#Japan #Tokyo #Meiko Gijuku #Education Costs #financial burden

Financial Concerns of Parents Attending to Their Children's Exams

As educational costs increase due to inflation, many parents are feeling the financial pinch when it comes to supporting their children during exam preparations. A recent survey conducted by Meiko Network Japan, which operates the individualized tutoring service Meiko Gijuku, reveals that approximately 70% of parents with third-year middle school students feel a significant economic burden related to exam support. This study surveyed 1,000 parents and aimed to uncover the current reality regarding the examination environment amidst rising living expenses.

Key Findings of the Survey

Amid the ongoing price hikes, the survey found that around half of the parents are spending between 30,000 and 50,000 yen a month on exam support, which indicates heightened awareness of educational expenses. Specifically, 66.8% of parents indicated that they felt a financial burden related to exam preparation, making it clear that the continuing inflation has compounded their concerns regarding the costs associated with educational assistance such as tutoring and materials.

Rising Costs of Exam Support

The data illustrates that as many as 51.6% of parents have reported an increase in costs for tutoring and private education. In addition to tuition fees, families are also impacted by rising costs in other areas essential for learning, including food, study materials, and utilities. For example, food costs and fees for standardized tests have also seen significant increases, leading parents to brainstorm effective ways to support their child's learning amidst these constraints.

Diverse Educational Pathways

Interestingly, the survey also sheds light on the evolving perspectives of parents toward diverse educational pathways. About 68.8% of respondents expressed understanding regarding options such as vocational schools, studying abroad, and online education. This inclination highlights a shift in parental attitudes toward the increasingly accepted notion that educational decisions should not be limited to traditional high school routes but rather focus on what best meets the unique needs of their children.

The Influence of Educational Policy Changes

The survey also references a significantness related to upcoming governmental changes, specifically the anticipated implementation of free tuition for private high schools starting in April 2026. This adjustment aims to ease financial pressures on families, potentially enhancing access to quality education for their children. The prospect of reduced financial strain has led many parents to feel more optimistic about making educational choices that align with their aspirations for their children’s futures.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s evident that the economic landscape is causing a significant strain on many families as they navigate their children's educational journeys. The findings suggest that the overwhelming majority of parents not only acknowledge the financial demands associated with exam preparation but are also open to exploring a variety of educational avenues that may alleviate such pressures. Parents are increasingly looking for flexible options to adapt to the changing economic realities, ensuring that their children can receive the quality education they deserve despite financial challenges. As educational institutions and stakeholders consider these insights, there’s an opportunity to address parents' concerns and shape a more supportive environment for upcoming generations.

Survey Overview

• - Target Group: Parents of third-year middle school students nationwide.
• - Survey Period: November 28 to December 2, 2025.
• - Method: Internet research.

For more information on Meiko Network Japan and its services, please visit Meiko Gijuku. The organization’s mission is to foster a ‘can do’ mentality in students, allowing them to explore their potential and achieve their goals.