The “Gap Year” Trend: Growing Interest Among Japanese Youth
In Japan, it is common to see junior high school and high school students going to cram schools (juku) after their regular classes. Some of them may study for three to eight hours a day. Their goal is to pass entrance exams and enter a good university. With such pressure, who would blame a young person for dreaming of more freedom? For some, that dream takes the form of a gap year.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a gap year is “a one-year break from academic studies to allow for nonacademic activities.” But in Japan, gap years are not all the same. Some are for academic recovery, while others are for exploration and enrichment.
The “Ronin” Gap Year
Not all students choose to take a gap year. Some become ronin because they fail to pass their desired university entrance exams. In Japan, entrance exams usually include both a common national test and university-specific exams. Students who do not succeed often spend the following year reviewing lessons, taking extra classes, and preparing again.
These students are called ronin-sei, or “masterless samurai.” Like samurai without a lord, they are seen as “wandering,” without a school. Research shows that the ronin experience is not a happy one. It may bring stress and even physical symptoms, such as headaches (Koyama et al., 2014). However, the year can also provide a chance to learn from past mistakes, find weak points, and balance study time with rest. Most ronin, happy to say, do get to advance into university. Their patience and effort often pay off in the end.
Voluntary Gap Year for Enrichment
For other students, the story is different. Some pass their exams but choose to delay starting university. They may use this year to travel, volunteer, work, study languages, or gain experience through internships. This choice often comes with excitement and new discoveries. For example, many young Japanese travel abroad.
Australia has become a top choice because of its closeness, vibrant cities, and beautiful nature. It also gives students many chances to practice English. New Zealand is another popular destination. With its mountains, green fields, and focus on environmental protection, it attracts those who love outdoor life. Students who go there often return with wonderful memories and new skills. Other students prefer the United States, Canada, or European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. These places offer cultural diversity, academic programs, and international work opportunities.
Planning Ahead
A gap year can be exciting and useful, but it requires careful planning. Students should think about their goals and do research before deciding. Whether for exam preparation, travel, volunteer work, or internships, you can find organizations that provide support. If traveling abroad, safety and language skills should be considered. With good preparation, a gap year can be both safe and rewarding.
Professor Scott Galloway of New York University strongly supports the idea of taking time off. He says, “Gap years should be the norm, not the exception. Ninety percent of kids who defer and take a gap year return to college and are more likely to graduate, with better grades.”
Looking Ahead
More young people in Japan are starting to see the value of a gap year. For some, it helps them recover and try again as ronin. For others, it is a chance to travel, meet people, and discover new skills. Either way, the gap year is a step toward personal growth. With careful planning, it can prepare students for success at university and beyond.
Written by Everett Ofori