Japanese students shift reading habits toward entertainment over classical literature

A survey by the Japan School Library Association reveals a significant shift in the reading habits of elementary, junior high, and high school students. While students continue to read, many spend less than one hour per week on books.

Among high school students, Osamu Dazai’s “No Longer Human” remains a prominent title, ranking second for both genders. However, modern Japanese literature is largely absent from the top lists. Instead, students are gravitating toward books that offer emotional resonance or topical interest. Popular choices include the debut novel “Hen na Ie” by YouTuber and horror author Uketsu among boys, and “Ano Hana ga Saku Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaetara” by Natsue Shiomi among girls, which gained popularity through social media and a film adaptation.

The findings suggest that students are increasingly using reading to seek emotional connection or entertainment rather than for traditional academic or cultural cultivation. This trend marks a departure from previous eras where reading was viewed primarily as a means of character building and acquiring formal knowledge.