At a Glance
- A 12-year-old Japanese streamer says he will skip secondary school to train for Fortnite competitions
- The boy, known as Tarou, claims he must practice 10 hours a day to reach elite levels
- His parents support the decision after a year of discussions with the family and school
Why it matters: The case ignites debate over Japan’s compulsory education law and how far parents should push child prodigies.
A Japanese primary-school graduate is forgoing secondary school to pursue professional esports, citing the intense training demands of competitive Fortnite.
Tarou, 12, announced the move on X, writing that the choice followed “a year-long discussion with my family and school.” His parents back the plan, according to the same post.
“I want to create a lifestyle that allows me to seriously pursue esports, while still ensuring enough time for sleep, exercise and study,” Tarou said.
Gaming Roots and Rapid Rise
Tarou began playing video games at age 3, his parents told NEWS Post Seven via South China Morning Post. By second grade he was already beating pros.
In 2020 a professional player began mentoring him. Tarou launched a social-media channel focused on Fortnite. The account has since grown to 230,000 subscribers.
Tarou says his ultimate goal is to compete in the Fortnite World Cup. “Top players in these competitions are constantly improving,” he noted.
To match their pace, Tarou believes anything under a 10-hour daily grind will leave him behind. Traditional classes, he argues, would make that schedule impossible.
Parental Perspective
Tarou’s father frames esports like conventional athletics, but with harsher hours. “Traditional athletes train about five hours a day, but in gaming, players can train for 13 to 14 hours,” he said.
He added that Asia-server elites typically practice 10-12 hours a day for five or six consecutive years. “If he had to go to school every day, he would be exhausted after class,” the father said, calling focused training nearly impossible under that timetable.
The parents also cite their son’s unusual focus. They recalled one session in which Tarou played for 28 straight hours, becoming so absorbed he forgot to use the bathroom and wet himself.
Legal and Social Questions
Japan mandates nine years of schooling-six in primary, three in lower-secondary. Tarou’s academic record has not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether he will choose homeschooling or another alternative.
Online reaction is split. Critics lament the loss of typical childhood experiences. Supporters cheer the pursuit of passion. “The most important thing is to give your all to what you love,” one commenter wrote.
What Happens Next
Tarou plans to structure his own curriculum around competitive gaming, physical exercise, and independent study. He has not revealed earnings from his channel or details of sponsorship deals.
For now, the 12-year-old will keep streaming, scrimming, and chasing leaderboard spots-outside the walls of a traditional classroom.
Key Takeaways
- Tarou’s decision tests the limits of Japan’s compulsory-education rules
- He claims elite Fortnite play requires 10-plus hours of daily practice
- His parents endorse the move, comparing esports workloads to Olympic-level training
- Public opinion remains sharply divided on childhood, education, and ambition
