Japanese Junior High School Life 📚 from a Foreigners Perspective | Life in Japan Episode 247

Summary

In this episode of 'Life in Japan,' twins discuss their experiences as foreign students in Japanese junior high school. They share insights about their daily routines, including unique aspects of school life like lunch duties, class schedules, and after-school clubs. The twins compare their current school environment to their previous experiences, highlighting the differences in backpacks, uniforms, and the approach to subjects like P.E. and home economics. They reflect on the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture, while also expressing pride in being the first in their family to navigate junior high in Japan.

Takeaways

• 😀 The twins have attended various Japanese educational institutions, starting from kindergarten to junior high school.
• 📚 Unlike their previous school, the current junior high does not have a uniform backpack policy, allowing students to choose their own bags.
• 🔍 Students use folders instead of notebooks for their classes, providing a more flexible organization system.
• 🍱 School lunch (kyushoku) is served buffet-style, with students required to pick it up from a designated area.
• 🧼 Cleaning (soji) is a regular part of the school schedule, with students assigned different cleaning tasks throughout the week.
• ⏰ The school day includes a structured timetable with 50- and 45-minute classes, as well as breaks between them.
• 🏅 The twins participate in various sports and physical education activities, including judo and gymnastics.
• 🎨 Students engage in hands-on activities like wood carving and sewing, fostering practical skills.
• 📖 Test preparation occurs intensively before examinations, affecting the after-school club schedule.
• 🌍 The twins are among the few international students at their school, highlighting the multicultural aspect of their experience.

Q & A

What stages of education did the twins experience in Japan?

The twins attended a local Japanese kindergarten, followed by public elementary schools, and then graduated into a Japanese junior high school.

How do the twins describe their current school backpack situation compared to their previous school?

Their old junior high school had a uniform backpack, but their current school allows them to choose their own backpacks, which led them to use hiking backpacks for comfort.

What is the 'kyushoku' and how is it different in junior high compared to elementary school?

'Kyushoku' refers to school lunch in Japan. In junior high, lunch is delivered to their floor, and students must pick it up themselves, whereas it was served differently in elementary school.

What do the twins have to bring for their meals at school?

The twins must bring their own napkins and silverware for their meals, and they usually take a placemat that they alternate weekly.

What cleaning duties do the twins have at school?

The twins participate in 'soji', which involves cleaning the school on designated days, changing the cleaning area every two weeks.

How do the twins feel about their physical education classes?

They express enthusiasm for physical education, particularly enjoying activities like judo and using the horizontal bar, which they feel competent in.

What are some after-school activities ('bukatsu') the twins can participate in?

The twins can join various after-school clubs, including sports like soccer and basketball, as well as clubs focused on music, art, and robotics.

How does the academic schedule differ during testing weeks?

During testing weeks, students focus heavily on studying, have shorter school days with only morning tests, and do not have after-school club activities.

How do the twins adapt to the cultural norms regarding hair at their school?

The school requires students with long hair to tie it back during P.E. and has rules about the color of hair accessories, allowing only dark colors.

What is one major challenge the twins face as foreign students in Japanese junior high?

The twins mentioned feeling unique as the only blond kids in their school, which highlights the challenges of cultural differences and integration in a new environment.