Can you imagine students cleaning their own school? That is a normal day at Toneyama Elementary School. We are standing in front of Toneyama Elementary School.
Toneyama Elementary School is located in Toyonaka Osaka. It is more than just a place for learning. The students actively participate in maintaining their school’s cleanliness. No janitors are needed at Toneyama Elementary School.
Students take responsibility for cleaning every part of Toneyama Elementary School. This includes even the toilets. Teachers and the principal join in too. There is a designated cleaning time called “souji” every day. Some pupils wear bandannas. Others meditate before cleaning. This teaches children how to live in society. It also teaches them how to respect others. They learn how to have healthy habits at Toneyama Elementary School.
Japanese schools teach pupils everything they need to live in society. This is a drastic change compared to other schools. It encourages students to respect their environment. Every student has the same backpack in Japan. These backpacks feature the school emblem and reflective stripes. Many students walk or bike home late at night.
Japan makes sure that every one of its students is similar. It is really important to the country to have a united group specifically in school. Rules are strict. No one can dye their hair. Piercings and tons of makeup are not allowed.
For students who are part of sports clubs activities happen both before and after class every day. Japanese pupils who choose to join a sports club need to be aware that it is very intense. They rarely rest and need to be committed. Japanese sports club members are often very tired. They may be sleepy and sweaty in class since some activities require students to run for miles.
Despite how hard it is clubs are vastly popular in Japan. Most students are involved in one activity or another. These students are very proud of their club. Good news for all sports club members who are constantly tired in class. They can sometimes sleep in their classrooms. Every student is at least a bit tired in Japan.
Assignments are given during holidays. School clubs meet during the weekend. Many students also take extra classes. Japanese classrooms often feel too hot or too cold. Schools generally try to save as much money as possible. They use electric fans instead of air-conditioners. Winter is even worse. There is no central heating. Schools use kerosene heaters instead.
In Japanese schools at least the public ones everyone eats the same meal and students even serve it. They are responsible for taking the meals from the school lunch area to their classmates wearing gowns. They are also responsible for cleaning up.
While homemade lunches are sometimes allowed they have to comply with the school’s rules. In Japan students are trained for everything even eating.
Japanese students eat in their classroom alongside their teacher. Everyone arranges their desks and chairs to face each other. They eat with their teacher in the same place they study in. There is no way for a Japanese student to fail a grade. Test scores still matter when it comes to entrance examinations.
Toneyama Elementary School is a unique educational institution. It prepares students for their future. It teaches them responsibility. It emphasizes community. It creates well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society.