Student Burial in Japan

A student died in my friend's school. He's a third year junior high school student. My friend recollected that he is one of the kind and respectful students in his class. And although he's not good in English, he would try to communicate with her. My friend was shocked when she learned about his death last Monday. She immediately called me and cried. Last night she went to his burial and told me her observations which I also like to share.

japanese burial
PHOTO CREDIT: http://lasamurai.blogspot.jp/2010_07_01_archive.html

1. Music

The first thing that my friend noticed was the background music during the wake. They weren't soft or mournful songs like in Philippine wakes. The songs played are from One Piece. The boy's parents explained that One Piece is his favorite anime. For someone to die that young, I think it is fitting to play songs in his generation. Perhaps, I would also want songs my generation to play in my own wake.

2. People

Almost all the students came along with the teachers. No eye was dry during the wake. My friend was surprised that even students who are rough and rowdy expressed their grief freely. Japanese society is not a very emotional one so it was an experience for my friend to witness adults and young ones crying without inhibitions.

3. Cause of Death

When my friend learned of the student's death, she automatically asked the cause. The teachers just told her that something happened. They seem evasive which quite puzzled her. In the wake, she also asked the parents and the parents were a bit vague about the details. Another ALT friend told us that when teachers and parents are quite vague, the probable cause would be suicide. Though we don't want to think that way, our friend has been here for quite sometime and has witnessed several student suicides. In Japan, suicide is quite common so it wasn't surprising. Nonetheless, it does not diminish the impact of knowing a person that young would commit suicide.

Although I hope I could share more regarding this topic, I don't wish to see any student burial. Death is already heartbreaking without seeing a younger generation on its claws.

Gift Items for Japanese Teachers

Christmas is not really celebrated in Japanese schools. Hence, gift-giving is not really a big thing compared to the schools I worked with in the Philippines. But still, it's a good time to express gratitude for the kind teachers, show appreciation for the staff who always help me figure out equipment and just simply to be nice.

I went about asking other ALT's who plan to give gifts to Japanese teachers. I's like to share some of them. 

1. Native delicacies

yema balls
PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.acupcakeortwo.com/2010/02/yema-balls-simple-filipino-treat.html

Most Japanese teachers that I know are not very aware of other country's culture including their food. I took this knowledge to my advantage and prepared yema. Yema is a Philippine sweet made from milk mixed with peanuts or jackfruit. It's easy to make and the ingredients are very affordable. The teachers loved it. They also appreciated it because I personally made it. 

2. Personalized small items

sample personalized bookmarks
PHOTO CREDIT: http://personalizedbookmarks.org/

If you are good in editing paper products, a personalized bookmark, stationery, name tags will be a great gift. However, this may take time. A printer is also necessary. But I would definitely be happy to receive a personalized item. 

3. Christmas cards

Christmas card cover
PHOTO CREDIT: http://saffroncraig.com/_blog/Saffrons_Blog/post/Free_Down_load_able_Christmas_Card/

Cards may not be appreciated so much in the Philippines. When I give a card to someone back home, it means we're not really close. It's different in Japan though. People express their gratitude and appreciation through cards. In fact, the Christmas season is the busiest season for postal services because a lot of people send cards to friends and relatives. There's even a teacher who sent me a card through the post although we see each other everyday. Receiving a Christmas card is an honor in Japan. 

4. Candies and chocolates

chocolates with candy canes
PHOTO CREDIT: http://favim.com/image/314279/

If you don't have time to cook, to edit small items and to write messages on Christmas cards then give candies and chocolates. I suggest you go to a nearest grocery and buy these. What I observed is that Japanese teachers appreciate any kind effort from the ALT. 

I think that whatever the gift may be and no matter how big or small, it should be coupled with a sincere "Merry Christmas" and sweet smile.

Going to High School in Japan

It was interesting for me to learn that all junior high school high students pass. They are all eligible to go to high school. The question is in what school a student will be accepted. In the Philippines, students can choose in what public high school they can go to. In Japan, a lot of factors are considered.

Japanese high school students
PHOTO CREDIT: http://regex.info/blog/2008-07-03/856

1. A student choose his schools based on what type of career track he wants 

I learned that high schools in Japan are largely tied up with colleges or universities. A student can choose his school for HS based on what career he's preparing for. High schools are like preparatory schools for university level. My Japanese cousin studied in a high school dedicated to the arts because she wanted to be a hair stylist and fashion designer. I've worked in a high school in Iwate where they have a Physical Education track for future professional athletes. I also subbed for a school in Tokyo where they have business classes for those planning to go to business. 

2. Teachers can make or break a student's application to high school

For the past month, the third year teachers in my school are very busy. They are doing all the necessary reports and paper works for students to enter high school. The teachers' recommendations and given grades will matter a lot if a student can get into the the high school he wants. So in effect your performance in JHS will still matter. High achievers will have more school choices than low achievers. 

3. The high school can decide to accept or reject a student

Public high schools can accept or reject a student's application. This is unlike in the Philippines where anybody can go to a public high school. The only reason a high school will reject a student is overpopulation. If this happens, the only option for a student is by enrolling to a private school. This happened to one of my students. He's generally a good kid but very unmotivated. His grades are so low that no public high school would like to accept him. He has to go a private school in the countryside to enter high school. 

I realized that how this system teaches a great deal about consequences of one's actions. It's like sure you can exist or survive whether you're good or bad. (In this case, whether a student performs well or not.) But in the end, those who persevere and do well will still have the greatest rewards. (That is, they will have an easier time getting into high school.)