Adult Learning in 2025! A Thorough Breakdown of the Most Popular Types and Trends Based on the Latest Rankings

What should you start learning as an adult? If you're thinking, "I want to try something new" or "I want to improve my skills," taking up a new hobby or learning something new can be a great option. Recently, there's been a growing variety of learning opportunities, ranging from fun hobbies to practical skills that can be useful for work. Based on the latest survey data, we’ll introduce the most popular adult learning activities and trends in Japan for 2025!

Adult Learning Ranking (Announced in November 2024)

Here are the rankings compiled from the results of two major surveys: "A Survey on Adult Learning Activities People Want to Try in 2025" by Japan's largest learning marketplace, "Street Academy," and the "Hobbies and Skills Adults Have Started" survey by "BizHits."

Source:
*1) Street Academy, "A Survey on Adult Learning Activities People Want to Try in 2025" (November 2024, n=1,213)
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000076.000007608.html
*2) BizHits, "Hobbies and Skills Adults Have Started" (November 2024, n=500)
https://bizhits-infographic.com/473 

Both men and women show strong interest in "English" and "Cooking," as well as activities related to health and relaxation, such as "Yoga & Pilates."

Adult Learning Trends for 2025

Computer Skills

Computer courses come in various types and levels, with the following being particularly popular:

• Basic skills (typing, fundamental PC operations)
• Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Programming (Python, JavaScript, etc.)
• Image and video editing (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc.)

There are different ways to take these courses, including in-person classes, online sessions, and on-demand lessons where students watch recorded videos and complete assignments at their own pace.

English

Just like for children, English remains a popular choice for adult learners. It not only helps with career advancement but also allows learners to explore English-speaking cultures. Many people opt for online English lessons due to their flexibility with work and family commitments.

• Online English lessons (easy to balance with work and home life)
• In-person English conversation classes (learn directly from teachers and peers)
• TOEIC & Eiken preparation (for obtaining certifications)
• Apps & AI-based learning (flexible learning options, ideal for those uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions)

Business Skills & Certifications

Many people aiming for career advancement enroll in courses to obtain certifications. The following qualifications are gaining attention:

• Bookkeeping (learn the basics of accounting and finance)
• Financial Planner (FP) (gain knowledge about money management)
• Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Exam (for IT career growth)
• Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant (for those aspiring to work in business consulting)

Online courses and distance learning programs allow learners to study while managing their work schedules.

Musical Instruments

Learning a musical instrument has many benefits, such as making new friends with shared interests, stimulating the brain, and reducing stress. Some people start learning an instrument because they want to pick up where they left off in childhood, while others finally have the financial freedom to pursue music lessons for the first time. In Japan, popular instruments include the piano, guitar, violin, ukulele, and drums.

Yoga & Pilates

Many people practice yoga and pilates to maintain their health and relieve stress. These activities are particularly recommended for those who suffer from shoulder stiffness or physical discomfort due to desk work.

• Relaxation yoga (for stress relief and mental care)
• Hot yoga (for sweating and boosting metabolism)
• Pilates (to strengthen inner muscles)

One major advantage is the ability to practice at home using gyms or online lessons. Many people participate in yoga not only through standalone classes but also as part of a gym program.

Cooking

Cooking classes provide a great opportunity to learn the proper use of ingredients and kitchen tools, as well as detailed steps that may not be fully understood just by looking at a recipe. By mastering the basics, you might even be able to create your own variations!

Cooking schools offer not only beginner-friendly courses but also professional-level training. Since home cooking is common in Japan, cooking classes remain popular.

• Beginner’s Course (Learn basic knife skills and cooking techniques)
• Advanced Cuisine (Japanese, French, Italian, etc.)
• Baking & Bread Making (Specialized courses focusing on sweets and bread)

Real Voices of Experienced Learners

Here are some firsthand experiences from FUN! JAPAN staff members who started learning new skills as adults.

Experiences Shared by People Who Have Learned Foreign Languages, Such as English Conversation

"I attended English conversation classes for about two years because I wanted to use English in my daily life. I enjoyed face-to-face conversations, but I had to stop due to the pandemic." (Female, Japan)

"I learned English because it’s useful in so many situations. I’m also having my child learn it, so we can enjoy English content together." (Male, Indonesia)

"In high school, I became a fan of TVXQ and Korean dramas, so I memorized Hangul on my own. Later, I took Korean as my second language in university. In 2020, I became a fan of BTS and wanted to understand their lyrics and conversations in real time, so I enrolled in a Korean language school with a friend for about two years." (Female, Japan)

"I developed an interest in Japanese and Korean due to dramas and idols. I also wanted to understand content that lacked translations. The more I watched, the more I wanted to speak like a native, which motivated me to study." (Female, Taiwan)

"I’ve always liked Spanish-language movies and thought Spanish sounded beautiful. During the pandemic, I started learning online, and once restrictions eased, I joined an in-person class in Tokyo." (Female, Japan)

Experiences Shared by People Who Have Learned Yoga 

"I started yoga because I wanted to strengthen my core and sweat more. It was refreshing and fulfilling, but I wasn’t sure if my core was actually improving, so I switched to kickboxing." (Female, Japan)

"Due to my job, I had severe neck, shoulder, and back stiffness. I also felt I was losing flexibility, so I started yoga for my health. At the same time, I was also doing strength training, bouldering, and swimming." (Female, Japan)

"I tried yoga to improve my flexibility and found it so enjoyable that I’ve been doing it for 13 years." (Female, Japan)

"When my work was extremely busy, I started yoga to relax and unwind. Even after having children, I attended 'Mom & Baby Yoga' classes, which helped me take a break from parenting." (Female, Japan)

Experiences Shared by People Who Have Learned Music Lessons

"I was in an amateur band, but due to the pandemic, we couldn’t practice together. So, I took voice training classes, though I never got to use those skills since the pandemic lasted longer than expected..." (Female, Japan)

"I played the violin in an amateur orchestra during my student days, but after starting a choir as a working adult, I took vocal lessons to learn proper technique. Many of my choir friends also take individual lessons since classical singing is difficult to master alone." (Female, Japan)

"I wanted to learn something related to Japanese culture and, through an acquaintance, started learning the shamisen and Edo kouta songs. It has been 10 years now. Studying outside of work and home has brought me a sense of balance and wonderful encounters with older female students." (Female, Japan)

Experiences Shared by People Who Have Learned Sports & Dance

"Yoga wasn’t intense enough for me, so I started kickboxing. After a year, my instructor told me, ‘There’s nothing left to teach you. Do you want to train for competitions?’ That’s when I quit—I wasn’t aiming to get super muscular!" (Female, Japan)

"During the pandemic, I wanted to stay active, so I joined a K-pop dance class. It was fun because it was limited to women of my age group. I’m currently on a break due to work, but I’d love to return when I have time." (Female, Japan)

"I signed my child up for karate and ended up joining too. I respect the Japanese ‘Do’ (way) culture, which values etiquette and integrity. Compared to judo or kendo, I thought karate was easier for small children to start." (Male, Japan)

Experiences Shared by People Who Have Learned Business & Certification Courses

"As I took on more managerial responsibilities, I wanted to develop a solid understanding of business operations, so I enrolled in an online MBA program. Balancing work and studies is tough, but I’m determined to graduate!" (Female, Japan)

"When I became a manager, I participated in a company-sponsored coaching workshop and found it fascinating. I later pursued a coaching certification on my own, which took about a year. Now, I use it in one-on-one meetings with my team." (Female, Japan)

After exploring the 2025 trends in adult learning, one thing remains clear: Enjoyment and consistency are key!Find the right learning experience for you and have fun gaining new skills and hobbies!