“What is ‘omoiyari’?” I overheard a student ask outside Nobitome Elementary School. It’s a beautiful concept taught here. Nobitome Elementary School is more than just a place of learning. It cultivates consideration for others.
Elementary schools in Japan like Nobitome are compulsory for all children. Kids begin first grade in April after they turn six. Starting school is a very important event in a child’s life.
Let’s step back in time. During the Edo period, children learned reading and writing in terakoya schools. The modern elementary school system began in 1886. Until 1947, only elementary school was compulsory. During World War II, state education was used as propaganda.
Today, most elementary education happens in public schools like Nobitome Elementary School. Tuition is free. Families pay for lunches and supplies. Less than 1% of schools are private because of the expense. Some private schools are prestigious. They act as a step to higher-level schools and universities.
Classes at Nobitome Elementary School are large. There are typically thirty to forty students. Students work in small groups. These groups serve academic and disciplinary functions.
The ministry’s Course of Study guides Nobitome Elementary School. It includes academic and nonacademic subjects. Academic subjects are Japanese language, social studies, arithmetic, and science. Japanese language is emphasized because of its complexity. English is mandatory in 5th and 6th grade since 2011.
Nonacademic subjects include art, music, poetry, homemaking, physical education, and moral education. Children participate in special activities. They plan field trips and ceremonies. These activities cultivate responsibility and teamwork at Nobitome Elementary School.
Information technology enhances education. Most schools have internet access. There is also educational TV and radio. Almost all elementary schools use programs from NHK.
Daily life at Nobitome Elementary School starts around 7:50 am. Lessons begin at 8:30 am. Schools don’t have buses. Public transportation is readily available. The first fifteen minutes are for assembly or announcements. Classes are 40 to 45 minutes. Breaks are 5 to 10 minutes.
After four morning classes, students get lunches from the school kitchens. Lunches come in bento boxes. They include meats, fish, vegetables, and sea plants. A typical meal is stew or curry, boiled vegetables, a sandwich, and salad. Milk is served with each meal. Dessert includes gelatin, ice cream, and fruit. Meals are taken in the classroom with the teacher. This provides an opportunity for teaching nutrition and social behavior. All students eat the same lunch. They take turns serving lunch to their homeroom. Lunch lasts about 40 minutes at Nobitome Elementary School.
In some lower grades, classes end after lunch. Upper elementary students have one more class. Other schools have five or six classes per day. Some schools allow for a 20-minute recess. Students clean the classrooms. They sweep, mop, and throw away trash. Students usually leave school around three o’clock.
After-school clubs like sports and English club are offered. Unlike middle and high school clubs, these meet only once a week.
Japanese schooling is effective but faces problems. These problems are absenteeism, school refusal, and bullying. The government addresses the education of Japanese children residing abroad.
Moral education is emphasized. The national flag is flown and the national anthem is sung at ceremonies.
Remember ‘omoiyari’ that I mentioned at the beginning? It reflects the values instilled at Nobitome Elementary School. It prepares students not just academically but also as considerate members of society.