A growing social issue? The nationwide trend of school closures and its challenges.

2025.06.29

Is it already a social issue?! The nationwide trend of school closures and its problems

Background and Current Situation of the School Closure Issue

The nationwide trend of school closures in Japan has emerged as a serious issue due to changes in social structure, such as declining birthrates and population decrease. According to data from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, about 8,580 schools were closed from 2002 to 2020. While many of these have been repurposed, there are still facilities that remain unused. This phenomenon is not just a problem for educational institutions but also a factor that can influence the future of entire regions.

School consolidations are carried out with the aim of improving municipal financial efficiency and optimizing school sizes. However, there is also a business aspect driven by management consulting firms, which raises concerns about the neglect of educational perspectives. Additionally, the impact on students and families, such as the disconnect with regional needs and increased commuting distances, cannot be ignored.

On the other hand, some regions are attempting to repurpose closed schools as new community spaces. For example, there are efforts to convert them into facilities like community centers and hotels, which could potentially lead to regional revitalization. However, many challenges still need to be addressed.

Current Situation and Background of School Closures

The trend of school closures across Japan is significantly impacted by declining birthrates and population decrease. From 2002 to 2022, an average of 450 schools closed each year, and this trend continues. According to data from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, 8,580 schools have closed over the past 20 years, with about 74% being repurposed as community centers, hotels, and other facilities. However, many facilities remain unused, necessitating efforts to find new uses for them.

Business Aspects of Consolidation and Impact on Education

School consolidations aim for financial efficiency and optimal school sizes, and in some cases, they have been commercialized by management consulting firms. There is ongoing debate about how these moves affect education. For example, there are cases where schools fail to enhance their appeal after consolidation, leading to a decline in student numbers and applicants. Additionally, increased commuting distances and costs have become burdens for students.

Impact on Local Communities

The issue of school closures extends beyond educational institutions, significantly affecting entire regions. Against the backdrop of regional decline due to declining birthrates and aging populations, many municipalities are actively seeking ways to repurpose these facilities. For instance, in Nagano Prefecture, 111 public elementary, junior high, and high schools were closed from 2002 to 2020. While many have been repurposed by public facilities or private companies, some still lack solutions.

Success Story: Gojome Town’s Initiative

In Gojome Town, Akita Prefecture, the slogan “The Town Where Children Grow the Most in the World” has been adopted, actively promoting the repurposing of closed schools. Despite a high ratio of elderly residents, the town has successfully transformed these facilities into new regional resources. Specifically, they have been used as “new learning spaces,” contributing to human resource development and the local economy.

Challenges and Prospects

The issue of school closures nationwide presents various challenges. One is the aging of facilities and maintenance costs. Additionally, transforming them for new uses requires cooperation with residents, administrative support, and creative, sustainable ideas. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is also promoting efforts to address this issue through the “Everyone’s School Closure Project.”

Recommendations for the Future

Addressing this issue, which is expected to increase further, requires multifaceted approaches. One approach is to effectively utilize existing facilities while drawing paths to regional revitalization. Additionally, creating innovative learning spaces, such as “Empowerment Schools” with special departments, is being considered. These various initiatives could be key to solving the social challenges faced by Japan as a whole.

In summary, the ongoing school closure issue across Japan is fundamentally driven by demographic changes. Depending on the creativity and efforts of each local government, this crisis can potentially be transformed into an opportunity. From this perspective, we hope to see the development of more creative and innovative projects in the future.

What is the background of the increasing school closures?

The main causes are declining birthrates and regional depopulation. The number of children and students is decreasing nationwide, and particularly in rural areas, population decline is influenced by the decline of primary industries and suburban migration. As a result, many schools have been closed.

What are some examples of repurposing closed schools?

Currently, 3,587 schools (70.3%) nationwide are being utilized in some form. Their uses vary widely, including as community exchange facilities, tourist facilities, and even corporate offices. However, many closed schools remain without a determined use.

What happens to closed schools that remain unused?

The number of unused closed schools is increasing annually. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and others are making efforts to gather information and promote utilization through initiatives like the “Everyone’s School Closure Project.” However, about 1,917 schools still lack specific utilization plans.

What measures are expected to address the school closure issue?

A multifaceted approach is required, including developing new business models through collaboration with local communities and private companies. Support systems and information provision by public institutions are also important. Strengthening cooperation between local governments, community residents, and companies is key.

What are the future challenges?

The first challenge is economic viability and sustainability. Attractive planning that can be continuously operated is necessary. Safety is also a crucial consideration. In the case of aging buildings, renovation work to meet safety standards is required. It is essential to consider these issues from various perspectives.

Summary and Outlook of the School Closure Issue

The ongoing trend of school closures in Japan is rooted in social structural changes such as declining birthrates and population decrease, making it a significant issue. According to data from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, about 8,580 schools were closed from 2002 to 2020, with many being repurposed, while some facilities remain unused. This issue affects not only educational institutions but also entire regions, with municipalities pursuing consolidation for financial efficiency and optimal school sizes. However, there is also a business aspect driven by management consulting firms, raising concerns about the neglect of educational perspectives.

In some regions, there are movements to repurpose closed schools as new facilities like community centers and hotels. For example, Gojome Town in Akita Prefecture aims to become “The Town Where Children Grow the Most in the World,” showcasing successful examples of new learning spaces. However, many facilities still lack solutions, facing challenges such as aging and maintenance costs.

Addressing this issue requires creativity and innovative project development by each municipality. Effectively utilizing existing facilities while connecting to regional revitalization, and introducing diverse initiatives like “Empowerment Schools” as new educational models, are also considered. These efforts could be key to solving the social challenges faced by Japan as a whole.