TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo -- An educational institution here announced on July 23 that it will stop recruiting students into its university beginning next academic year.

Incorporated educational institution Koshiengakuin said that Koshien University, established in 1967, has continued to fall short of its enrollment capacity in recent years due to factors including Japan's shrinking population of 18-year-olds, and growing deficits have made it difficult to keep operating.

The university currently consists of two faculties, Nutrition and Psychology. It has 270 students, about 30% of its capacity.

A representative from the institution said, "The number of enrollments dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, and did not recover after that, so we made this painful decision." The representative added, "We will provide solid education until all students graduate and will take steps to ensure they are not disadvantaged in job hunting or other activities."

The institution also operates affiliated kindergartens, elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools, but said, "There is no impact on their operations."

(Japanese original by Shinya Yamamoto, Hanshin Bureau)