Comprehensive 113-Page Edition! University Admission Numbers for 3248 High Schools Nationwide / Cover: Makia Yamaguchi / AERA April 6th Release

The April 13th, 2026, expanded issue of AERA, released on April 6th, features the culmination of our university admission ranking series, which has been delivered since mid-March: a comprehensive overview of major university admission numbers for 3248 high schools nationwide. This provides an at-a-glance list showing how many students from each high school were admitted to which universities. The 113-page data is a definitive, archival edition. Actor Makia Yamaguchi appears on the cover. He has received numerous awards for his starring debut film 'Samurai Time Slipper' and plays an important role in the currently airing historical drama 'Toyotomi Brothers!', making him one of the most watched actors today. The photos were specially shot by AERA cover photographer Mika Ninagawa. The lead feature is 'The Limits of Compulsory Education'. While Japan's public education is recognized as world-class, many children attend cram schools. Through surveys and interviews with parents and teachers, this feature delves into the challenges facing the educational field and families, such as anxiety about public education, the reality of excessive cram schooling, and children's stress. Additionally, in the 'Portraits of Today' section, we explore the life of professional wrestler Jake Lee, and in Snow Man member Koji Mukai's series 'Hot Camera Lesson', our new guest is Atsushi Ito (Boys be). With popular serialized features like THE ALFEE 'Miraculous Trajectory', this issue is packed with highlights. Please take a look!

Cover + Gravure & Interview: Makia Yamaguchi

Actor Makia Yamaguchi, who plays Shibata Katsuie in the historical drama 'Toyotomi Brothers!', appears on the cover of AERA.

Since the hit of his starring debut film 'Samurai Time Slipper', Yamaguchi has garnered significant attention. He admits there were times when he felt overwhelmed by the sudden surge in job offers. What is his current perspective on 'acting'—? The interview reveals his straightforward personality. The photoshoot was done by AERA cover photographer Mika Ninagawa. Please take a look.

Comprehensive Overview of Major University Admissions for 3248 High Schools Nationwide [Definitive Edition]

The fifth installment of the 'University Admission Ranking' series is the definitive 'Comprehensive Overview of Major University Admissions for 3248 High Schools Nationwide'. Based on joint research by AERA, Sunday Mainichi, and Daigaku Tsushin, as well as university announcements, this edition includes data that allows you to see at a glance how many students from each of the 3248 high schools nationwide were admitted to major universities such as Todai, Kyodai, other former imperial universities, Waseda, Keio, Sophia, Tokyo University of Science, Kwansei Gakuin, Kansai, Doshisha, and Ritsumeikan. Universities are selected according to each region, presenting a list tailored to local conditions. With over 113 pages, more than a standard AERA issue, this is an archival data resource useful for prospective students and educators.

Lead Feature: 'The Limits of Compulsory Education'

Japan's compulsory education is considered world-class. However, the number of children attending cram schools continues to increase in both elementary and junior high schools. What is happening in children's learning environments? What are the challenges in the educational field? This feature, based on surveys with both parents and teachers, thoroughly investigates these issues. This special feature is linked with AERA DIGITAL, where it can be read as a 9-part series.

Koji Mukai Shoots: Hot Camera Lesson feat. Atsushi Ito

Koji Mukai of Snow Man's popular series 'Hot Camera Lesson', where he learns the essence of photography. In the second part of the project to shoot his juniors, he takes Atsushi Ito (Boys be) from Kansai Jr. as a model, bringing out his charm in various situations. On set, they had a lively discussion about memories from their Kansai days and the clothes Mukai gifted Ito. The shoot proceeded in a consistently relaxed atmosphere. We present dynamic works capturing Ito's height of 180cm, portraits highlighting his style, and candid shots showing the good relationship between the two, produced by Mukai. Furthermore, we deliver a variety of photos, including Mukai's appearance from both the 'photographer' and 'model' perspectives.

[Portraits of Today]: Professional Wrestler Jake Lee

Professional wrestler Jake Lee of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, who is a cold-blooded heel in the ring but shows kindness outside of it. We trace the origins of this duality. Born as a third-generation Zainichi Korean, he had a childhood filled with inferiority complexes, excelled in weightlifting, returned to the world of professional wrestling after an initial setback, and overcame a serious injury that left him unable to walk. We follow his turbulent life. Through testimonies from those around him, we explore Jake Lee's enigmatic charm and humanity.

Serialized Feature: THE ALFEE 'Miraculous Trajectory'

This series unravels the history of the rock band THE ALFEE. This installment covers the latter half of 1979. In this year of their re-debut, they transitioned from live houses to performing primarily in halls. They released four singles and their first album as Alfee. What is the truth behind the 'Ken Sakurai crew cut incident' that occurred during this period? Look forward to the Alfee talk!

Also Featuring:

- The 'Microcosm' of Children's Society: The Sticker Exchange Boom and Parental Attitudes

- Amidst Trials, Representative Junya Midooka Interview: The Resolve to Share the Pain

- Beyond Manga and Dinosaurs: Unique University Departments Appearing One After Another

- Mid-tier Universities Gaining Prominence in JR Recruitment

- How to Protect Players from Heading

- [Reading the Times] Legal Void: Tracking 'Prostitution' (Part 1) - Losing Everything If My Wife Finds Out

- [Top's Origins] Kyoto: CEO Toshi Yamada - Transitioning from Women's Apparel Sales to Agriculture

- [Kindness x Expression] Comic Essay on Sibling Children

- [Women x Work] Soup Stock Tokyo President, Moe Kudo

- Cover Column [eyes]: Nanjo Kang, Hiroki Azuma

- Masaru Sato's Practical News Academy

- Shotetsu Takeda [This Week's Grievance]

- Manabu Tauchi's Economic Viewpoint

- Jane Suu: 'Long Time No See'

- Atashin'chi: Keiko Ira

- Masayuki Oki's 'This Week's Cat Charm'

- Kayleen Matsuzaki [Japan's Good and Cute Things]

And other articles. Please take a look!

※From 5:00 PM for approximately 30 minutes on the release date, April 6th (Monday), we will hold '#Aeralive' on our official Instagram (@aera_net) to introduce the features and content of the latest issue. Please check this out as well!

AERA (アエラ) April 13, 2026, Expanded Issue

Special Price: 770 yen (700 yen + 10% tax)

Release Date: April 6, 2026 (Monday)

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0GRH11HGZ