Japan’s University Entrance Exam Bans SNS Sharing in 2026

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and stumbled upon hilarious exam questions or witty student reactions, you’re not alone. In Japan, however, this familiar online trend is about to hit a wall. Starting with the 2026 大学入学共通テスト (Daigaku Nyūgaku Kyōtsū Tesuto), or University Entrance Common Test, students are officially banned from posting test content on SNS (esu enu esu), social networking services. This change, announced by the National Center for University Entrance Examinations, signals a new era for one of Japan’s most critical academic events. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can learn authentic Japanese from this real-world update.

A New Rule for Test-Takers

On December 5, 2025, the National Center for University Entrance Examinations made it crystal clear: “Even after the test ends, do not post questions from the University Entrance Common Test on SNS or publish them online.” This explicit warning, included in the guidelines for the January 17-18, 2026 exam, is a first. In the past, quirky or challenging test questions often went viral, sparking memes and discussions across platforms. But now, any 投稿 (tōkō), or online post, of exam content is under strict 禁止 (kinshi), meaning prohibition or ban.

Why the sudden clampdown? The center cites 著作権 (chōsakuken), or copyright, as the main issue. Most test questions are copyrighted by the center, and sharing them online could be a legal violation. There’s also a fairness concern—if test schedules shift due to unexpected トラブル (toraburu), or trouble like natural disasters, leaked content could give some 受験生 (jukensei), or test-takers, an unfair edge. While the center isn’t labeling these posts as 不正行為 (fusei kōi), unfair acts or misconduct, just yet, they’re urging students to stop this practice entirely.

From Silent Tolerance to Formal Ban

Here’s the interesting part: the center never approved of sharing test content online in the past, but they often looked the other way. A spokesperson noted, “We didn’t approve of it before either,” making it clear that this isn’t a change in belief but a formalization of rules. For now, posting on SNS won’t result in invalidated test scores or accusations of cheating. Still, this move shows a tightening grip on how information flows during this high-stakes event, reflecting Japan’s push to balance digital habits with traditional values.

Cultural Context: The Weight of Entrance Exams

If you’re new to Japanese culture, the 大学入学共通テスト (Daigaku Nyūgaku Kyōtsū Tesuto) might seem like just another test. But in Japan, it’s so much more. Formerly called the センター試験 (Sentā Shiken), or Center Test, this nationwide standardized exam is a defining moment for hundreds of thousands of high school students each year. It often determines their university placement, shaping their academic and career paths. The pressure is intense, and the event is a cultural milestone—think news crews at test centers, parents cheering outside, and even special good-luck charms sold nationwide.

The role of SNS (esu enu esu) in this scenario also highlights Japan’s tech-savvy youth. Sharing life’s moments, even stressful ones like exams, comes naturally to many students. Yet, this ban reveals a deeper tension between embracing modern digital trends and upholding values like fairness and respect for intellectual property. It’s a window into how Japan navigates the clash of tradition and innovation, especially in education—a field seen as the backbone of societal order.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Want to pick up some authentic Japanese while staying updated on this news? Let’s break down key vocabulary and grammar patterns straight from this topic. These are terms and structures you’d hear in real Japanese conversations or read in news articles, just as native speakers encounter them.

Key Vocabulary

These words aren’t just academic—they’re practical for understanding modern Japanese media and conversations. For instance, トラブル (toraburu) pops up everywhere, from tech issues to personal dilemmas, making it a must-know term.

Grammar Spotlight: 〜てはいけない / 〜てはならない (Must Not Do)

One grammar pattern directly tied to this news is 〜てはいけない or 〜てはならない, which means “must not do” or “prohibited from doing.” It’s a formal way to express rules or bans, often seen in official notices like the one from the exam center.

• Structure: Verb (て-form) + はいけない / はならない
• Usage: Used to state prohibitions or strong obligations not to do something, often in formal or written contexts.

Examples:

• テストの問題をSNSに投稿してはいけない。 (Tesuto no mondai o SNS ni tōkō shite wa ikenai.) You must not post test questions on SNS.
• 試験会場で携帯電話を使ってはならない。 (Shiken kaijō de keitai denwa o tsukatte wa naranai.) You must not use mobile phones at the test venue.
• ルールを破ってはいけない。 (Rūru o yabutte wa ikenai.) You must not break the rules.

You’ll notice 〜てはならない feels slightly more formal or strict than 〜てはいけない, often appearing in written rules or serious contexts. It’s perfect for understanding official announcements like this SNS ban.

Grammar Spotlight: 〜に至る (To Reach the Point Of)

Another useful expression is 〜に至る (ni itaru), meaning “to reach the point of” or “to result in.” It’s often used in formal writing or speech to describe a process or outcome, like how the exam center arrived at this decision.

• Structure: Verb (dictionary form) or Noun + に至る
• Usage: Describes arriving at a significant conclusion, decision, or result after a process.

Examples:

• 新しいルールの決定に至るまで、多くの議論があった。 (Atarashii rūru no kettei ni itaru made, ōku no giron ga atta.) There were many discussions before reaching the decision on the new rule.
• 問題のSNS投稿が禁止に至る理由を理解する必要がある。 (Mondai no SNS tōkō ga kinshi ni itaru riyū o rikai suru hitsuyō ga aru.) We need to understand the reasons that led to the ban on posting problems on SNS.
• 長い検討の末、ルールの変更に至った。 (Nagai kentō no sue, rūru no henkō ni itatta.) After long consideration, it resulted in a rule change.

This pattern is great for sounding polished when discussing outcomes or decisions in Japanese, mirroring how news articles often frame events.

Continue Learning

Ready to build on what you’ve learned? Dive deeper into Japanese grammar and expressions with these related lessons:

• Want to learn more about time? Check out our lesson on Time and Dates: Tense-Free Expressions.
• To understand more about に, explore our Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations lesson.
• Ready to dive deeper? Our lesson on Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences will help you master these concepts.

Learning Japanese the way it’s taught in Japan means connecting language to real-life contexts like this. Keep exploring, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can pick up from everyday news!

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.