Japan Clarifies When High School Remote Classes May Exceed 40 Students (Japan, June 2026)
MEXT amended its notice on media-based classes in upper secondary education. The amendment clarifies that, in exceptional cases with special circumstances and no educational disadvantage, simultaneous interactive remote classes may include more than 40 students.
MEXT amended its notice on media-based classes in upper secondary education. The amendment clarifies that, in exceptional cases with special circumstances and no educational disadvantage, simultaneous interactive remote classes may include more than 40 students.
What Changed?
The guidance now explicitly states that the usual 40-student limit for students taking the same remote class can be exceeded in limited cases where special circumstances exist and educational quality is not harmed. The ministry also issued Q&A material to explain examples of those circumstances.
Old System vs New System
Remote classes in full-time and part-time high school courses were generally limited to 40 students in one class, even when students were located in different receiving classrooms.
The guidance allows an exception to the 40-student rule for simultaneous interactive remote classes when special conditions are met, such as cases where specialist teachers cannot be placed in each school.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students in small schools or schools without specialist teachers may gain access to a wider range of subjects through approved remote classes.
Parent / Family Impact
Families in rural or smaller school areas may see broader course options without requiring students to transfer schools or travel for specialist classes.
School / Institution Impact
Schools can plan remote course sharing across multiple schools more flexibly, but must still show that educational conditions remain appropriate.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers may deliver simultaneous remote lessons to a larger combined group in exceptional cases, while receiving-side schools must manage student support and learning conditions.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-15: amended notice issued
- 2026 academic year: clarification targeted for early implementation
What To Do
- Boards of education and schools should review the Q&A and confirm whether planned remote classes meet the exception conditions before exceeding the usual 40-student limit.
What To Watch Next
Implementation will depend on how local education authorities interpret the exception and document educational safeguards.
Global Context
The change reflects Japan's attempt to use remote instruction to address teacher shortages and curriculum access gaps, especially in small or geographically dispersed schools.
Source Record
Source type: circular
Source name: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan