A record number of teachers in Japan’s public schools took leave due to mental illness in fiscal year 2023. According to the Ministry of Education, 7,119 teachers, or about 1 in 130, reported mental health issues linked to heavy workloads. This marks the third consecutive year of record-high figures.
The total, which covers elementary, junior high, high schools, and special needs schools, rose by 580 compared to the previous year. Including long-term sick leave cases, the number climbed to 13,045 teachers, or 1.42% of the teaching workforce.
The education ministry has pledged to improve teacher mental health by reducing workloads and hiring more educators. However, challenges persist. Among those who took leave, only 39.1% returned to work by April 2024, while others remain on leave or resigned. Notably, 788 teachers quit within a year of starting, with 269 citing mental illness.
Adding to concerns, fiscal 2023 also saw a record high of 320 teachers disciplined for sexual misconduct, including inappropriate conduct and assault. Most offenders were in their 20s and 30s.
In response, the government plans to implement stricter hiring policies. By fiscal 2026, a system modeled after the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service will prevent individuals convicted of sexual crimes from working with children. This follows a 2022 law enabling prefectures to refuse to rehire teachers dismissed for misconduct.
The alarming figures highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms to support Japan’s educators and protect students.
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