The disparity between private and public school expenses is larger than ever, according to a recent education ministry survey. According to the survey's reports from parents throughout Japan in fiscal 2012, the price of private middle school was 2.9 times higher than public middle school, an outstanding difference between the two types of schooling that urgently needs change.
Total spending for a child going to private schools from kindergarten through senior high school came to ¥16.77 million on average, significantly more than the ¥5 million for a child going to public schools.
With educational expenses like these, it is no wonder that the birthrate is so low. Most people would have to start saving for their children's education before they are even married.