The Rising Interest in Learning English and Fitness Courses in Japan
Recent findings from LINE Research, conducted by LINE Yahoo! Corporation, reveal interesting insights into the hobbies and classes people in Japan are interested in pursuing. Utilizing a large panel of over 7 million active users, this research focused on individuals aged between 10 and 60, providing a clear snapshot of current learning trends and future aspirations across different age groups.
Current Learning Pursuits
When asked about the classes they are currently engaged in, a substantial majority of individuals (nearly 80%) reported not participating in any such activities, especially among those in their 30s and 40s. Notably, women in their 60s showed a less significant inclination towards stating they are not involved in any learning activities compared to other age groups.
Among those who do partake in classes, the top three choices varied with age:
- - Teenagers: English conversation, Musical instruments like piano and guitar, and various ball games (such as volleyball).
- - Individuals in their 20s: Yoga and Pilates, qualification courses for professional development, and musical instruments.
- - Over 30: A shift back to English conversation, Yoga and Pilates, and fitness training.
Interestingly, men gravitate towards fitness training and English conversation, while women favored Yoga and Pilates as their top choice.
Future Learning Aspirations
When considering future aspirations, around 30% indicated they have no interest in enrolling in any classes. The most sought-after activity among those interested was again English conversation, attracting nearly 20% of the respondents. Following this were musical instruments, Yoga and Pilates, fitness classes, and cooking workshops.
Delving deeper into the age demographics, musical instruments ranked highest among teenagers, especially with over 30% of young women indicating interest. Teenagers also showed a higher percentage for vocal training and various dance forms compared to older age groups.
From their 20s onward, English conversation takes the lead as the preferred class, with a noticeable increase in desire for qualification courses among those in their 20s and 30s. Around the age of 40, interests also began to shift towards money management topics, reflecting a growing concern for personal finances and investment knowledge.
Gender-Specific Preferences
In comparing male and female interests, it becomes evident that women continue to pursue classes like Yoga and cooking courses, with substantial numbers stating their preference. On the other hand, interests in programming, robotics, and AI showed marked preference among young men, while traditional arts such as calligraphy received increased interest among older women.
Conclusion
The latest LINE Research highlights a noteworthy trend towards classes that cultivate personal and professional skills in Japan. As individuals seek out avenues for development, English proficiency and health-focused activities like Yoga and fitness training stand out as prominent aspirations. This reflects a shift in societal values where self-improvement is increasingly becoming a priority for individuals across diverse age and gender spectra. The implications of these trends are significant, suggesting not only an evolving cultural landscape but also opportunities for businesses catering to these educational interests.
About the Research
This survey was conducted from April 1 to April 3, 2025, and targeted 15 to 69-year-old individuals residing across Japan. A total of 5,258 samples were valid for analysis, ensuring weighted representation of genders and age groups. To get more detailed insights, additional reports and survey information are made available through LINE Research's platforms.
For more explorations regarding educational trends in Japan, check out the official LINE Research site for more updates and findings.