Japan's education ministry says its survey shows the number of elementary and junior high students absent for long periods from school increased by 25 percent to a record high in the year to March.

The ministry cites changes in their life environment caused by the coronavirus pandemic as a reason.

The ministry on Thursday released the results of its annual survey on absenteeism, bullying and suicides in the last school year.

The survey covered elementary, junior high and senior high schools and schools for children with special needs.

It found that 244,940 elementary and junior high school students were absent for 30 days or more -- an increase of nearly 49,000 from the previous year.

The figure marked an increase for the ninth straight year. It does not include those who were absent due to illness or for economic reasons.

Of them, elementary school children totaled 81,498, a 3.6-fold increase from the 2011 school year.

A total of 163,442 junior high school students were absent for long periods -- a 1.7-fold increase over the decade. The figure indicates that one in 20 students stayed away from school.

Ministry officials analyze that the pandemic has impacted children's lives. During the last school year in Japan, coronavirus infections soared in the summer and in January. More than 590,000 children were infected, leading to many class and school closures.

The officials say restrictions at schools during the pandemic may have influenced children's lives and relationships with their friends, and this could have sapped their willingness to attend classes.