Hasama Elementary School isn’t just any school. It’s a microcosm of Japanese culture, nestled right here in Funabashi. Hasama Elementary School, like many schools in Japan, instills values like respect and responsibility from a young age. One of the most striking aspects of Hasama Elementary School and other Japanese schools is the absence of janitors. The students themselves, from first graders to sixth graders, take on the responsibility of cleaning their classrooms and even the bathrooms. At Hasama Elementary School, this daily cleaning ritual isn’t viewed as a chore, but as a valuable lesson. It teaches children to respect their environment, work together as a team, and take pride in their school. This sense of collective responsibility extends beyond the classroom walls, shaping their behavior and interactions within the wider community. Hasama Elementary School exemplifies the Japanese educational philosophy of holistic development. It nurtures not just academic excellence, but also essential life skills. This is seen in their approach to school lunches. Like many schools across Japan, Hasama Elementary provides nutritious meals. These are often composed of rice, fish, and vegetables, fostering healthy eating habits from a young age. The children at Hasama Elementary School, like many others in Japan, are also prepared for emergencies. Regular earthquake drills are a standard practice, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to react calmly and effectively in such situations. These seemingly small details are powerful symbols of Japanese culture, woven into the fabric of daily school life at Hasama Elementary. They contribute to a sense of order, respect, and community, preparing students not just for higher education but for life as responsible and contributing members of society.
Yamakura Dam
Here, before us, lies the Yamakura Dam. Did you know it is home to Japan’s largest floating solar power plant?