Can you imagine Ozasa Elementary School without the sound of children cleaning? It is a task they undertake themselves. Ozasa Elementary School is a place of learning in Fukuoka. It lies in the region of Fukuoka in Japan.
Ozasa is about 4.6 km from Fukuoka’s regional capital. It is also about 882.9 km from Tokyo. That is about 548.6 miles away. Here at Ozasa Elementary School, the pupils are responsible for cleaning their school.
There are no janitors here. Students clean every part of the school. They even clean the toilets. Teachers and the principal also join in. There is a dedicated cleaning time every day. It is called “souji”. Some pupils wear bandannas. Some meditate before cleaning.
Japanese schools teach children how to live in society. They learn how to respect others. They also learn how to have healthy habits. Ozasa Elementary School is no exception. Not hiring someone else to clean the school is a big change. It teaches responsibility.
No one stops working during school vacations. Teachers still go to school. They keep up with their responsibilities. They often supervise student clubs. The schools are very clean. Students cannot wear outdoor shoes inside. They have indoor shoes. Ozasa Elementary School maintains this tradition.
Japan wants a harmonious society. Everyone should perform at the same level. Individualism is not as rewarded. There is a saying to “hammer the nail that sticks out”. Every student has the same schoolbag. It has the school’s emblem. The bags also have reflective stripes. Many students return home late at night. They travel by bike or on foot.
Students need to look similar. They represent a unit. Rules are strict. No one can dye their hair. Piercings and makeup are not allowed. Sports clubs meet before and after school.
Being part of a sports club is hard work. Students are committed. They are proud of their club. Students can sometimes sleep in class. Teachers understand they are tired. Almost no one drops out of high school in Japan.
Japanese schools are old-fashioned. Students use pen and paper. Technology is slowly arriving. High-tech equipment is not always up-to-date. Classrooms can be too hot or too cold. Japanese teaching materials are traditional. Japan values equality in education.
Teachers move a lot. The government spends little on education. Becoming a teacher is hard. Teachers work very hard. Japan focuses on problem-solving. Teachers collaborate often. They improve the school outside of class. Almost every student graduates. The Japanese Constitution is taken seriously.
Japanese teachers do not send students out of the classroom. Everyone eats the same meal. Students serve the meal. Children cannot eat what they want. Students are trained for everything. They are trained even for eating. Classrooms are not only for learning. Students always stay with their classmates. There is no way for a student to fail a grade. Test scores still matter for entrance exams. Japan has a unique education system. Ozasa Elementary School plays a vital role. It shapes young minds and fosters community.