What a School Performance Shows Us About Japanese Education
By Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Published in The New York Times
Original URL: What a School Performance Shows Us About Japanese Education

Ema Ryan Yamazaki’s reflections on Japanese elementary education, explored through her short documentary Instruments of a Beating Heart, highlight the interplay of teamwork, discipline, and personal growth in shaping Japanese society. Yamazaki delves into how the foundational principles taught to children in Japan influence their lifelong values and behaviors.

Core Values in Japanese Elementary Education

Japanese elementary schools emphasize a holistic approach to education, cultivating both academic and nonacademic skills. From an early age, children are expected to contribute to the upkeep of their school environment and community. Activities such as cleaning classrooms and serving lunch instill a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and accomplishment. These practices create a “mini society” within schools, fostering a culture of harmony, discipline, and collective effort.

The values ingrained in students during these formative years are mirrored in broader Japanese societal norms. For instance, Yamazaki points out that traits like punctuality and social harmony—evident in the timely operation of Japan’s trains—stem from the collective mindset cultivated in schools. However, this emphasis on group cohesion also imposes societal pressures, including a need to conform and avoid bringing shame to the community.

The Documentary: A Reflection of Japanese Education

Yamazaki’s documentary follows Ayame, a first-grader in a Tokyo public school, as she and her classmates undertake a semester-long challenge to form an orchestra and perform at a school ceremony. The project encapsulates the dualities of Japanese education: rigorous discipline balanced with opportunities for personal and collective growth. The children are taught to “make your hearts as one,” underscoring the importance of unity and mutual support in achieving shared goals. Ayame’s journey of resilience and perseverance highlights the transformative power of overcoming challenges.

Balancing Discipline and Freedom

While the film celebrates the strengths of Japanese education, it also raises questions about the delicate balance between discipline and individual freedom. Yamazaki suggests that fostering resilience and teamwork is essential, but it is equally important to ensure that the emphasis on conformity does not stifle creativity or personal expression.

Lessons for Global Education

Yamazaki invites audiences worldwide to reflect on their own educational systems. The traditions and practices in Japanese schools, while unique, offer insights into how education shapes societal values and future generations. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of the Japanese model, other nations can consider how to integrate character-building practices into their own curricula.

Conclusion

Through her documentary and reflections, Yamazaki underscores the profound influence of elementary education on shaping both individual character and societal norms. While Japan’s system highlights the value of discipline, teamwork, and shared responsibility, it also prompts broader discussions about balancing these qualities with the need for individuality and freedom. Yamazaki’s work serves as a call for educators globally to critically evaluate and refine their approaches to nurturing the next generation.