at this difficult time."
Teachers and staff were equally caught off guard. Part-time instructor Akio Morikawa, who has been with the school for six years, lamented, "It has been difficult; I have not received my salary from November and December." Morikawa emphasized the need for the school to communicate with students, stating, "Before throwing everything away like this, I believe students should at least receive proper explanations."
The impact is not just felt among teachers but also heavily weighs on students' financial situations. Many have prepaid substantial tuition fees, some as high as 2.5 million yen. An unnamed high school junior voiced their frustration: "I had just started attending last month and prepaid over 2.5 million yen. I want my money back!" Another senior echoed this, adding, "I am now left at home with no idea where to continue my studies. This is deeply frustrating, especially with the exams fast approaching!"
The challenges of managing tuition refunds and the emotional distress are compounded by the looming stress of exam preparations. This situation at Nichigaku is not isolated; it reflects wider trends within the private educational sector. According to reports from credit research companies, over 53 learning institutions, including cram schools like Nichigaku, succumbed to bankruptcy just last year. This figure marks the highest recorded since the year 2000, with overall debt peaking at 11.7 billion yen.
Despite the setbacks, many students remain steadfast and determined to succeed. One student, who had invested significant resources and time, noted, "I am now focusing on self-study and keeping my head up, even if the odds seem against me right now." Another added, "It’s heartbreaking to see it end like this, but we can’t give up on this challenge. We must keep pushing forward!"
The story of Nichigaku serves as both a warning and wake-up call as Japan's education system faces dramatic shifts. The community is hopeful for measures to support affected students during this tumultuous time, reflecting on the need for stronger regulations and safeguards to protect against unexpected crises. With the exams just days away, one thing is clear: students will need all the resolve and support they can gather to navigate this unexpected challenge.