Highlights
- A 12-year-old Japanese gamer is quitting school to pursue a full-time esports career with his parents' full support.
- Aiming for top Fortnite tournaments, he plans to practice over 10 hours a day.
- The decision has sparked a nationwide debate in Japan regarding the health risks and trade-offs of prioritizing gaming over education.
A 12-year-old Japanese gamer known as Tarou has ignited a fierce nationwide debate after announcing his decision to permanently log out of the classroom to pursue a professional esports career. The pre-teen, who recently graduated from primary school, revealed in a viral announcement posted on X on Feb 8 that he would not proceed to secondary school. Instead, he plans to dedicate his life to competitive gaming full-time, specifically targeting titles like Fortnite, with the complete backing of his parents.
The decision to bypass Japan’s compulsory education system is driven by what Tarou describes as a necessary "lifestyle" choice to compete at the highest level. In a statement that stunned traditionalists, Tarou explained that balancing school with the grueling demands of pro gaming was impossible. "If I want to catch up or surpass them, practicing less than 10 hours a day will not be enough," he said, referring to top contenders on the Asia server who have consistently trained for over a decade. His goal is to secure a spot in major tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup.
Japan’s Booming Esports Market
Tarou’s leap of faith is underpinned by the explosive financial growth of the sector, which his parents view as a pragmatic career path rather than teenage rebellion. Closer to home, the domestic situation is equally lucrative; a Market Data Forecast report indicates Japan's esports market generated $24.67 billion USD in 2025.
Defending the controversial move, Tarou’s father highlighted the sheer volume of practice required to stay relevant in the industry. He noted to NEWS Post Seven that while traditional athletes might train for five hours a day, elite gamers often grind for 13 to 14 hours. "If he had to go to school every day, he would be exhausted after class," his father stated. "It would be impossible to guarantee the focused training time he needs.”
The family claims Tarou, who began gaming at age three and has amassed over 230,000 followers, possesses a "natural talent" and a focus that far exceeds ordinary children. In one extreme example cited by his father, the boy once played continuously for 28 hours, concentrating so intensely that he forgot to use the bathroom, as reported by scmp.
Despite the family's conviction, the move challenges Japan’s traditional academic values and has drawn sharp criticism regarding the risks involved. Furthermore, health experts warn of the physical toll; the Japan Pediatric Society has flagged risks of severe burnout, while the World Health Organization studies link excessive screen time to sleep issues in young gamers.
The reaction on social media has been polarized. While some supporters argue that Tarou’s potential earnings could surpass what most people make in a lifetime of conventional work, others lament the loss of his childhood. "Secondary schools are the most fun years," one observer commented online. "It feels like a waste to devote all of that to esports." As Tarou prepares to grind for titles, the nation watches to see if he will become the next global icon or a cautionary tale of digital ambition.
