A Whole Different Story from Last Year Nishinomiya Recommendation Exams See Many Schools Top 1x on Day One [2026 School Year]

The first-day application ratios have been announced for the Hyogo public high school recommendation entrance exams and related admissions scheduled for February 16 (Mon).

Once again this year, we asked Juku Sherpa’s Tani-san, one of our Nishi2 Friends, for a quick breaking-news rundown!

This year (Reiwa 8 academic year), the first-day ratios at high schools in Nishinomiya have shifted quite a lot. Compared with last year (Reiwa 7), it feels like applications are moving faster.

Last year, none of them were over 1.0 on the first day, right? This year is really different.

Exactly. Last year, no school had exceeded 1.0 on the first day, but this year all but two schools are already over 1.0. First, here’s a table comparing this year with the first day last year.

Departments that suddenly became highly competitive this year

Let’s start with the places where the first-day ratios rose noticeably. First up is Nishinomiya Municipal High School.

Nishinomiya Municipal High School, Global Science

Last year 0.90x → this year 2.50x

2.50 has to be one of the toughest contests in the city!

Yes. Since it’s already at this level on the first day, I think it’s fair to say this program is drawing a lot of attention this year.

Hyogo Prefectural Nishinomiya High School, General Course (credit-based)

Last year 0.34x → this year 2.35x

That’s a sharp turn from being a major hidden gem last year.

That’s exactly it. It could be risky to look at this year with “last year’s mindset.”

Nishinomiya Higashi Municipal High School, Science Inquiry (Academic) / Social Inquiry

Science Inquiry: last year 0.78x → this year 1.63x
Social Inquiry: last year 0.90x → this year 1.53x

The numbers show growing interest in inquiry-based and distinctive learning programs.

Some ratios are still on the lower, calmer side

Nishinomiya Kurakuen High School, Humanities and Science Inquiry

This year 0.50x (last year 0.50x)

Nishinomiya Kurakuen is at the same level again this year. This is the only one that feels calm.

Still, this is only the first day. Looking at movements at other schools, there’s a good chance it could rise from here.

Nishinomiya High School, Music Department (credit-based)

This year 0.93x (last year 0.20x)

It has gone up, but it’s still under 1.0. Please remember that this is also just the “first-day” figure.

Why it’s risky to decide based only on application ratios

Application ratios are only an indicator of popularity. How easy it is to get accepted, and how satisfied you’ll be after enrolling, are not determined by the ratio alone.

Here are some things you’ll want to look at.

• How well it matches your internal assessment scores
• The balance with your stronger subjects
• Commuting distance and school atmosphere
• Whether inquiry-based programs or general courses suit you

The numbers can really pull you in, but in the end it’s about whether the school fits you. If I were the parent of an exam taker, I’d take a deep breath first…

To all exam takers

A lot of you may feel intimidated when you see the ratios, but there’s still more to go from here. The people who keep building up what they can do until the very end are strong. We’re rooting for you! 🙌

If you’re unsure about your path or application choices, sort things out early. Gathering information and having a strategy can make it easier to steady both your mindset and your grades.

If you need help with entrance exams or choosing a cram school, feel free to use the free consultation from Juku Sherpa, one of our Nishi2 Friends!

西宮の塾プロに聞いた 「中学受験」「内申」「部活」ガチ悩み相談3選【にしつーフレンズPR】

2026年2月7日

Finally

This year’s first-day ratios are really moving fast. If you looked at them with last year’s expectations, they’d definitely make you go, “Wait, what?” To all exam takers: stay calm, but keep moving. Tani-san, thank you again for the quick update this year!

Tomorrow, we’ll also share the final application ratios.