In 2020, a significant change occurred at Osaka Choryo High School (大阪朝高中学校). The school, previously known as East Osaka Korean Middle School, merged with another institution. This merger marked a new chapter in the school’s history. Osaka Choryo High School became a combined middle and high school. This was done to strengthen the foundation of secondary education. The school primarily serves students from Osaka, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures.
Osaka Choryo High School, located in Higashi Ward, has a rich history. It was established on April 10, 1952. It first opened in Taishibashi, Ikuno Ward, Osaka City. The school later moved to Tamakushimotomachi, Kawauchi City (now Higashi Ward), in 1957. The current school building in Hanazono was completed in 1973. Osaka Choryo High School has a strong athletic program, particularly in rugby. The rugby club has achieved notable success. They have won the Osaka prefectural tournament and even competed in the national high school rugby tournament.
Osaka Choryo High School has also been involved in a land dispute. The school’s land was designated for urban redevelopment in 1971. Relocation was planned even before the move to the current location. However, for many years a replacement site could not be secured. In 1995, 2,000m2 of the school grounds was registered as city-owned land. The city of Higashi Osaka and the school’s operator negotiated for the school to purchase the land. They couldn’t agree on a price for many years. In 2006, the city of Higashi Osaka sued Osaka Choryo High School. The city claimed the school had occupied the land without paying rent for 12 years and demanded back payment of approximately 79 million yen. In 2009, a settlement was reached, with the school purchasing the land for 146 million yen and paying back rent.
Osaka Choryo High School has produced a number of notable alumni. These alumni have made significant contributions to various fields. They include athletes like soccer players Lee Yong-jae, Kim Dong-soo, Kim Jong-hoon, and rugby players like Pak Sung-ho, Yang Yong-tae, and An Chang-ho.
As of January 2023, Osaka Choryo High School has 348 students: 188 in middle school and 160 in high school. The school offers various academic tracks. These include liberal arts, sciences, and a Japanese public/private school entrance track. The school has a focus on fostering academic excellence. Many students successfully enter prestigious universities. Osaka Choryo High School continues to play an important role in the local community and in educating future generations. It stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Korean community in Osaka.