Video games part of the curriculum at this Japanese high school

CULTURE

When it comes to studying and homework, video games are often viewed as an unhealthy distraction. But not at this high school in Japan where they are seen as a vital part of the curriculum to teach critical thinking.

The eSports High School in Tokyo is a private academy that mixes intensive computer game classes with regular studies, such as history, maths, and Japanese. The unconventional approach to teaching high school students sits in contrast to Japan’s education system, which is renowned for its rigidity and high expectations.

“At other typical full-time schools, games are generally viewed as bad rather than good,” says head teacher Yoji Tsurunaga. “At our school, gaming isn’t merely about letting students play. It helps develop interpersonal communication skills. If a student dislikes school because of studying, we can encourage them to start with the game class.”

The idea behind the eSports High School is to provide a haven for students who can’t cope and keep them in school.

One such esports game is Rocket League. From their seats, students play in a virtual soccer game, using cars to move the ball and score goals.

“In our gaming classes, we incorporate lessons on winning strategies, essential skills, and the mindset needed for victory,” Tsurunaga explains. “We cultivate their ability to think.”

Students in Japan are under immense pressure to conform and perform. Even during time off, extra study is common, with some 70% of students attending after-hours education centres known as ‘cram schools’ at some point in their schooling. Perhaps unsurprisingly, students are increasingly buckling under the pressure, with a phenomenon known as ‘school refusal’ on the rise for more than a decade.

Education ministry data shows 67,782 high school students were “chronically absent” in 2024, meaning they missed at least 30 days of school in the year for reasons other than illness or financial hardship.

Japan is also the only G7 nation where suicide is the number one cause of death for those aged between 10 and 19. Last year, it recorded the highest number of student suicides since records began in 1980, listing 527 students from elementary to senior high school. It sits in stark contrast to the overall number of suicides in Japan, which is on a downward trend.

Mika Ikemoto from the Japan Research Institute says schools often lack the tools to look after individual student needs. “While some children can effortlessly meet the standards demanded by schools, for others the bar is too high,” she says. “I believe making schools comfortable places for all children is still lacking as part of Japanese school culture.”

One student, Hayate Ito, says he felt awkward at his old school but is much more confident after moving to eSport. He says he was “really useless at studying — a proper dunce” and that his parents were “worried” about that. “They recommended this school to me,” he admits. “The appeal of [the] school is that, unlike traditional schools, which focus solely on studies, it allows me to balance gaming with my studies. That makes me feel much more comfortable.”

While allowing video games in schools might be the envy of many students around the world, managing video game addiction is still a challenge. It’s a problem that’s particularly prevalent in Japan, with 8% of students showing worrying signs.

Tsurunaga says his school recognises the problem, and advocates responsible gaming habits. “We support students in maintaining a clear distinction between gaming and academic study by giving them structured days based on the day of the week,” he stresses. “For those students who refuse to attend school, we use their favourite games as a starting point to encourage them to come out of their homes and attend school.”

And the school has data to back it up. Among last year’s graduates, 70% went onto university. In Japan, the national average is 52.6%.

“At the moment, I’m thinking of applying to an art university,” says eSports student Ryuoto Inagki. “After finishing art school, I want to start my own company.”

TOP Classroom setting at eSport school in Tokyo

ABOVE Yoji Tsurunaga (centre) with students

PHOTO James Oaten

The appeal of [the] school is that, unlike traditional schools, which focus solely on studies, it allows me to balance gaming with my studies. That makes me feel much more comfortable.

Hayate Ito

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