Japanese Schools Teach Life Lessons Through Clubs, Cleaning, and Daily Routines

Fiona Wilson's piece discusses the valuable life lessons imparted by Japanese schools through their daily activities and extracurricular programs. Almost every student participates in bukatsu (after-school clubs), which include 47 sports and 26 cultural clubs recognized by the Japan Sports Agency. A study conducted by sociologist Thomas Blackwood revealed that over 70% of adults consider bukatsu involvement beneficial for developing life skills. The practice of cleaning (osoji) has been mandated by the education ministry since 1897, playing a significant role in maintaining Japan's cleanliness. School lunches encourage nutritious eating, while sports days enhance teamwork. Most elementary students independently walk to school with a randoseru backpack, a tradition dating back to the late 19th century. Some bukatsu clubs are transitioning to community settings in response to decreasing school enrollments.