[Choosing a University] You can choose a path you won't regret even if you don't know what you want to do! What is the secret to 'making a satisfying decision' that you should know by age 17? New book 'How to Choose Your Path' released.

Gakken Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; Tatsuya Nanjo, President), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd., released the book 'How to Choose Your Path' on March 23, 2026.

■ 90% of high school students are never taught 'how to decide' before choosing their path

'What do you want to be in the future?'

'What do you want to study at university?'

'What are you interested in?'

You are likely asked these questions often when it comes to choosing your future path. However, how many people can answer them clearly? Probably not many.

Family and teachers may try to give you hints by gathering a lot of information for you:

University brochures, department and faculty descriptions, seminar and lab themes, national qualification pass rates, employment rates, graduate school advancement rates, study abroad programs, past exam difficulty, designated school recommendation quotas, tuition fees, scholarship availability, testimonials from seniors, and reviews on social media...

But have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of information?

That is no surprise. Most people have never been taught what it actually means to 'decide firmly' or how to do it. In fact, in a survey of university students, only one in eight said they had ever been taught 'how to decide'※.

※ Based on a survey conducted by the authors.

■ Acquire the lifelong skill of 'how to decide'

'How to decide' is also known as 'decision-making' in the business world. Which product to sell, where to invest money—business professionals repeat choices without clear answers every day.

If you cannot make decisions well, you may waste time and money or miss opportunities.

Knowing 'how to decide' regarding your future path is like obtaining a life jacket to keep you from drowning in the sea of information. Once you master it, the internal compass within you will begin to point in the direction you should go. This is nothing less than a path that is uniquely yours.

Now, let's use this book to draw your own personal navigation chart!