Japan Faces Growing Teacher Shortage: 3,827 Positions Unfilled

Tokyo, Japan – A recent survey revealed a significant and worsening teacher shortage across Japan, with 3,827 publicly funded elementary, junior high, high, and special-needs school positions remaining vacant as of May 1, 2025. This figure represents a substantial increase from the 2,065 unfilled positions reported in a similar survey conducted four years prior, highlighting a growing crisis in the nation’s education system.

Rising Shortages Across School Levels

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) attributes the increasing vacancies to difficulties in finding replacement teachers, particularly non-regular staff, to cover absences due to illness, pregnancy, childbirth, and other personal reasons. The survey detailed the following shortages by school level:

• Elementary Schools: 1,699 positions unfilled
• Junior High Schools: 1,031 positions unfilled
• High Schools: 508 positions unfilled
• Special-Needs Schools: 589 positions unfilled

Percentage of Schools Affected

The teacher shortage is impacting a notable percentage of schools nationwide. According to the MEXT survey:

• 7.1% of elementary schools are experiencing teacher shortages.
• 8.1% of junior high schools are experiencing teacher shortages.
• 7.8% of high schools are experiencing teacher shortages.
• 25.4% of special-needs schools are experiencing teacher shortages.

Impact on Elementary Schools

The shortage is particularly acute at the elementary school level, where the number of unfilled homeroom teacher positions more than doubled, rising from 474 to 1,086. In response, schools are increasingly relying on principals, vice principals, and other senior staff to fill these critical roles.

Government Response and Ongoing Monitoring

MEXT initiated the teacher shortage survey in fiscal year 2021, with the 2025 survey marking the second iteration. The ministry continues to monitor the situation and explore potential solutions to address the growing challenge. Further information about MEXT’s initiatives can be found on the official MEXT website.

Key Takeaways

• Japan is facing a significant and growing teacher shortage.
• The number of unfilled positions has nearly doubled in four years.
• Shortages are particularly severe in elementary and special-needs schools.
• Schools are relying on administrative staff to cover classroom instruction.