In Japan, about 60% of students who regularly skip school are not being reached by online learning platforms, according to a recent report. The study highlights a significant issue in Japan's education sector as many absent students are being overlooked in the virtual classroom, potentially exacerbating existing absenteeism problems. The reasons behind the disconcerting figures seem to root in technological gaps and students' mental health issues. Immediate reform and supportive measures are being urged to tackle the burgeoning issue.

In Japan, the issue of school absences and truancy is taken quite seriously, and being absent from school due to rejection or fear is known as "futoukou". The emergence of online learning due to the pandemic posed new challenges to the education system, raising concerns over the well-being and academic success of already marginalized students. The society values the role of education, and this matter has sparked public debate about the drawbacks of online learning and the need for better support systems for futoukou students.

In comparison to the US or the EU, Japan has lower rates of truancy overall, but the issue of online attendance is prevalent worldwide amid the pandemic. Many countries, including the US and EU nations, have also noted increased absenteeism with remote learning. However, recovery strategies vary: while the West typically employs school counselors, social workers, and truancy judges, Japan often uses school-refusal support groups focusing on mental health.