Why do small children in Japan ride the subway alone?

Reference: The Economist

Why does Ohtani Shohei, the renowned Japanese baseball star, pick up litter after games? Why do Japanese people queue so politely and wait patiently for green lights before crossing the road? In short, what makes Japan so remarkably orderly? Some believe the answer can be traced back to its primary schools.

為什麼日本著名棒球明星大谷翔平在比賽後會撿垃圾？為什麼日本人總是這麼有禮貌地排隊，並耐心等到綠燈才過馬路？簡而言之，是什麼讓日本如此井然有序？有些人認為答案可以追溯到他們的小學教育。

Japanese schools play a vital role in preparing children for life in society. They emphasize teaching collaboration, nurturing initiative, and fostering a sense of equality. This philosophy is encapsulated in the concept of hito-zukuri—the art of shaping people.

日本的學校在培養孩子適應社會生活方面扮演著至關重要的角色。它們重視合作精神的教導、主動性的培養以及平等意識的塑造。這種理念體現在「人づくり」（hito-zukuri）這一概念中，即塑造人的藝術。

Japan's educational approach has deep historical roots. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the samurai class established schools to train literate and ethical warriors, while temple schools educated peasants—perhaps the origin of children cleaning classrooms. In the 19th century, the shock of encountering the industrialized West led to the centralization of education, aimed at modernizing the nation. By the 20th century, as Japan embraced militarism, schools became tools for instilling imperial fervor. Following Japan's defeat in World War II and subsequent American occupation, the curriculum shifted toward more democratic values.

日本的教育方式有著深厚的歷史根基。在江戶時代（1603年至1868年），武士階級創立學校，培育具備讀寫能力和道德修養的武士，而寺廟學校則負責教育農民——這或許是孩子打掃教室傳統的起源。19世紀時，面對工業化西方的衝擊，日本開始推動教育的中央集權化，目的是使國家現代化。到了20世紀，隨著日本走向軍國主義，學校成為灌輸帝國熱忱的工具。在第二次世界大戰日本戰敗及隨後的美國占領後，教育課程轉向更具民主價值觀的方向發展。

Even today, Japanese schools prioritize character development. Discipline and responsibility to others are central, explains Nakano Koichi, a political scientist. Group harmony takes precedence over individualism, and authority is deeply respected. Rules are so thoroughly internalized that reprimands are rarely needed.

即使在今天，日本的學校仍然重視人格培養。政治學家中野晃一解釋說，紀律和對他人的責任是核心。團體和諧優先於個人主義，而權威則受到深深的尊重。規則已被徹底內化，因此很少需要進行斥責。

An emphasis on group harmony is woven into every aspect of life in Japan, including education. Ms. Yonaha recalls being shocked during a visit to America when she saw children freely "having fun" during physical-education classes. "In Japan," she explains, "sports is also about learning how to function within a group." This collective approach underscores the cultural priority placed on teamwork and social cohesion.

對群體和諧的重視滲透到了日本生活的各個層面，包括教育。與那哈女士回憶說，在訪問美國時，她看到孩子們在體育課上自由地「玩耍」而感到震驚。 “在日本，”她解釋說，“體育運動也是一種學習如何在團體中發揮作用的方式。”這種集體方式強調了團隊合作和社會凝聚力的文化優先性。

Japan's schools excel academically, with students ranking near the top globally in reading, math, and science, according to OECD tests. However, as society evolves—valuing individuality more and becoming less homogeneous—schools face the challenge of balancing community spirit with personal expression. Some parents, like Ms. Otani, have opted for international schools, believing the system's focus on conformity works well only up to a certain age.

根據經濟合作與發展組織（OECD）的測試結果，日本的學校在學術上表現出色，學生在閱讀、數學和科學方面的排名位居全球前列。然而，隨著社會的發展——更加重視個性並變得不再那麼同質化——學校面臨著在培養社群精神與個人表達之間取得平衡的挑戰。一些家長，例如大谷女士，選擇了國際學校，因為他們認為日本教育體系對於強調一致性的做法僅適合某個特定年齡階段。