Japan's NOVA Corporation, one of the largest private language school chains, has declared a new policy under which it will no longer charge registration fees from its enrollees. This move comes in the wake of a cascade of regulatory directives that highlight the competitive education market structure within major Japanese cities. The policy is projected to boost student enrollment, fostering greater inclusivity and democratizing access to language learning.

The issue of high registration fees in private schools has always been a topic of concern in Japan due to the competitive nature of education. Japanese families place a high value on education and shelling out a significant sum for it is not unusual. NOVA's decision could set a precedent for other institutions to follow, increasing affordability and access to private education.

In the US or EU, many private institutions also charge hefty registration fees, adding to the financial burden on students. While some institutions do waive these charges under special circumstances, a move to eliminate registration fees entirely would be considered groundbreaking.