Japan Caps Kindergarten Class Sizes for Quality Education

Education | February 20, 2026
Japan education reform kindergarten class sizes quality education children

In a bid to improve quality education and foster an effective learning environment, the Japanese government has implemented a policy to limit the number of students in a kindergarten class to a maximum of 30. This move is anticipated to address concerns like teacher burnout and ensure that every child gets adequate individual attention. Exact details, such as future timelines or exceptions to this rule, are not provided in the headline.

In Japan, the education sector has been facing challenges due to large class sizes, leading to concerns about the quality of education and strain on educators. Reducing class sizes is a policy decision highly valued by educators, parents, and experts, who believe that it could improve the overall education system's efficiency and effectiveness.

Unlike Japan, class size regulations vary in the US by state while the EU leaves this decision to member countries. However, there is a general consensus that smaller classroom sizes lead to better outcomes for students and educators alike, a principle Japan is aligning with in this policy.

Information for Your Country

Outside Japan, those interested in learning about similar initiatives can read about the effect of class size on student learning in the U.S. via National Education Policy Center or about the EU's approach through the European Commission publications.