Encouraging children to be independent is an integral part of Japanese culture. This tradition is not only about helping children take care of themselves, but also about building community. Japanese children are taught to take responsibility for their actions and understand that they are part of a larger society.
Television shows like “My First Errand” reinforce this view, where children are tasked with simple tasks like shopping or visiting a neighbor alone. These experiences help children develop life skills they will need for the future.
When Australian reporter Jake Adelstein observed Japanese children walking to school without adult supervision, he raised safety concerns.
Education in Japan is generally considered to be strict and disciplined. Students are not only focused on their studies but also have to follow social rules, from lining up to maintaining public hygiene.
This not only helps children develop a sense of community, but also creates a strong sense of responsibility towards themselves and the community. These good habits will follow children throughout their lives, affecting the way they interact with society, according to Adelstein's observations.
Although Japan has a low crime rate, concerns about safety persist. These concerns may stem from differences in how cultures handle social issues and how they define “safety” for children.
Concerns about allowing children to go to school by themselves come not only from parents but also from society itself. Many people may feel that society today is not as safe as before, leading to increased supervision and management of children.
However, this also reduces children's independence. They may not develop the skills needed to solve problems, build relationships, and learn from their mistakes.
The difference in child-rearing between Japan and Western countries is not only reflected in individual things like allowing children to go to school, shop by themselves... but also reflects a part of culture and society.
In Japan, children are often encouraged to develop independence from a very early age, which creates a confident and responsible generation.
In contrast, safety concerns in Western societies lead to tighter controls, which affect children's ability to be independent.
However, creating an independent generation is not only the responsibility of parents but also requires support from the whole society. Therefore, this is the time for parents, teachers, and educational policy makers to reflect and seek new methods to encourage children to become independent, confident and capable individuals in life.
