In fiscal year 2022, the number of Japanese public school teachers taking leave due to mental illness reached a record high of 6,539, according to a government survey. This marked the second consecutive annual increase, with the figure rising by 642 from the previous year. The surge in mental health-related leave is attributed in part to the increased workload resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the implementation of infection prevention measures. Education experts also pointed to a rising trend in complaints from students’ parents as a contributing factor.
The data reveals that the number of teachers on mental health leave fluctuated around 5,000 in recent years but increased by over 1,300 in the two years since fiscal 2020, coinciding with the onset of the novel coronavirus spread. The figure represents 0.71 percent of all teachers in elementary, junior, and high schools, as well as special needs schools. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology recognizes the situation as a “serious challenge” and plans to promote workstyle reform, addressing issues such as reducing paperwork and tackling long working hours.
Experts highlight the serious problem of teacher shortages in Japan, with young individuals reluctant to enter a profession perceived as having a heavy workload. The survey, categorized by age group, indicates that the largest number of teachers on mental health leave were in their 30s, followed by those in their 50s, 40s, and 20s.
In addition to mental health concerns, the survey also revealed troubling statistics related to teacher misconduct. The number of teachers punished or reprimanded for sexual violence remained above 200 for the 10th consecutive year, totaling 242 in fiscal 2022. Male teachers accounted for 98 percent of the total, with 119 punished for offenses against students. Of these cases, 42 involved sexual intercourse with a student, 32 for molestation, and 21 for peeping or voyeurism. Around 30 percent of misconduct cases occurred during working hours, including break time and club activities.
Moreover, the report highlighted an increase in teachers punished for inflicting corporal punishment, totaling 397, up 54 from fiscal 2021 and reversing a previous downward trend. The findings shed light on the multifaceted challenges facing Japan’s education system, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms to address the complex issues affecting teachers and students alike.