Survey Snapshot
The “School Life Survey” gathered insights from 100 male and female high school students aged 15-18 on January 19, 2026, via a web questionnaire. This research, based on the real voices of INGteens high school members, provides a fresh perspective on adolescent trends.
High Satisfaction with School Life
A significant 94.0% of students reported enjoying their school life, with 55.0% saying it was “very fun” and 39.0% “somewhat fun.” Many cited strong friendships as a primary source of joy. One high school girl (2nd year) shared, “Having good friends makes every day fun.” Unique experiences like “dance and makeup classes are fun” (2nd year, female) from students in specialized or communication-based schools also contributed to this positive outlook. However, 6.0% expressed dissatisfaction, pointing to human relations or a lack of purpose in lessons.
Unpopular Rules: A Call for Modernity
When asked about unnecessary school rules, two stood out: “Hair color and style restrictions” and “Makeup ban,” both tying for the top spot at 12.4%. Students voiced strong opinions, with one 1st-year girl stating, “Dyeing my hair doesn’t affect my studies.” A 3rd-year girl passionately added, “Makeup is considered manners in the future, so it’s strange it’s banned at school. They should teach us instead!”
The third most unwelcome rule was “Smartphone usage ban (including during breaks and events)” at 9.9%. Students expressed a desire for limited use, such as “It’s fine to ban during class, but I want to take photos as memories during breaks” (2nd year, male). Other unique, often strict, rules mentioned included “two-block hairstyle ban” and “ban on boys and girls being alone in a classroom.” A quirky rule, “Haniwa ban” (wearing tracksuits or half-pants under school skirts), also made the list at 2.5%, hinting at specific school cultures.
Career Guidance: Room for Personalization
On the effectiveness of career guidance, 51.0% found it “somewhat useful” and 23.0% “very useful.” Students appreciated gaining knowledge not typically encountered in daily life and expanding their future options. Yet, a combined 26.0% found it “not very useful” or “not useful at all.” Critiques included “It’s mostly for university entrance, or they force students who have decided their path to request brochures” (3rd year, female) and “Only local companies or common jobs are introduced, I can’t get the information I really want” (3rd year, male). This suggests a gap between current guidance and individual student needs.
Teacher Satisfaction: Quality Varies
Regarding satisfaction with teaching methods, an overwhelming 83.0% were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied.” Students praised teachers who made classes interesting and provided detailed explanations or supplementary information. One 3rd-year boy noted, “Classes are interesting, and they respond politely to questions.” However, a 1st-year girl highlighted a common sentiment: “The quality varies greatly among teachers. Some are unclear where they’re explaining, or their handwriting is illegible, or they rely entirely on tablets. On the other hand, some teachers provide careful supplementary lessons.” This shows a desire for consistent quality across the board.
Dream Teachers: Celebrities in the Classroom
When asked which celebrities they’d recommend as teachers, the results were both insightful and amusing:
- Kazulaser (Maple Chogokin) (8.0%): Lauded for his blend of humor and intellect. “He’s both funny and smart, so classes would be fun,” a 2nd-year girl commented.
- Ryohei Abe (Snow Man) (7.0%): Praised for his vast knowledge and gentle teaching style. A 1st-year boy said, “He knows a lot and seems like he’d teach kindly and clearly.”
- Gento Kono (3.0%) & Sho Sakurai (Arashi) (3.0%): Kono, a popular educational YouTuber, and Sakurai, known for his clear news commentary, tied for third. Students often mentioned watching Kono’s YouTube videos, showing how digital media influences their learning.
Next Trends: What’s on the Horizon for 2026?
High schoolers also shared their predictions for the “next big thing”:
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Food: Dubai Cheondeuk Cookie: This Korean sensation is making its way to Japan, with “OKUDO CAFE” in Shin-Okubo starting sales on January 16. Described as an “evolved sweet” that’s hard to get, it’s already capturing keen interest.
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Item: Bangs Clips: Character-designed bangs clips are experiencing a boom. Swapping favorites with friends, much like sticker exchanges, is a popular activity.
Future Implications
These findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Japanese high school students, highlighting their desire for more personalized education, modern school environments, and engaging learning experiences. The blend of traditional academic aspirations with an embrace of digital influencers and global trends like the Dubai Cheondeuk Cookie suggests a dynamic and evolving youth culture. As Japan continues to blend its rich heritage with global influences, understanding these nuanced perspectives becomes crucial for shaping the future of education and youth engagement.
For more details on this survey, please visit Shibuya Trend Research.
