Two years ago I shared an article about elementary and junior high schools reducing their hours by five minutes per class.
Looks like some schools will be testing it out between now and before the end of March. I don't know how the test phase will be implemented at most schools, but the school I work is cutting class times by five minutes, and after 5th period, the students will have a 25 minute independent study period (自己決定の時間).
I'm not sure if this is set it stone already or if it's just a test phase, but we're testing it out tomorrow.
by T1DinJP