[Choosing a University] Even if you don't have a "passion," you can choose a path you won't regret! What are the secrets to making a "satisfying decision" that you should know by age 17? New book "What to Do About Career Choices" released.

Gakken Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / Representative Director and President: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara), released "What to Do About Career Choices" on March 23, 2026.

■Before choosing a path, 90% of high school students don't learn "how to decide"

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

"What do you want to study at university?"

"What are you interested in?"

You are probably often asked such questions when choosing your career path. However, how many people can clearly answer these questions? I don't think there are many.

Your family and teachers will likely gather a lot of information to give you hints.

University brochures, explanations of faculties and departments, seminar and laboratory themes, national qualification pass rates, employment rates, graduate school advancement rates, availability of overseas study programs, difficulty of past exams, availability of designated school recommendation slots, tuition fees, availability and content of scholarship programs, experiences of seniors, evaluations on social media and word-of-mouth...

But before you know it, aren't you drowning in a sea of information?

That's understandable.
Most people have never learned what it means to "make a firm decision" or the specific methods for doing so.
In fact, when we surveyed university students, only one in eight answered that they had been taught "how to decide" *.

*According to a survey conducted by the authors.

■Acquire the lifelong skill of "how to decide"

In the business world, "how to decide" is also called "decision-making."
Which products to sell, where to spend money. Business people make choices every day for which there is no single right answer.

If you can't make good decisions, you might waste time and money, or miss opportunities.

Knowing "how to decide" when choosing your career path is like getting a life jacket to keep from drowning in a sea of information. As you wear it and navigate, the compass within you will eventually point you in the right direction.
This is none other than your unique path.

Now, let's draw your own navigation chart through this book!

FAQ

What is the main topic of the newly released book "What to Do About Career Choices"?

The book focuses on teaching individuals, particularly those around age 17, how to make satisfying career and university decisions, even without a clear passion.

What percentage of high school students reportedly do not learn "how to decide" their future path?

According to the article, approximately 90% of high school students do not learn the essential skill of "how to decide" before choosing their path.

What kind of information is typically provided to students when choosing a career path?

Students are often presented with university brochures, faculty and department explanations, seminar themes, qualification pass rates, employment and graduate school advancement rates, overseas study options, exam difficulty, and scholarship information.

Why is learning "how to decide" considered a crucial lifelong skill?

Learning "how to decide," also known as decision-making in the business world, is vital because it helps individuals avoid wasting resources, missing opportunities, and making poor choices in various aspects of life.

What was the finding of the survey conducted by the authors regarding university students' decision-making education?

The survey revealed that only one in eight university students reported being taught "how to decide" during their decision-making process for their future.

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