Recent trends indicate a shift in the extracurricular activities children in Japan are taking up, potentially due to the influence of middle school entrance examinations. Parents and educators are grappling with the balance between nurturing well-rounded children and preparing them adequately for intensely competitive exams. This shift is raising concerns about the added pressure on children and the potential impact on their overall development.

In Japan, there is high importance placed on education, with competitive entrance exams determining the trajectory of a child’s future. As such, many children undertake extra classes to do well in these exams. Recently, this emphasis on academic success has been intruding into children’s leisure time, reflecting in their choice of extracurricular activities. This change is causing debate in the society about the effects of this pressure on the overall development and mental health of the children.

In the US and EU, while academic success is also valued, there is generally a greater focus on holistic education. This includes a balance between academics, sports, arts and other extracurricular activities. The shift seen in Japan could potentially create higher stress levels in children when compared with their counterparts in the US or EU.