Declining University of Tokyo Pass Rates at Sakurain Two Schools Poised for Rapid Growth Amid Falling Examinee Numbers

The prestigious Top Three Schools in Kanagawa are beginning to see a shift in popularity

It may come as a shock to those in the education field. One of Tokyo’s top three prestigious girls’ schools, Sakurain (located in Bunkyo Ward), has seen a significant drop in the number of students accepted into the University of Tokyo.

From 72 in 2023 to 63 in 2024, and now down to 52 this year. Compared to 76 in 2005, that’s a decline of 24 students.

And it’s not just Sakurain facing tough times. In this year’s junior high school entrance exams, all of the top three boys’ and girls’ schools have seen a decrease in applicants. Regarding boys’ schools, education expert and head of the Morigami Education Research Institute, Nobuyasu Morigami, explains (all following comments are from Morigami).

“The number of applicants and the reasons for decline differ depending on the school. Kaisei (in Arakawa Ward) still has the highest number of applicants among boys’ schools for February 1 exams and has ranked number one in University of Tokyo admissions nationwide for 44 consecutive years. The schools facing challenges among boys’ schools are Azabu (Minato Ward) and Musashi (Nerima Ward).

Although Azabu saw a rebound this year with 82 students accepted to the University of Tokyo, both schools have shown a downward trend over the past few years. Popularity appears to be shifting toward the top three schools in Kanagawa—Seiko Gakuin (Yokohama), Asano (also Yokohama), and Eiko Gakuen (Kamakura)—as well as Waseda Junior High (Shinjuku), which is affiliated with Waseda University and consistently sends students to the University of Tokyo, especially now with a newly built campus.”

As for girls’ schools, the trend of students moving away from women’s universities is starting to influence secondary education as well.

“In both junior high and high schools, we’ve seen a growing trend of girls moving away from all-girls’ schools, especially among mid-tier institutions. That tendency is now beginning to affect the top three girls’ schools like Sakurain, Joshi Gakuin (Chiyoda), and Futaba (also Chiyoda). For girls going through adolescence, while girls’ schools offer an environment free of the opposite sex, many are now more attracted to co curricular schools that show strong results in getting students into the University of Tokyo.”

Actively welcoming returnee students

Based on the background described above, there are two schools expected to experience rapid growth in the near future. For boys, it’s Keio Futsubu (Yokohama); for girls, Hiroo Gakuen (Minato Ward) is likely to see rising popularity.

“Keio Futsubu has recently started disclosing entrance exam information. Previously, there were misconceptions that even academically strong students couldn’t get in without personal connections to Keio. But now that it’s clear that admissions are based solely on exam scores, more students are likely to apply. Since Keio offers a near-guaranteed path to Keio University, and its entrance exam is also held on February 1 like Azabu, students may shift from Azabu to Keio, especially due to better transportation access.”

Why is Hiroo Gakuen expected to grow?

“Hiroo Gakuen is a coeducational school that’s been improving its university admissions record, with 18 students accepted to the University of Tokyo this year. Schools like Shibuya Gakuen Shibuya (Shibuya Ward) and Shibuya Gakuen Makuhari (Chiba City) have already secured strong popularity among girls, and Hiroo Gakuen is expected to follow closely behind as a coed school. Its active acceptance of returnee students is another factor behind its rising appeal.”

The prestige of the so-called big three schools is no longer guaranteed. With shifting times and social dynamics, the power balance of junior high school admissions is constantly evolving.