Interview with Wang Zhixin, Adjunct Research Fellow at the Waseda Institute for Teacher Education
The 2026 Japanese University Entrance Common Test was held on January 17 and 18. This year marks not only a pivotal milestone in the transition toward a fully digitized examination system but also reflects a profound linkage between student choices and the shifting job market. Registration data shows a surge in applicants for humanities and social sciences, while science and engineering categories saw a significant decline—a trend reflecting structural shifts in Japanese society, economic cycles, and evolving educational perspectives.
Surge in Humanities, Slump in Science
According to statistics from Kawaijuku, Japan’s largest preparatory institution, the number of applicants for humanities-related subjects for the 2026 academic year rose to 102% compared to last year, while science-related subjects fell to 98%. Specifically, at national universities, applications for “Law and Politics” and “Economics, Management, and Business” grew by over 101%, while similar majors at private universities saw an increase exceeding 104%.
This trend is interpreted as a direct reflection of changes in the employment landscape. Osamu Kondo, a senior researcher at Kawaijuku, noted that during periods of economic stability, humanities majors—with their flexible curricula and lower requirements for specialized lab equipment—tend to be more popular among students. “Choosing economics or management majors is perceived as providing a strategic advantage in job hunting,” Kondo added.
Humanities students are demonstrating a diverse range of advantages in the job market, with career paths expanding from traditional civil service and legal consultancy to emerging fields like digital marketing and data analysis. Furthermore, the introduction of new essay-style and data analysis questions in this year’s Common Test, which emphasize critical thinking and synthesis, aligns well with the “soft skills” typically fostered in humanities programs.
Diversification of Female Applicants: Breaking Traditional Choices
Majors traditionally dominated by female students, such as life sciences and nursing, saw a significant drop in applicants, falling to 93% and 92%, respectively. Conversely, the rate of female applicants in STEM fields has risen notably: Chemistry increased to 112%, Physics to 111%, and Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering to 107%.
This shift indicates that career choices for women are becoming increasingly diverse, gradually breaking away from traditional gender-role constraints. A female student from a Tokyo metropolitan high school expressed that her goal is a humanities department at a national university with the intent to pursue education or research, reflecting a growing trend of women independently planning their professional trajectories.
Tuition and Living Costs Influencing University Selection
As prices and tuition fees rise in Japan, economic pressure has clearly permeated the decision-making process for applicants. In 2025, the average tuition for private universities was approximately 968,000 yen. National university tuition has also exceeded standard levels, with several institutions announcing further increases for the 2026 academic year.
Living costs are also climbing. In 2024, the average monthly expenditure for university students increased by approximately 13,000 yen compared to 2015, with costs for students living in dormitories or apartments rising to 69,500 yen. Many applicants have stated they will choose “local enrollment” (attending a university near home) to save on expenses, making economic factors a primary consideration in school selection.
Digitalization and New Copyright Regulations
The 2026 Common Test implemented full online registration for the first time. Applicants were required to complete registration, payment, and the printing of admission tickets themselves, marking a significant step toward the digitalization of the admissions system. The National Center for University Entrance Examinations stated that this move improves efficiency, increases transparency, and provides better data for future analysis.
Another new regulation explicitly prohibits the uploading of exam content to the internet. In December 2025, the Center issued a notice emphasizing that the copyright of the exam questions belongs to the Center and that online sharing may constitute infringement. This measure aims to prevent question leaks and maintain the fairness of the examination.
Exam Design Responding to Employment Demands
This year’s Common Test highlighted a competency-oriented approach in its content: an increase in interdisciplinary integration questions, a strengthened comprehensive assessment of English (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), and the introduction of data analysis problems. These changes correspond directly to the workplace demand for critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creating a positive cycle between education and employment.
The Common Test system continues to evolve, driving universities to establish more comprehensive admissions evaluation frameworks that integrate multifaceted data, including written examinations, interviews, and activity reports. With technological advancements, the future may see the introduction of adaptive testing and practical competency assessments, further aligning the system with the real-world talent needs of society.
