University Entrance Exam to Include "How to Defeat Slimes" Starting Next Year. Physics Students Can Opt for "Golem Weakness Analysis" Instead

The Ministry of Education announced a "true global education" initiative in response to the increase in returnees from other worlds. Prep schools have already launched preparatory courses, with headlines proclaiming "Legendary Sword Essential for Tokyo University Admission." Parents are expressing concerns: "My child still struggles with Goblin language listening comprehension..."

2025-10-09

Translations: JA

Otherworld Pocket

University Entrance Exam to Include "How to Defeat Slimes" Starting Next Year. Physics Students Can Opt for "Golem Weakness Analysis" Instead

The Ministry of Education announced a “true global education” initiative in response to the increase in returnees from other worlds. Prep schools have already launched preparatory courses, with headlines proclaiming “Legendary Sword Essential for Tokyo University Admission.” Parents are expressing concerns: “My child still struggles with Goblin language listening comprehension…”

“This is a dimensional shift in education.” The Ministry of Education’s deputy director spoke with a solemn expression. The reform plan for the University Entrance Exam announced yesterday was thoroughly radical. Starting next year, “Basic Otherworld Knowledge” will be added as a mandatory subject, with questions on “How to Defeat Slimes” included. Physics students will have “Golem Weakness Analysis” available as an alternative question.

According to the ministry, this reform addresses the recent surge in returnees from other worlds who have passed through “Gates.” The goal is to “fairly evaluate the abilities of young people with diverse cultural backgrounds and cultivate true global competencies.” The released materials include sample questions such as “Considerations on Slime Viscosity Coefficient and Effective Striking Methods” and “Magic Resistance Inferred from Golem Materials” - questions that blur the line between physics and fantasy.

The educational field’s response was swift. Major prep school “Surugadai Seminar” announced the launch of an “Todai/Kyodai Otherworld Strategy Course” just three hours after the announcement. Their website features the reassuring catchphrase: “No legendary sword needed! Conquer dragons with the power of knowledge.” Meanwhile, rival “Kawaijuku” introduced “Practical Slime Subjugation Exercises” utilizing VR technology into their curriculum. The tuition includes rental fees for a “practice wooden stick.”

This movement is already creating new educational disparities. In upscale residential areas of Tokyo, some wealthy families have reportedly begun hiring individuals claiming to be former heroes as private tutors at exorbitant rates. “In the end, isn’t it parents’ economic power - in other words, equipment strength - that determines children’s futures?” A mother of three (42) spoke anxiously while placing discounted “holy water” into her shopping basket at a nearby supermarket.

Expert opinions are divided. Education commentator Mogi Papa (self-proclaimed), not to be confused with Ogi Mama, enthusiastically praises the initiative: “This is a wonderful attempt to shift from old-fashioned knowledge-focused education to practical problem-solving skills. This will help Japanese youth level up.” However, Professor Jinzaburo Furuhata of Teito University, a Nobel Prize in Physics candidate, tilts his head: “How can we objectively grade methods for defeating amorphous creatures whose mass and elemental composition are unknown? I don’t understand.”

The Ministry of Education is scrambling to control the damage, stating “We emphasize the thinking process above all. Expensive weapons and magical knowledge are not required,” but parental anxiety continues to grow. One mother tearfully appeals: “My child still can’t manage Goblin language listening comprehension, let alone Orc language reading comprehension.”

Will young people who bear Japan’s future face an era where they exchange pens for swords and confront monsters? If this country, tormented by the final boss called declining birthrate, seeks its next path in other worlds, is that the beginning of comedy or tragedy? One thing is certain: next spring, we might witness exam candidates shouting “Yes! Critical hit!” in front of acceptance announcement boards.

Stakeholder Comments

Slime (Purupuru): “I’ve been getting hit and having acid poured on me a lot lately… I want to assert my right to exist. Also, we only give 1 experience point when defeated, you know?”
Ministry of Education Official: “This is a different-dimensional education reform. We acknowledge criticism, but this will definitely level up Japan’s international competitiveness.”
Major Prep School Charismatic Instructor, Mr. Takada: “Listen up, everyone! The slime’s weakness is ’economics’! Master the formula for maximum effect at minimum cost! Your brain is the strongest weapon, not a legendary sword!”
Exam Candidate’s Mother: “The neighbor’s child is going on a short-term language study abroad to the ‘Elf Forest.’ We need to start with the nearby dungeon first…”
Physics-selecting Exam Candidate: “I got a question about calculating the golem’s center of gravity to topple it with minimal force. I’m really glad it was an opponent where physics laws apply…”
Golem: “Weaknesses are personal information, so please don’t use them in exam questions. I’m preparing to sue for privacy invasion.”
Legendary Sword: “I’m troubled by the many counterfeits on flea market apps lately. Please choose me with a proper certificate of authenticity.”
Otherworld Returnee (Former Hero): “Wait, ‘medicinal herbs’ cost money in this world!? Also, why is everyone wearing the same clothes (uniforms)?”
University Entrance Exam Center Staff: “The scoring standard manual is being called the ‘Secret Book’… The other day, I nearly burned it by mistake and had a scare.”
Goblin: “We’re honored that our language was adopted for listening exams, but complaints that our pronunciation is too difficult are disappointing. Kee-kee!”