In Japanese culture, education is a fundamental value that permeates every aspect of daily life. Here are some country-specific criteria for “good education”. Could you fill them out?
When it comes to education, Japan sets the bar very high! On October 11, an American mother, expatriate in Japan, reported to the site Insider how his way of raising his twins was perceived by Japanese society. Stunned by the comments received, the young woman listed on the American site the rules of good behavior dictated by Japanese parents to their children. And you will be surprised!
What is a “good education” according to Japanese standards?
After marrying a Japanese man, this American woman gave birth to two twins and the family settled in Japan. Although she was keen to transmit to them values specific to the American way of life, the Asian way of functioning very quickly overwhelmed them. And this, as soon as they enter school. Indeed, after the first day of school, the parents of the Japanese-American children realized that they were the only ones who don’t know how to read, write and count. From a very young age, Japanese children learn these so-called “basic” rules and very quickly move on to higher sections.
Independence and accountability, too, are core values in the Asian education system. Each child must prepare their own things for school and the list of materials includes an eraser, a sheet of aluminum foil, a thermos or even 100 grams of salt. Unusual behavior for the twins who often forgot some of their belongings, which the teachers claimed was bad omen for the future.
Finally, on the power side, again, the codes differ. While the twins’ mother had provided them with a sandwich, chips, fruit and biscuits for lunch, one of their Japanese classmates had molded rice, sliced sausages and flower-shaped carrots. Thus, the American meal has been singled out, considered “junk food”truly harmful to their health.
Fundamental principles different from French rules
While certain rules of conduct echo French customs, such as politeness and respect, others are much more avant-garde. In Japan, students are confronted very early with the environmental awareness. The concept of “mottainai”, meaning regret, disgust, in the face of waste, is one of the essential precepts. In addition, perseverance, known as “gambaru”, must be taken into account as well as teamwork. Children learn to work in groups, to share and to put the needs of the group before their own. An opportunity for everyone to explore other traditions.