Japanese schools push club activities from campuses to community centers

Facing a projected 30% drop in junior‑high enrollment over the next decade and chronic teacher overtime, Japanese education authorities are overhauling after‑school clubs. The Ministry of Education set a 2023‑2025 reform period and aims for all clubs to operate in community venues on weekends by the end of 2031. Hiroshima Prefecture has begun implementing the plan, promoting “regional expansion” where multiple schools share weekend clubs at local clubs called “Minna no Club.” Local officials cite challenges such as securing volunteer coaches, covering transportation costs for families, and ensuring sustainable funding. While most municipalities are still evaluating the shift, a few, like Sakawa Town, have opted to retain school‑based coaching with external instructors.

At the same time, private firm LeafLass Co. is assisting municipalities such as Nagoya City by providing outsourced management of club programs. Leveraging a pool of about 4,000 local instructors, the company handles scheduling, safety coordination and communication with parents, and helps schools navigate budgeting and stakeholder approval. LeafLass’s model demonstrates one way the nationwide push for regional club expansion is being operationalised.