Homework, exams, and after-school activities — that’s what life usually looks like at 12. But one boy in Japan has chosen a very different focus: to become one of the best esports players in the world.

The boy, known online as "Tarou," recently decided not to continue with traditional junior high school after finishing elementary school. Instead, he plans to train full-time as a competitive gamer, with the support of his parents.

"This wasn’t a sudden decision," Tarou said in a social media post. "I talked with my family and school for a long time before choosing this path."

Tarou mainly plays Fortnite and other competitive online games that require fast thinking, teamwork, and long hours of practice. He now follows a daily schedule that includes gaming practice, physical exercise, and online study in subjects like math and English.

"At first, we were worried," his father said in an interview. "But Tarou is very serious about this. He wakes up early, trains hard, and takes responsibility for his time."

Esports has grown into a global industry worth billions of dollars, with professional players earning money from tournaments, sponsorships, and streaming. Major competitions attract millions of viewers online, and some young players become international stars.

Still, experts warn that this kind of path is not right for most children. "It requires strong support, emotional maturity, and a backup plan," said education expert Hiroshi Watanabe. "Success in esports is very rare."

Tarou understands the risks.

"If this doesn’t work out, I can always choose a different path later," he said. "But right now, I want to give this my best shot."

For now, his classroom is a screen, his teammates are online, and his goal is clear — to see how far this new kind of dream can take him.