受験戦争 (entrance exam pressure)

The fierce competition surrounding entrance exams in Japan — especially the university entrance exam season. 受験戦争 (juken sensō, literally 'exam war') captures the intense pressure on students, families, and schools driven by the belief that getting into the right school shapes one's entire career. Cram schools (塾, 予備校), sleep deprivation, and family sacrifice are all part of the picture.