Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for childhood anxiety is effective in schools; however, researchers have reported mixed results and expressed concerns regarding sociocultural differences in treating childhood anxiety. This study examined the efficacy of the FRIENDS program, which is a CBT program used at a universal school level. Students (N = 154; 11- to 12-years-old) participated in either a program or waitlist condition and completed the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale at prior and subsequent to implementation of the program and during follow up. Results revealed a significant interaction between group and gender in the social phobia subscale and a significant main effect of gender in six subscales. The feasibility and limitations of universal CBT in a Japanese school setting are discussed.