As his friends prepared for the new school year, Tarou – a well-known YouTuber and game streamer – announced he would stop formal schooling. This decision followed a year of serious discussions among the boy, his family, and the school.

Tarou started playing games at three years old. By five, he began Fortnite and quickly surpassed his father's skill level. His natural talent became evident in second grade when he consistently defeated professional gamers. Recognizing his son's ability, the family created a dedicated YouTube channel for him in 2020. Tarou's channel currently attracts over 230,000 followers.

Tarou can play games continuously for 10-20 hours. Photo: fn_taro@X.

The young gamer's goal is to participate in the Fortnite World Cup. "The skill level of top players is constantly rising. If I don't practice at least 10 hours daily, I cannot catch up or surpass them", Tarou stated. He aims to build a professional esports athlete's lifestyle, balancing training, rest, physical activity, and self-study.

Unlike the typical reactions of many parents, Tarou's father fully supports his son. He believes his son possesses "superior concentration and perseverance."

He recalled a time in second grade when Tarou played games for a continuous 28 hours, from 10h the morning before until 14h the following afternoon. "He was so focused that he forgot to use the restroom", the father recounted. He also noted that while many children lost interest in games after the pandemic, Tarou has maintained his passion and practice discipline for many years.

"If he had to attend school daily, the academic work alone would exhaust him, making it difficult to ensure dedicated time for his specialized training", Tarou's father explained his son's decision to leave school.

In Japan, compulsory education lasts nine years, covering elementary and junior high school. The family has not disclosed Tarou's elementary school academic results nor confirmed if he will pursue homeschooling.

Tarou with his parents, who support his decision to leave school. Photo: 163.com.

Tarou's story is sparking debate on Japanese social media. Many worry the boy will miss valuable teenage experiences. "Junior high is the most enjoyable time with friends and club activities. It's a waste to dedicate everything just to playing games", one reader commented.

Conversely, a wave of supportive opinions argues that the traditional university path is not the sole destination, especially as esports becomes professionalized. "The most important thing is to wholeheartedly pursue your passion while young", a netizen wrote.

Tarou's family affirmed they are fully aware of the risks involved in this decision but believe it is the most suitable choice for their son's abilities and aspirations at this time.

Nhat Minh (According to SCMP, HK01)