The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has announced that the number of students attending elementary and junior high schools in Japan has declined since last year and is the lowest it has ever been.

According to the ministry, the numbers are expected to continue to decline for at least the next five years, TV Asahi reported.

Following a study conducted by the ministry, it was announced that there was a total of 6.6 million children attending elementary schools and only 3.5 million students in junior high schools this year -- a drop of about 100,000 compared to last year.

The ministry report said the decline in school attendance is due to the falling birth rate and is expected to continue for at least the next five years.

On a positive note, the ministry also reported that over the last year, about 120,000 elementary and junior high school students did not miss a single day of school for 30 days in a row or more, aside from those with health or economic issues. This is the first time perfect attendance numbers has risen in over six years.

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