Life in Japan as a YouthReturn to Essay List

Japan has quite a few differences than United States

• The school year has a legal minimum of 210 days.
• Elementary school (小学校 shōgakkō) is 6 years long, and is for ages 6-12.
• Most children have been previously enrolled in preschool prior to attending elementary school.
• Young children are given as many as 15 textbooks for free which they are expected to take to school every day.
• Parental-teacher communication is strong; parents are required to sign a communication sheet that their child brings home.


Schoolchildren

• Middle school (中学校 chūgakkō) is 3 years long, and is for ages 12-15.
• Japanese students are required to wear traditional uniforms.
• Japanese students spend most of their later years in middle school studying because of the approaching high school entrance exams.
• High school (高等学校 kōtōgakkō or 高校 kōkō for short) is 3 years long, and is for 15-18 years old
• High school is not compulsory education in Japan.
• Even though it is not required, 94% of students go on to high school.
• High school costs about ￥300,000 yen a year (about $2,870).
• During the later years of high school, Japanese students study many hours each day for their upcoming college entrance exams.
• College (大学 daigaku) is for ages 18 and up who have passed the exam required to enter their selected College.
• Once in college, Japanese students are able to relax more.
• There are no more high school/college exams left to shadow over them.
• Students have more free time and privileges.
• The Japanese school system, which is considered to be one of the best in the world, has its faults.
• There is not enough effort made to address the needs of children with special needs and disabilities. (But read No One’s Perfect, an autobiography by Hirotada Ototake, a boy without four limbs.)
• Critical thinking is not a concept that is valued in the Japanese education system. Instead, students are generally instructed to memorize the text from which they will be tested, resulting in high test scores that do not require critical thinking; nor are the scores a reflection of the students’ actual ability.
• This may not be good because it does not help develop common sense.
• The hardworking nature of the Japanese, however, usually overcomes this “fault.”
• Also most classrooms lack computers and overhead projectors. Technology is rarely used in instruction or student projects. The internet remains unutilized as a resource tool for teachers and students, compared to its wide use in the United States.

• Japanese schools also have problems with “ijime,” bullying.
• Bullying in Japan can cause students to stop going to school or leaving the house altogether.
• Bullying can drive some students to commit suicide.
• Unfortunately, not enough is done to stop such acts from happening.

• Many people drink alcohol in Japan. The drinking age is 20 but is not strictly enforced as it is in the United States.
• Japanese people enjoy going to bars and sit-down restaurants to drink. This simple social activity allows people to communicate with each other and enjoy time without spending too much money.
• Also partying and going to clubs is widely enjoyed in Japan. Depending on the city, the club experience will differ. Okinawa is much different from other cities due to the United States Naval base, and the warmer climate.


Sake

• Entertainment in Japan is a little different but similar to that of the States.
• The activity which the majority of Japanese young adults enjoy most is karaoke.
• However, if you are too good at karaoke, you can be perceived as trying to show off, which is the opposite from the United States where you only participate if you are skilled.
• Karaoke stations are widely available and open during the night.


Karaoke


Karaoke

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