If you think students and teachers have a tough time in England...

Since lots of people have asked me what school life is like in Japan, I thought I'd add a section on the things I have found most interesting so far. If you thought life as a student or teacher in the UK was tough, then read on...

1. Students clean their own schools - everyday they have cleaning time. They even have to clean the staffroom. (This is not allowed during test time though!) This accounts for why most schools aren't particularly clean - despite the best efforts of the students and teachers. Whilst some students are surprisingly willing, others wipe the same spot on the window for as long as they can get away with before being told to move on!
2. Most students attend after school clubs 5 days a week and at weekends - activities are hardcore and competitive with many competitions and tournaments. The level of commitment and dedication by Japanese students is impressive. On a very rare occasion after an all night party last weekend I saw a group of students at 6am on a Sunday morning at my local station in school uniform. This is not an uncommon sight.
3. It's not uncommon for students to travel an hour + to school. One of my students travels 3 hours each way AND stays for after school club. Whilst officially clubs are not compulsory, it generally isnt the done thing not to attend at least one activity or club. I'm led to believe that at least 90% of students attend clubs. The most popular clubs are baseball, tennis, table tennis, kendo, judo and English club.
4. It's normal for students to sleep in class at their desks. Some teachers allow this, others have a more hard line approach of poking and prodding anyone who dares to slump on the desk. After my initial shock at this, I now understand and appreciate why. I even found one girl knitting under the desk today - she was paying attention so I just smiled and carried on! An ALT friend caught a girl shaving her arms in class!
5. One of the schools I attend has an Asahi Beer and Cigarette vending machine about 2 mins walk from the school gates!! (You have to be 21 to drink and 18 to smoke in Japan)
6. School uniform is strictly enforced at most schools up until the age of 18. It's fashionable right now for the boys to wear their trousers ten sizes too big half way down their boxer shorts and a thick heavy silver studded belt. The mini skirt or just a belt seems to be back in fashion for the girls!
7. It's not uncommon for students to pass out in assembly - myself and my ALT friends have witnessed this on several occassions.
8. Students bow in front of teachers before beginning and ending every lesson. Teachers bow in front of the principal every day before the daily staff meeting. Teachers also bow with students. I just bow to everyone now!
9. It's not uncommon to find teachers asleep at their desks! Some schools even have rest rooms with futons. I've yet to try this, despite being told that I was welcome to this morning!
10. You rarely see students in casual clothes, since even at the weekends they still attend school. 11. I have been told that elementary school children as young as 2 and 3 are taught to bow using a set square to get the perfect 90 degree angle! I'm not entirely sure I believe this, but nothing surprises me!
12. An ALT friend who teaches at elementary also told me children as young as 2 are expected to participate in school sports day despite the fact they were still crawling!!!
13. School teachers work incredibly long hours not only planning and delivering lessons, but also running after school clubs, homeroom and activies - even on weekends. Whilst officially teachers have 30-40 days a year holiday, it's not uncommon for them to take just a few days. I have even heard of teachers sleeping overnight at school! I have been at school after 6pm and many of the teachers are still at their desks. Overtime rate doesnt exist in Japan and there is a genuine word in Japanese which means death by overworking - it's not a joke.
14. If teachers are ill - it is generally expected that any days off school will be taken as 'nenkyu' (annual holiday). Unless you are on your deathbed you are fit to work!!!
15. It is generally expected that if teachers go on holiday or have a business trip they will bring back 'omiage' (normally gifts of sweets, biscuits or food items) for their colleagues. This is generally regarded as a way of saying 'I'm sorry I had a day off'!! I have not had a day yet where I have not been given omiage - sometimes 4 or 5 times a day from teachers that I have never spoken to.
16. Students and teachers change their regular shoes for slippers at the entrance to the school. Some schools also have different toilet slippers which you are expected to wear on entering the bathroom.... have I ever forgotten or not bothered when there is noone around?? ... errrr course not!!! I havent worn the toilet slippers to class yet though!!
17. There are no hand driers at school - or in most public places come to that. You are expected to carry around a hand cloth with you. I always forget this, much to my annoyance! It's also not uncommon to find no soap which makes me really mad!
18. Apart from some of the newer schools, most schools have squat toilets for students... I will refrain from commenting on the experience!!
19. I was surprised to learn that most schools dont have showers. When students finish sports they quickly change and go to the next lesson, hence why some classrooms humm a bit! I only found this out because one day I decided to join the sports teacher in his free period for a game of tennis. After the game in the hot summer heat I asked where the shower was as I was sweaty. The teacher took me to a room where the cleaner was. I waited for about 15 minutes before he came back. I was told that in the cleaning room there used to be a shower, but it didnt have hot water so no students used it. They called it a shower, but it was a bucket and a pipe in the corner! My teacher was very apologetic. I thought to myself maybe this is just a one off, but when I relayed the story to ALT friends I found out that this is the norm.