Is Middle School Entrance Exam Experience Necessary?

The psychological background behind why parents encourage these exams.

Tanaka-san introduces the 'Relative Risk Aversion Hypothesis,' which explains how parents wish to provide their children with an education equal to or better than their own. The idea of viewing entrance exams as a choice to maintain the standard of living established by their generation was truly thought-provoking.

The reality of private middle school enrollment rates in Japan is surprising.

Statistical data reveals that private schools account for only about 8% of middle schools nationwide. The two discuss the current reality where awareness and environments regarding entrance exams differ greatly by region, sharing their personal experiences.

Sakakibara-san looks back on his days as a scholarship student.

Sakakibara-san reveals the shocking truth that he attended cram school without paying any tuition. The conversation heats up as he shares unexpected stories from the time when he was called a 'prodigy' by those around him. There was a specific event that only he knew about back then. Please listen to the full episode to hear the rest.