In 2024, Yushi International High School in Kumamoto, Japan, introduced a groundbreaking program that allows students to attend classes in the metaverse, using virtual reality (VR) headsets. This innovative approach to education is part of the school’s three-year high school diploma program, where students initially meet their peers through avatars and nicknames, marking a unique step in Japan’s digital education efforts.
Yushi International, benefiting from specific regulations for distance-learning and international schools, is one of the few institutions offering this kind of digital classroom experience. However, the Japanese government has broader plans. Starting in the academic year 2030, the national government aims to make digital textbooks the standard across schools, allowing classrooms to switch to fully online learning if they choose.
While the shift towards digital education has its supporters, it is not without controversy. Proponents argue that online learning can be more tailored to individual student needs and fosters collaborative learning. Additionally, as the weight of traditional school backpacks (randoseru) continues to increase—currently averaging 4.28kg—digital textbooks offer a way to lighten the load for students.
However, critics warn that the quality of education may decline as students could become distracted by their devices, using them for non-educational purposes during class time. In 2030, local education boards will have the option to choose from three formats: digital instruction only, physical textbooks only, or a hybrid of both.
Digital textbooks have already been allowed in classrooms since 2019, but only as supplementary materials to physical textbooks. These digital tools have not been officially recognized and are generally not subject to government scrutiny. Adoption has been slow, with only 23% of elementary and junior high school teachers using digital tools actively in 2024, according to a government survey. High school adoption rates are even lower, standing at 11.7%.
Despite these challenges, the Japanese government remains committed to digital education. The Ministry of Education has emphasized that the move toward online learning is necessary for promoting more “proactive, interactive, and in-depth learning.” As Japan pushes ahead with its digital agenda, experts argue that integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into education is crucial for the country’s future socio-economic development.
Dr. Kazuki Mitsui, a pedagogist at the University of Yamanashi, explained that teaching children to critically evaluate digital information is essential for Japan’s digital future. “Raising children who can properly analyze digital information is in line with the government’s vision of a digital nation,” he said.
However, formally recognizing digital textbooks as official materials comes with a hefty price tag. Japan provides free official textbooks for nine years of compulsory education, including six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school. This policy, combined with the need to upgrade school infrastructure and provide devices to students, presents significant financial challenges.
The Ministry of Education has suggested that the use of digital textbooks may be limited in lower elementary grades, as younger children may struggle with the cognitive demands of digital learning. Nonetheless, studies cited by the ministry have shown that children accustomed to digital learning perform similarly to their peers who use traditional textbooks in terms of memory retention, comprehension, and academic ability.
Dr. Mitsui believes that the slow adoption of digital classrooms so far can be attributed to a lack of teacher training in effectively using digital tools. Many educators are not well-prepared to incorporate digital instruction into their lesson plans, and technical issues in class often lead teachers to rely on the familiarity and security of physical textbooks.
As Japan moves forward with its digital education initiatives, the balance between innovation and tradition will continue to shape the future of the country’s classrooms.
