In a landmark move, Japan's education ministry has decided to stop the practice of informing high school students about their failure in entrance examinations before the public announcement. This decision, aimed at reducing stress among students, comes after incidents of emotional distress were reported. Experts believe this change represents a shift towards more compassionate educational practices in Japan, albeit requiring societal and mentality adjustments.

In Japan, high school entrance exams represent a critical turning point in a student's academic journey and can be a source of immense stress. The tradition of pre-informing students about their failure before public announcements often precipitated shame and anxiety. This change reflects the push towards mental health consideration in Japanese society, marked by a shift from the country's traditionally strict educational culture.

In the US or EU, exam results are generally communicated in a more impersonal manner, often online or via mail, which implies a certain level of privacy and reduces public humiliation. The decision by Japan's education ministry brings the country closer to these practices, emphasizing both privacy and mental health considerations in education.