TOKYO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The competition rate of employment examinations to become public school teachers in Japan hit a record low in fiscal 2024, the education ministry said Thursday, amid a continued decline in applicants.

There were 115,519 applicants nationwide for the exams that decide who can become new teachers at public elementary, junior high or senior high schools for the school year starting in April, a drop of 5,344 from the previous year.

Of those applicants, 36,421 were employed, meaning one in 3.2 applicants passed the tests, the lowest competition rates since the data began in fiscal 1979.

The declines reflected the mass departure of teachers who reached retirement age, which led to increased demand for new recruits, as well as a decrease in the number of applicants, according to the ministry.

To increase the number of applicants, the ministry is working to reduce teachers' working hours and create an environment that encourages them to take maternity and childcare leave. Enditem

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