One in Five Japanese Children Spend No Time Reading

Japan's children are increasingly eschewing books, with a nationwide survey revealing that over 70% spend less than an hour reading per week and nearly one in five do not read at all, sparking concerns over literacy and learning. The findings emerged ahead of Reading Week, which kicked off on October 27, traditionally a period aimed at promoting reading during the autumn months.

In August 2026, the Hakuhodo Foundation's Children's Research Institute surveyed approximately 1,200 students from fourth grade to the third year of junior high school. The study found that 17.4% of participants did not read at all during a typical week, while 72.6% read for less than an hour. When considering those who read for 30 minutes to an hour, the proportion dropped to 72.6%.

A significant factor behind the decline in reading habits appears to be the allure of digital entertainment. Sixty-nine percent of respondents found watching videos or playing games more enjoyable than reading books. This preference may be attributed to changes in school curricula, where subjects like programming and English have gained prominence, and the array of activities available to children, including television, computers, and smartphones, which provide a wealth of captivating digital content.

Keisuke Inohara, an associate professor at Kitasato University, suggested that the shift in educational priorities and the multitude of engaging activities available to children are likely contributors to the decline in reading time. Additionally, the rise of short, dopamine-driven videos on social media has raised concerns about children's dependence on instant gratification and rapid stimulation, which may hinder their interest in more sustained reading activities.

The emergence of the slang term "dopagaki," derived from dopamine and a derogatory term for children, further encapsulates this phenomenon.

Publishers have responded by adapting their offerings to better appeal to young readers. For instance, "Great People's Stories: For People and Countries," published by Poplar Publishing, condenses the lives of 10 historical figures into brief, illustrated narratives that can be read in about one minute each. This approach aims to capture the attention of children who might otherwise avoid traditional, lengthy biographies.

Educators are also worried about the link between reading habits and academic performance. Japan's 2026 National Assessment of Academic Ability and Learning Conditions indicated that students who enjoyed reading or viewed it as useful tended to perform better academically, though the study did not definitively prove that reading alone leads to higher scores.

Nevertheless, the strong correlation between positive attitudes toward reading and academic success underscores the importance of fostering a reading habit from an early age.

Experts emphasize that the home environment plays a crucial role in nurturing a love for reading. Over 90% of children whose parents read at least one hour per week expressed a fondness for books, indicating that adult reading habits can significantly influence children's enthusiasm for reading. By integrating books into everyday family life, parents can set a strong foundation for their children's literary interests and contribute to their overall intellectual development.