This article examines the age limit for high school enrollment in Japan, which is 18 years old. Exceptions may be made if a student has been absent from regular schooling due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, or if they have dropped out of middle school before completing their third year. Other considerations for older students include potential discrimination from younger students and teachers, as well as higher tuition fees. Alternatives to traditional high school education include distance learning programs offered by universities and adult education programs offered by city governments.