Key Facts
• A senior soccer team member faced ongoing bullying since his first year.
• Bullying involved inappropriate behavior from multiple classmates.
• School recognized the issue as a “serious bullying incident.”
• Investigation revealed structural issues and insufficient human rights awareness.
• Punitive group norms led to exclusion and excessive attention on certain students.
• School decided to withdraw from the National High School Soccer Championship.
• Withdrawal decision announced to all team members on November 11, 2025.
• Over 2,000 students in high school and middle school clubs are now under review.
• Miyagi Prefecture’s representative for the tournament will be decided by the Japan Soccer Association.
• Seiwa Gakuen, the runner-up in the November prefectural qualifiers, is a potential replacement.
Summary
Sendai Ikuei High School’s soccer team has withdrawn from the National High School Soccer Championship following revelations of persistent bullying within the team. A senior member had been subjected to inappropriate behavior by peers since his first year, prompting the school to classify the issue as a “serious bullying incident.” Investigations highlighted structural flaws, including insufficient human rights awareness and punitive group norms, which fostered exclusion and excessive scrutiny of certain students. To address these issues, the school prioritized team guidance over tournament participation. On November 11, 2025, the school informed all team members of the withdrawal and submitted official documentation to the Miyagi Soccer Association. Additionally, over 2,000 students in related school clubs are now under review. The Japan Soccer Association will determine Miyagi Prefecture’s representative for the tournament, with Seiwa Gakuen, the runner-up in the qualifiers, being a likely candidate.
