A recent report indicates that the so-called "hidden costs" associated with education in Japan continue to increase each year. These costs include various extracurricular activities, private tutoring, and educational materials not included within the standard tuition fees. This escalation in expense poses a significant challenge for many parents, potentially creating disparities in access to learning resources and quality of education based on financial status.

In Japan, education holds a highly respected position, often seen as a critical path towards successful careers and societal status. Yet, the increasing cost burdens many families, especially those in lower-income brackets. There are concerns that this trend might deepen societal inequality as not all families can afford these extra costs, leading to uneven access to quality education.

In comparison, the US and EU also face issues with education costs, but their situations are different. In the US, the tuition fees for colleges and universities are the primary concern, unlike Japan where the issue starts from primary or secondary education. In many EU countries, education, including higher education, is heavily subsidized by the government.