How Japanese Education System Builds Their Character, Culture, And Economy | Best Things About Japan

Summary

This video explores Japan's unique educational system, which emphasizes character development before academic knowledge. Until the age of 10, students are taught manners, respect, discipline, and care for others and the environment. The Japanese system prioritizes character as the foundation for effective learning. It also includes long school days, a strong respect for teachers, and a focus on academic excellence rather than entertainment. Other distinct features include extracurricular activities tied to culture and sports, students walking to school, and self-cleaning duties. The video highlights the potential value of adopting aspects of Japan’s educational practices in other countries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Character development is prioritized over academics in the early years of schooling in Japan, with no exams for students under 10.
• 😀 Students are taught important life skills such as manners, respect, generosity, and self-control during their early school years.
• 😀 Japan believes that a strong character foundation helps students learn more efficiently and reduces the burden on teachers.
• 😀 Japanese school days are among the longest in the world, with students attending school from morning until late afternoon and receiving homework during vacations.
• 😀 Teachers in Japan are highly respected, holding a similar status to doctors and lawyers, and becoming a teacher is more difficult than in many other countries.
• 😀 The focus of Japanese education is not on entertaining students but on imparting knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering academic excellence.
• 😀 Extracurricular activities in Japan emphasize sports and cultural activities, such as calligraphy, traditional music, and dance, to strengthen national identity.
• 😀 There are no school buses in Japan; students typically walk or cycle to school, even from a young age, fostering independence.
• 😀 Japanese students clean their schools every day as part of their educational experience, which instills a sense of responsibility and respect for their environment.
• 😀 Summer vacation in Japan lasts about five weeks, which is shorter than in many other countries, but students are expected to do homework and participate in extracurricular activities.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Japan's education system in the early years?

In the early years of schooling, Japan focuses on character development rather than academic knowledge. Children are taught manners, discipline, respect, generosity, and how to care for themselves, others, nature, and animals.

How does character development contribute to the learning process in Japan?

In Japan, it's believed that when students have a strong foundation in character, they learn more efficiently. The idea is that well-rounded, disciplined individuals are better able to absorb academic concepts, leading to smoother learning and less stress on the educational system.

How long are school days in Japan compared to other countries?

Japanese school days are among the longest in the world. Students attend school from morning until late afternoon, and even during vacations, they are given homework, contributing to a rigorous and consistent learning schedule.

What is the level of respect for teachers in Japan?

Teachers in Japan are highly respected, almost on the same level as doctors and lawyers. Becoming a teacher in Japan is more difficult compared to other countries, making teaching a highly esteemed profession.

What is the primary role of teachers in Japan’s schools?

In Japan, the primary role of teachers is to teach academic concepts and ensure they are properly absorbed and applied. Teachers are not expected to entertain students; instead, they challenge students to think critically and innovate.

What type of extracurricular activities are common in Japan?

In Japan, extracurricular activities typically revolve around sports and cultural clubs, such as calligraphy, traditional music, and dance. These clubs often continue during vacations and are deeply connected to Japanese cultural identity.

How do Japanese students typically get to school?

Japanese students usually walk or bicycle to school, as public schools are close enough to their homes. It is very common for young children to walk unattended, highlighting the trust in the safety of the community.

What is the role of students in maintaining cleanliness in Japanese schools?

In Japan, students are responsible for cleaning their schools every day. This practice teaches students responsibility, discipline, and respect for their environment, unlike many countries where janitors handle the cleaning duties.

How does summer vacation in Japan compare to other countries?

Summer vacation in Japan lasts about five weeks, which is shorter than in countries like the US. However, Japanese students are assigned a lot of homework during this time and often engage in extracurricular activities related to their culture or national sports.

What is the connection between Japan's education system and the country's work culture?

Japan's educational system focuses on instilling a strong work ethic and attention to detail from an early age. This focus on perfection and discipline in education contributes to Japan's high standards in its industries, where quality and precision are paramount.