Japanese local governments announce school rebuilding and consolidation plans

Local governments in Japan are moving forward with significant school infrastructure and reorganization plans.

In Arakawa Ward, the Board of Education has released a draft plan for rebuilding elementary and junior high school facilities. The project targets 25 facilities that will reach 80 years of age within the next decade. Starting in fiscal 2031, the ward plans to rebuild six schools, with an estimated budget of 9 to 10 billion yen per school due to rising material and labor costs. The plan also includes the closure of Shioiri Higashi and Rokuzui elementary schools due to declining student numbers and the establishment of integrated elementary and junior high school facilities in three districts.

In Ashikaga City, officials responded to a petition seeking to maintain Tsukuba Elementary School. The city confirmed it will proceed with its original plan to consolidate Tsukuba, Yanada, and Kuno elementary schools into a new institution scheduled to open in fiscal 2030. The city stated that more than 60 percent of parents understand the necessity of the reorganization.