Absenteeism in Japanese schools has risen to a record high, according to a new report, and the country's prolonged recession may be one of the reasons why.

Japan prides itself on its high educational standards and its good attendance record, but the new figures suggest that more and more children are refusing to go to school.

In its latest survey, the Education Ministry found that absenteeism rose by 20% in 1998.

The figures mean that one in every 300 primary school children and one in every 43 middle school children is refusing to go to school. Both are record highs.

The Education Ministry offered several explanations for the rise.

It said that many children these days find it difficult to communicate with others and therefore want to stay away from school.

Jobs slump

But a more plausible reason is that many children find school increasingly meaningless. Japan's prolonged recession means it is hard to find a job after school.

The same survey also showed that the number of students who found jobs straight after high school had fallen to a record low of 60%.

Attitudes are changing too. In the past, children who refused to go to school might have become outcasts but these days it is no longer a matter of shame.

There are increasing numbers of private schools which cater especially to children who refuse to go to regular classes.

The Education Ministry says it is very concerned about the absentee figures and has proposed improving the system of school counsellors.