Over 70% of Japan Highschoolers Use AI, Mostly as Study Assistant: Survey

Why It Matters

The findings highlight a rapid diffusion of generative AI in Japan’s education system and raise concerns about its impact on critical thinking, prompting policymakers and ed‑tech firms to prioritize AI literacy and responsible integration.

Key Takeaways

• 73.7% of Japanese high schoolers use conversational AI.
• AI mainly serves as study aid and information source.
• Over a third of elementary students use AI for illustrations.
• High schoolers report more perceived decline in thinking ability.
• Experts call for AI literacy to safeguard learning outcomes.

Pulse Analysis

Japan’s students are joining a worldwide surge in generative‑AI usage, but the latest Gakken Research Institute survey quantifies the trend with unprecedented detail. Conducted online in November 2025, the poll sampled 2,400 pupils—100 boys and 100 girls from each grade level—from first‑grade elementary to third‑year high school. It found that 73.7 percent of high schoolers, 43.2 percent of junior high students, and 36.6 percent of elementary children regularly interact with chat‑based tools such as ChatGPT. The primary motivations are studying, homework assistance, and information retrieval.

While many students view AI as a neutral tool, the survey reveals divergent self‑assessments of cognitive impact. Nearly half of respondents across all age groups reported “no particular change” in thinking ability, yet a majority of high schoolers indicated a perceived weakening, contrasting with younger pupils who more often felt stronger. Educators worry that over‑reliance on instant answers could erode critical‑thinking habits, especially as homework assistance becomes a one‑click solution. The data therefore spotlights a generational gap in how AI is integrated into learning routines.

Policymakers and ed‑tech firms are already responding. Professor Hiroyuki Masukawa of Aoyama Gakuin University urged a national push for AI literacy, echoing government plans to embed digital‑skill curricula in schools. Meanwhile, major investors such as Microsoft have announced a $10 billion AI‑related commitment to Japan, part of which is earmarked for educational platforms that blend generative models with pedagogical controls. If schools can balance assistance with critical‑thinking training, the AI wave could raise overall academic performance while safeguarding students’ intellectual development. Successful implementation will also create new market opportunities for AI‑enabled tutoring services.