TOKYO -- A survey by a private organization found that 24.8% of low-income households with elementary school children in Japan didn't take part in any experiential activities over the course of a year, nearly three times the rate among households earning at least 6 million yen (about $38,200).

The share of households that reduced education spending was also higher among lower-income families, raising concerns that prolonged price increases could widen educational disparities.

Links between cram school use and annual income

The survey was conducted by Chance for Children, a Tokyo-based organization that supports learning and experiential activities for children from financially struggling families. It was carried out online in March 2026 among guardians in households with elementary, junior high and high school students, and received 7,374 valid responses.

The group examined the link between household income and participation in "experiential activities," including club activities, volunteering, travel and watching sports. Among households with elementary school children and annual income below 3 million yen (approx. $19,100), 24.8% said their children had not taken part in such an activity even once over the past year. The share fell to 8.8% among households with annual income of 6 million yen or more, a difference of about 2.8 times.

The survey also examined the link between annual income and use of cram schools and online learning. Among households with third-year junior high school students, 63.2% of those with annual income below 3 million yen did not use such services, while the figure was 29.1% among households with annual income of 6 million yen or more. Among households with third-year high school students, the survey also found that lower-income households tended not to use those services.

The share of households that reduced education spending because of rising prices was 15.9% among households with annual income below 3 million yen, compared with 7.5% among households with annual income of 6 million yen or more, a difference of about two times.

A Chance for Children official involved in the survey stated, "It's necessary to look at disparities across society, including the foundations of household livelihoods, and to share the importance of policies aimed at narrowing disparities. More generous support should be provided to children in households where educational opportunities are severely constrained (for economic and other reasons)."

(Japanese original by Buntaro Saito, Tokyo City News Department)