For years, Japan has been known for its educational excellence, especially in the areas of literature and writing. The Japanese are famous for their calligraphy, school uniforms, and elaborate classroom décor. Many Japanese children go on to become professional writers because of this emphasis on education. Let’s find out more about the Japanese education system and how it influences the way their children write.
Literacy In General
Japan is one of the most literate countries there is. In 2014, it had the eighth-highest average number of years of schooling per capita. More than 92% of the population can read, and approximately 85% can write. Overall, the Japanese consider literate people to be intelligent, sophisticated, and knowledgeable. These are all positive characteristics that come highly recommended in Japanese culture!
This emphasis on education can be attributed to the country’s rich history. When the country was first established, it inherited a lot of philosophy from China. This philosophy emphasizes rational thinking, critical analysis, and most importantly, education. For centuries, Japan has been known for its scholarship programs. During the Meiji Restoration, for example, many Western-style schools were established, which made literacy popular among the upper classes. Even now, Japan prides itself on being the country with the highest number of academic publications per capita. In 2019, Japan had the twenty-third highest number of publications per capita globally and the eighteenth highest number of citations per publication.
One of the most famous Japanese dictionaries is the Kanji Dictionary, first published in 1945. Since that time, it’s been continuously revised and improved. The latest edition was published in 2020. The dictionary contains approximately 900,000 words and is considered one of the most comprehensive kanji dictionaries ever created. It’s used throughout the country in schools to teach writing, reading, and kanji.
Traditional Learning
Traditional learning in Japan refers to the education kids receive in schools from grades 1 to 12. The curriculum in these schools is extensive, and it usually includes history, English, math, science, Chinese classics, and Japanese literature. Every year, students are tested on their knowledge of Japanese history and culture, which is considered a qualifier for entering high school. In 2020, the most recent school year, Japanese schools will be teaching using the Kaide (simplified language) instead of the more traditional Hiragana and Katarana scripts. This is to help encourage young people to learn the language (Japanese), as it is useful for both students and employers.
One of the most memorable traditional learning experiences for Japanese students is the Summer Reading Program, which is held annually in July and August. Essentially, this is a national reading week during which schools and libraries distribute books to kids in order to encourage them to read. In 2020, the summer reading program will be a little different in that it is geared towards second-year students in preparation for entering university. During this time, students are required to read Kant’s ‘Critique of Pure Reason’ and Thoreau’s ‘Walden’ as well as a selection of short stories by Japanese authors. The idea is to help prepare students for their college-level literature essays. Hopefully, this should inspire more kids to read and write!
Emphasis on Writing
As mentioned above, the Japanese regard literate people as intelligent, civilized, and well-spoken. Many would say that the country’s educational system has created the perfect environment for kids to learn how to write. Even before school starts, children in Japan are taught how to write in their mother tongue, the Kanji. This is done by rote learning and through lots of practice. In fact, the Japanese usually write from memory, so it is important that they are able to do this well. It is also one of the main ways that the country evaluates their children’s ability to learn.
Even when they are in school, the Japanese continue to learn how to write. This is mostly done through homework, which should be seen as a good thing, since it forces the students to learn how to study independently. It also means that the students have to analyze the information given to them and then synthesize it into an organized essay or research paper. This is a vital life skill that will serve them well in whatever field they choose.
The Power of Stories
When children in Japan learn to write, they are usually required to write short essays on a particular topic. These essays are supposed to be about 500 words long, which is a decent amount for a child! This is for two reasons: first, to give the children enough time to craft a polished piece; second, to encourage them to write because it is fun. What is important is that these essays should be grammatically correct and engaging. The topics are usually historical figures, scientific discoveries, literary creations, or fictional characters. These are usually common-sense topics that anyone would know how to write about.
What draws the Japanese even more to these topics is the fact that they are all anchored in stories. When a Japanese child writes an essay on, say, Albert Einstein, they will do so by using the names and memories of real people who lived in the same time as Einstein. Children in Japan are encouraged to write about people they know, which is one of the main reasons for the heavy emphasis on history and literature in the classroom. The Japanese often tell stories as a way to explain things. These stories are usually linked to some sort of lesson learned, which is why the country’s education system emphasizes logic and critical thinking.
How Is Japanese Literature Influenced by the Education System?
For centuries, Japan has been known for its rich culture and its literary tradition. In 2020, Japanese children will be learning about this culture and literature in a brand new light. The country’s education system is putting a new spin on old standards, and it’s a spin that benefits both students and teachers. Let’s explore how this is possible and how it will inspire the next generation of Japanese writers.
Creativity
In Japanese culture, creative people are generally respected and admired. This is mostly because the Japanese regard art and literature as a form of self-expression, even if it’s just for one’s own personal use. Naturally, as a result of this cultural emphasis on creativity, many Japanese schools have a lot of fun arts-related activities. In some cases, these artsy activities even result in paid work opportunities for students. The arts play a crucial role in students’ lives, both in and out of school. They have opportunities to explore different styles, which encourages critical thinking. This is important, because as we’ve discussed, Japan regards literacy and education as highly important. In fact, during the 2019 summer reading program, students will be reading a selection of short stories by Edogawa Rampo, which is one of the most famous horror writers in Japanese history. Rampo’s short stories and novels are often laced with dark humor, which is something that could easily translate into children’s books. This could potentially boost the sales of these newly published books, especially if they’re well-reviewed!
Individualism
The individualism that exists in Japanese culture is a combination of Confucianism and Buddhism. While these religions promote self-reliance and personal responsibility, they also value education and rational thinking. This tension between the individual and the group is what makes Japanese society so interesting to study. During the 2019 summer reading program, students will be reading two important works by Ryunosuke Akai, which includes:
- Kamikaze: A collection of short stories about the Japanese Navy’s suicide tactics during World War II
- Mister TenIshin: The story of an academic whose research into the supernatural lands him in trouble
These are just two of the most prominent works by Ryunosuke Akai, who was a respected writer and journalist during the peak of the anime and manga boom. In 2010, Akai passed away at the age of 94. Even now, his work is still widely available and enjoyed by everyone, especially students. If you’re looking for a good story with a fascinating setting, you could do a lot worse than to check out one of Ryunosuke Akai’s classic novels!
Although the Japanese education system might not influence their literature directly, it still manages to give it a unique twist. As we’ve explored, the emphasis on education in Japan is very subtle but extremely important. The system cultivates the perfect environment for intelligent and creative children to flourish. It is no wonder that many Japanese children go on to become authors and why schools and libraries in Japan are so popular!