A 12-year-old boy from Japan has ignited a fierce online discussion after choosing to abandon traditional secondary education to dedicate himself entirely to a career in professional gaming. The decision, backed by his parents, challenges conventional norms about education and career paths for children.
The Gamer's Bold Decision and Background
The boy, known online as Tarou, started playing video games at the remarkably young age of three. He has since cultivated a significant digital presence, operating a popular YouTube channel with a follower count exceeding 230,000. He is also an established competitor in the high-stakes Fortnite gaming scene.
Announcing his choice not to enroll in secondary school, Tarou explained that it followed extensive conversations with his family and educators. "This is the result of a year-long discussion with my family and school," he stated online. His aim is to craft a lifestyle that allows for serious esports training while still prioritizing sleep, physical activity, and self-directed study.
Parental Support and Rationale
Defying expectations, Tarou's parents have publicly endorsed his unconventional path. In an interview with NEWS Post Seven, his father highlighted the boy's intense focus and commitment, believing he possesses the necessary skill and drive for professional esports success.
His father drew a direct parallel to traditional athletics, noting the extreme hours required at the top level. "Traditional athletes train about five hours a day, but in gaming, players can train for 13 to 14 hours. Top contenders on the Asia server usually practise 10 to 12 hours daily, and they have done that consistently for five or six years," he explained.
The primary reason for opting out of formal school was to preserve energy and guarantee training time. "If he had to go to school every day, he would be exhausted after class. It would be impossible to guarantee the focused training time he needs," his father added.
Ambitions and Divided Public Reaction
Tarou's ultimate goal is clear: to compete in the prestigious Fortnite World Cup. He acknowledges the fierce competition, stating that to catch up with or surpass the best, practicing less than 10 hours daily would be insufficient.
This move has polarized opinion in Japan, where nine years of schooling is compulsory. On social media, some expressed deep concern. One user lamented missing out on the social experience of secondary school, calling it a "waste."
Others, however, rallied in support. "I am rooting for you. The most important thing is to give your all to what you love," one comment read. A third user defended the family's autonomy, suggesting Tarou's potential earnings from gaming "might already surpass what most people make in a lifetime of studying and working a conventional job."
The case of this young gaming prodigy forces a broader conversation about passion, profession, and the evolving definitions of education and success in the digital age.
