Strategies for the Survival of Catholic Secondary Schools in Japan's Declining Population Society

This study investigates the characteristics of Catholic high schools in Japan through a quantitative analysis of a 2024 survey conducted among private high school principals. Building on Kagawa, Kodama, and Aizawa's (2014) research, which underscored the historical importance of private high schools in Japan, this study delves deeper into the specific challenges Catholic schools face in a society with a declining population. Previous studies have shown that Christian schools significantly contributed to the development of private education in Japan, often producing students seen as "well-bred" (Sato 2006; Inoue et al. 2018). However, Catholic schools struggle with lower resilience compared to family- or business-run schools (Cummings 1997; Breaden & Goodman 2020).

This study draws on data from 417 private high schools across Japan, with a 41% response rate (171 schools), including 40 Catholic institutions. Regression analysis reveals that urban-based schools and those with diversified curricula tend to have larger student populations, while Catholic schools generally have smaller enrollments. Despite their size, Catholic schools exhibited stronger community cohesion, with positive outcomes related to shared mottos and symbols that foster intergenerational belonging. However, the data show no significant impact on student relationships compared to non-religious schools.

Based on these quantitative findings, this research concludes that while Catholic schools maintain strong communal identities, they face significant challenges in sustaining enrollment numbers amidst modern educational demands. In the upcoming presentation, qualitative interview results will also be discussed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these trends.