Japan gamer, 12, plans to quit school to pursue esports, supported by parents, sparks debate
Boy with capacity for focus far exceeding ordinary child aims for top of professional gaming; once concentrated on game so much, he wet himself
A 12-year-old Japanese gaming streamer is set to drop out after graduating from primary school to pursue esports full time, sparking controversy online.
The youngster, Tarou, began playing video games at the age of three and has since amassed more than 230,000 followers online.
On February 8, popular gamer Tarou, 12, announced that he would not attend secondary school, opting instead to pursue a full-time career in esports.
“This is the result of a year-long discussion with my family and school,” he wrote online.
“I want to create a lifestyle that allows me to seriously pursue esports, while still ensuring enough time for sleep, exercise and study.”