COMING UP
ON
KOKO GA HEN DA YO NIHONJIN

January 26, 2000
"Japanese Dropouts"

As a teacher on the JET Program for three years in Yokohama, I worked in two junior high schools and one night high school.  During that time, I got to know many of my students and I had the opportunity to discuss many issues regarding the stress that they endure at such a young age.  I was particularly struck with the increase in the number of students who no longer attend class and spend the entire day in the nurse's office or at home.

This is not the first time that we have discussed issues regarding the educational system in Japan on the show.  We have had numerous quarrels revolving around the demon that we all know as Monbusho (should fire 'em all and start over), but had yet to take a look at the student's perspective.  Many people say that Japanese children are given too much leniency and that parents need to be more strict.  Something tells me that that is not where the solution is at.

How many Japanese families actually discuss emotions with each other?  May sound like a naive American, but I think that a family that communicates successfully is a successful family.  These children have no outlet for airing their grievances but with their friends, who may also be in the same boat.  Children are extremely sensitive, so even the slightest quarrel can sway a child away from school.  What sounds rediculous to an adult can mean a world to a child.  Nipping these problems in the bud is the key.  You let them linger and they grow bigger.  Before you know it, a student has separated themselves from the educational process forever.

There are some other solutions.  In the case of students that for whatever reason opt not to go to class, they can spend the day in the nurse's office, where there will often be other students with similar concerns.  While not a best case scenario, it is certainly better to remain within the school environment than to stay at home, or worse yet, in the company of other youth that have already given up on their education.

As for high school, if a student is absolutely set against the rigors of a standard high school, there remain other options such as night high schools.  Although taking four years to graduate (compared to the standard three), classes don't begin until after 5:00 P.M., so students retain the option to take on a part time job or other activity during the day and study at a much slower pace than at a standard high school.  Problem is, half of incoming students don't make it through the first year.  If you do, the odds are great that you will make it to graduation.  A last resort.

For those who are quick to judge the Japanese youth, I ask that you first judge their surroundings.  This is the first generation of Japanese since before the war that is being raised without a golden light at the end of the tunnel.  There is no longer any "lifetime employment" and they have not been instilled with a sufficient sense of patriotism to work hard for "their country".  The road leading through the tunnel is still in place however, but fewer and fewer students are taking it.  It's hard to blame them. 

It may unfortunately take a major disaster (like an earthquake) to bring about a  major re-prioritization in Japan.  Then maybe families will spend time together and we can finally get rid of Monbusho, and start from scratch.  Until then, we should all offer our caring support for the plight of Japanese youth.


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