12-Year-Old Japanese Boy Drops Out of School for Fortnite With Parents’ Support

Tarou, a 12-year-old streaming sensation from Japan, has decided to forgo middle school following his elementary graduation to commit himself entirely to professional gaming.

This unconventional path was chosen in coordination with both his parents and school administrators. To maintain his well-being, Tarou will adhere to a personalized schedule that balances rigorous training with sleep, physical activity, and self-directed academic study.

A gamer since the age of three, the boy has already built a community of over 230,000 subscribers, primarily focused on Fortnite. His ultimate goal is to compete in the Fortnite World Cup; however, he believes that bridging the gap to the world’s elite players requires a minimum of 10 hours of daily practice.

His father fully supports the move, pointing out that top-tier Asian competitors often spend 13 to 14 hours a day refining their skills—a commitment impossible to maintain alongside a traditional school curriculum. He emphasizes his son’s natural aptitude, noting that Tarou was already outplaying seasoned professionals as early as second grade. His focus is legendary; during one 28-hour marathon session, the boy was so engrossed in the game that he neglected even basic personal needs.

The decision has ignited a fierce debate online. While some view the abandonment of formal education as a significant risk, others point out that Tarou’s current earnings likely surpass the salaries of average adult workers. With Japan’s compulsory education lasting nine years, this 12-year-old’s trajectory challenges established norms and raises questions about the flexibility of educational systems in the face of a booming digital economy.

Source: iXBT.games