Strict and Surprising School Rules in Japanese Schools

Cleaning and Discipline

One of the first things that surprise foreigners is the cleanliness of Japanese schools. Students are responsible for cleaning their classrooms. This practice aims to instill values of discipline and respect for shared spaces from a young age. Additionally, students’ underwear must be white to maintain strict uniformity and avoid any form of distraction.

Restrictions on Toilet Breaks

Some rules directly impact students’ physical well-being. For example, in some schools, going to the toilet during exams can result in a penalty on the student’s grade, up to 10% off, simply for leaving the room. Furthermore, another school has introduced an even more draconian rule where toilet breaks are timed: 60 seconds for boys and 180 seconds for girls. If this time is exceeded, the student is considered absent from the class.

Aesthetic Bentos

The bento, a carefully prepared and often very aesthetic Japanese meal, is also subject to strict rules. If a student’s bento is deemed too pretty, it may be considered non-compliant. This rule aims to avoid comparisons and feelings of unfairness among students whose parents do not have the time or skills to prepare aesthetic meals.

Romantic Relationships and Social Uniformity

Romantic relationships are also closely monitored in Japanese schools. Students are not allowed to have romantic relationships, even outside the school. This rule aims to encourage students to focus on their studies. However, this prohibition has led to extreme situations, such as a student being forced to leave school due to her relationship with a boy.

Clothing Bans

Dress codes are also very strict. Students are not allowed to wear watches or mechanical pencils before middle school. Shoes worn inside the school must be uwabaki, special shoes designed for indoor use. The school uniform must be worn at all times in school, and even wearing tights for girls in winter is often prohibited, leaving them exposed to the cold.

To Read: The Fascinating Differences of the Japanese Human Body: Between Myths and Realities

These rules, although intended to maintain a certain discipline and equality among students, raise questions about their relevance and impact on student well-being. While some regulations may seem logical in the Japanese cultural context, others are clearly outdated and need revision to better suit the current needs of students. Rigor and discipline remain fundamental values in Japanese schools, but a more balanced approach could offer a more welcoming and fair school environment for all students.

The Scars of the High School: Toward a Necessary Reform

The tragic event that led to the death of the young girl left indelible marks on the school community. The students, though shocked, had to continue their school lives, but the atmosphere was no longer the same. The memory of the victim haunted the school’s corridors, a constant reminder of the consequences of negligence and rigid rules.

Despite the measures taken by the justice system, the emotional scars ran deep. The principal, who was dismissed, left the town, seeking to start over elsewhere. Replacing him was difficult, as few educators wanted to take on the responsibility of an institution marked by such a tragedy.

Prosoi, meanwhile, was under increased scrutiny by the new administration. Despite warnings, he continued to justify his actions, convinced he had followed the rules to the letter. His colleagues and parents viewed him with suspicion, some even calling for his dismissal. But administrative procedures were long and complicated.

The school, removed from university recommendations, saw a decline in enrollment. Parents preferred to send their children to institutions where safety was a priority. Teachers, under pressure, tried to create a safer and more welcoming environment, but the process was slow and arduous.

The students organized themselves. A student association was created, dedicated to the memory of their deceased classmate. They campaigned for concrete changes in the school’s safety policy and for a more humane and less bureaucratic environment. Awareness workshops and psychological support sessions were set up, helping students express their pain and find ways to rebuild.

The tragedy had triggered a collective awareness of the importance of kindness and listening in the educational system. Gradually, things began to change. Teachers were trained to recognize signs of distress in students, and stricter and clearer safety rules were established.

As for Prosoi, his book became a topic of debate. Some saw him as a rigid man blinded by rules, others saw him as a scapegoat of a failing system. His book was often used in ethics classes to discuss the limits of obedience and individual responsibility.

Despite years of turmoil, the high school eventually regained a certain serenity. New generations of students learned about the girl’s story not as a mere tragedy but as a lesson on the importance of safety, humanity, and the courage to change things for the better.