Japan's Education Sector Sees Record Highs in Female Teachers and Students
Japan's education sector has seen significant shifts in gender balance. The percentage of female teachers in elementary, junior high, and high schools reached record highs, while the total number of undergraduates, including female students, also hit a record high.
In elementary schools, 62.7% of teachers are women, a notable increase. Junior high schools saw a 45.0% female teaching staff, and high schools reached 34.1%, marking record highs for both levels. These figures reflect a growing trend of women in education.
The total undergraduate population in Japan reached 2,646,000, with women accounting for 46.1%, maintaining last year's record. This indicates a steady increase in female enrollment. Meanwhile, the number of students in compulsory education has decreased to its lowest point since 1948.
The percentage of female faculty members in Japan reached a record high of 28.2%, with 54,426 women in these roles as of May 1, 2025. Special needs schools also saw a record high of 63.0% female teachers. These figures suggest a positive trend towards gender balance in Japanese academia.