Raising a child in Japan: features, current methods and traditions

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

It's no secret that Japan is a country where one of the main principles of society is the observance of traditions. A person gets acquainted with them from birth. Following the tradition go side by side throughout his life. And despite the fact that the modern social structure of Japan is influenced by the West, the changes brought to the Land of the Rising Sun do not at all concern the deep social structures. They appear only in external imitation of fashion trends and trends.

The same can be said about raising a child in Japan. It is fundamentally different from those pedagogical methods that are used in Russia. For example, in Japanese playgrounds for children, it is impossible to hear rude phrases like “I will punish you now” or “you are behaving badly.” And even in those cases when these kids start to fight with their mother or, picking up felt-tip pens, outline the white door of the store, no reprimands from the sidethere will be no adults. After all, everything is allowed in Japan for a child under 5 years old. Such liberal traditions of the educational process do not fit into the imagination of Russian people.

This article will take a brief look at parenting in Japan. What is remarkable about this system?

Role of mother

Care of raising a child in Japan falls, as a rule, on the shoulders of a woman. Fathers practically do not take part in this process. This is especially true for the first years of a baby's life.

The status of mothers in Japan is highlighted. These women are called "amae". It is rather difficult to translate the meaning of this word into Russian. It expresses the desired and very deep dependence of the baby on the most important and beloved person in his life.

Of course, Japanese mothers do everything for their child that depends on them. It is almost impossible to see a crying child in this country. Mom does everything not to give him a reason for this. During the first year of his life, the baby is constantly with a woman. The mother wears it on her chest or behind her back. And in order to make this possible in any weather, Japanese clothing stores offer special jackets that have compartments for children, fastened with zippers. When the baby grows up, the insert comes unfastened. Thus, the jacket becomes ordinary clothing. A mother does not leave her child even at night. The little one always sleeps next to her.

Japanese mothers will never assert authority over their children. It is believed that this may lead toa feeling of alienation. The mother will never challenge the desires and will of the child. And if she wants to express her dissatisfaction with this or that act of her child, she will do it indirectly. She will simply make it clear that she is upset by his behavior. It is worth noting that most Japanese children literally idolize their mothers. That is why, having committed a certain offense, they will certainly feel remorse and guilt for their actions.

Getting acquainted with interesting facts about raising children in Japan, it is worth noting that in the event of a conflict situation, a mother will never move away from her baby. On the contrary, she will try to be as close to him as possible. It is believed that this will strengthen the much-needed emotional contact in such a situation.

Also in Japan, children don't help their mothers wash the dishes. They don't clean the room either. This is simply not accepted in the country. Housework falls entirely on the shoulders of the hostess. It is believed that a woman who asked for help is not able to cope with her main function - to keep her home in order and be a mother. Even the closest friends do not help each other in household affairs.

Motherhood is considered the main function of a woman in Japan. And it certainly prevails over the rest. Even when communicating with each other, the women of this country rarely address each other by their first names. They indicate precisely the marital status of their interlocutor, saying: “Hello, mother of such and such a child, how are you?”

Steps of upbringing

BasicThe elements of the Japanese system of pedagogy are three modules. These are a kind of steps that the baby will have to go through at different periods of his life.

So, the main phases that exist in traditional parenting in Japan are:

1. Stage "Emperor". When raising children in Japan up to the age of 5, they are considered to be allowed to do almost anything.
2. Stage "slave". It lasts for 10 years when the child is between the ages of 5 and 15.
3. Step "equal". Children go through this phase after their fifteenth birthday.

It is worth noting that the method of raising children adopted in Japan is effective only in this country. After all, its principles are followed by all adults who live on the territory of the state - from megacities to provinces. For a different environment, this technique will need some adjustment to adapt it to local conditions.

Emperor

The first phase is for raising children up to 5 years old. In Japan, at this age, adults practically forbid nothing to the child.

Mom allows her child to do everything. From adults, the child can only hear warnings “bad”, “dirty” or “dangerous”. However, if he is nevertheless burned or hurt, the mother believes that only she is to blame. At the same time, the woman asks the child for forgiveness that she could not save him from pain.

Children, having started walking, are constantly under their mother's supervision. A woman follows her little one literally on the heels. Often mothers organize games for their children in which they themselves take an active part.participation.

As for dads, you can only see them for a walk on weekends. At this time, the family tends to go to nature or visit the park. If the weather does not allow this, then the game rooms in large shopping centers become a place for leisure activities.

Japanese parents will never raise their voice at their children. Nor will they lecture them. Corporal punishment is out of the question.

There is no public condemnation of the actions of young children in the country. Adults will not make comments either to the baby or his mother. And this is despite the fact that on the street a child can behave at least rudely. Many children enjoy this. Based on the fact that the upbringing of children in Japan under the age of 5 occurs in the absence of punishment and condemnation, kids very often put their whims and whims above all else.

The power of example

Features of raising children in Japan at the level of "emperor" for American and European parents seem to be pampering, indulging whims, as well as a complete lack of control from adults. However, this is not at all the case. The power of parents in raising a child in Japan is much stronger than in the West. The fact is that it is traditionally based on appeals to feelings, as well as a personal example.

In 1994, an experiment was conducted, the results of which were supposed to point out the difference in approaches to the upbringing and education of children in Japan and in America. Azuma Hiroshi scientists were invited to mothers, representativesof both cultures, assemble a pyramid constructor with your children. Observations revealed an interesting fact. Japanese women first showed their kids how to build a structure. Only then did they allow the child to repeat their actions. If the children were wrong, then the women would start showing them everything from the beginning.

American mothers took a completely different path. At first, they explained to their child the algorithm of the necessary actions, and then performed them together with the baby.

The difference in parenting methods noticed by the researcher was called “instructive parenting”. It was followed by Japanese mothers. They "admonished" the children not at all with words, but influenced their minds with actions.

Features of raising children in Japan are that from infancy they are taught to pay attention to their feelings, as well as to the feelings of people around them and even objects. Mom won't chase the little prankster away from the hot cup. However, if the child is burned, then the “amae” will certainly ask for his forgiveness. At the same time, she will definitely mention that the act of her little one hurt her.

One more example. Spoiled, the child breaks his favorite typewriter. European or American in this case will take away the toy. After that, she will read the lecture to the baby that she had to work hard to buy it in the store. The Japanese woman in this case will tell the child that he hurt the typewriter.

So, the traditions of raising children in Japan up to 5 years old allow them almost everything. At the same time, an image is formed in their minds.“I am good, loving parents and well-mannered.”

Slave

This phase of the Japanese parenting system is longer than the previous one. From the age of five, a child has to face reality. He is subject to strict restrictions and rules, which he simply cannot disobey.

This phase can be explained by the fact that Japanese society is inherently communal. The economic and climatic conditions of this country have always forced its people to live and work together. Only thanks to selfless service to the cause and mutual assistance did people get a good harvest of rice, thereby providing food for themselves. This explains the highly developed group consciousness of the Japanese. In the traditions of this country, the expression of public interests is a priority. A person realizes that he is nothing more than one of the elements in a large and very complex mechanism. And if he has not found his place among people, he will certainly become an outcast.

In this regard, according to the rules of raising a child in Japan, from the age of 5 they are taught to be part of a general group. For the inhabitants of the country, there is nothing more terrible than social alienation. That is why babies quickly get used to the fact that they need to sacrifice their personal selfish interests.

Favorite activities of little Japanese "slaves"

Kids who are sent to a kindergarten or a special preparatory school fall into the hands of an educator who plays the role of not a teacher at all, but a kind of coordinator. This specialist uses a whole arsenal of pedagogical methods,one of which is "delegation of powers to oversee behavior". The teacher divides his wards into groups, each of which not only gives the task of performing certain actions, but also invites them to follow their comrades.

Schools in Japan are where kids wear the same strict uniforms, keep a low profile, and treat their teachers with respect. At this age, the principle of equality is instilled in them. Little Japanese begin to understand that they are all the same members of society, regardless of the origin or financial condition of the parents.

Japanese children's favorite activities are choral singing, relay races and team sports.

Starting to follow the laws of society helps babies and their attachment to their mother. After all, if they begin to violate the norms adopted in the team, then this will greatly upset the “amae”. In doing so, shame will fall on her name.

So, the "slave" phase is designed to teach the child to be part of a microgroup and act in harmony with the team. At the same time, the formation of the social responsibility of the growing personality takes place.

Equal

Starting from the age of 15, a child is considered an adult. He is already quite ready for the responsibility that he must bear for himself, for his family, and for the entire state.

A young Japanese who has entered this phase of the educational process must know and also impeccably observe the rules that are accepted in society. follow all rules andtraditions he needs when visiting educational institutions. But in his free time, he is allowed to behave as he pleases. A young Japanese is allowed to wear any clothing from Western fashion or samurai traditions.

Sons and daughters

Traditions for raising children in Japan differ depending on the gender of the child. So, the son is considered the backbone of the family. That is why the upbringing of a child (boy) in Japan is closely connected with the traditions of the samurai. After all, they will give the future man the ability and strength to endure adversity.

According to the traditions of the Japanese people, boys are not allowed to work in the kitchen. It is believed that this is a purely female affair. But at the same time, sons are certainly enrolled in various classes and circles, which is not mandatory for girls.

The basis of raising children in Japan are numerous holidays. Among them there is a day dedicated to boys. There is also a separate holiday for girls.

On the day of the boys, colorful images of carps rise into the sky. After all, only this fish is able to swim against the river current for a long time. That is why she is considered a symbol of the readiness of the boy - the future man - to the fact that he will certainly overcome all life's difficulties.

What is typical for raising a girl in Japan? From an early age, a child is raised to perform the function of a mother and a homemaker. Girls are taught to be patient and submissive, and to obey a man in everything. Toddlers are taught to cook, wash and sew, walk beautifully and dress, feelingherself as a complete woman. After the lessons, they do not have to attend circles. Girls are allowed to sit in a cafe with girlfriends.

Secrets of parenting in Japan

The approach that the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun use in pedagogy is quite interesting. However, it can be seen as more than just education. This is a whole philosophy, the main direction of which is perseverance, borrowing and respect for personal space.

Educators in many countries around the world are confident that the Japanese system, which is called Ikuji, has allowed the country to achieve stunning success in the shortest possible time to take its place in the list of leading countries in the world.

What are the main secrets of this approach?

1. "Not individualism, but only cooperation." This method in raising children is used to guide the "child of the Sun" along the right path.
2. "Every child is wanted." This happens because it is believed that a woman, being a mother, can be sure that she will take a certain position in society. It is considered a great misfortune for a man if he does not have an heir.
3. "The unity of mother and child." Only a woman is engaged in raising her baby. She does not go to work until her son or daughter is 3 years old.
4. "Always there." Mothers follow their children everywhere. Women always carry babies with them.
5. "The father is also involved in the upbringing." This is happening on the long awaited weekend.
6. "The child does everything like parents and learns to do it even better than them."Dads and moms constantly support their child in his successes and endeavors, teaching him to imitate their behavior.
7. "The educational process is aimed at developing self-control." For this, various methods and special techniques are used. One of them is “the weakening of control on the part of the teacher.”
8. "The main task of adults is to educate, not to educate." Indeed, in later life, children themselves will have to be in some kind of group. That is why from an early age they learn to analyze the conflicts that arise in games.

The challenge of Japanese education

The main goal of the pedagogy of the Land of the Rising Sun is to educate a member of the team. For residents of Japan, the interests of a corporation or firm are paramount. This is the success of the goods of this country, which they use in world markets.

Similar things are taught here from childhood, that is, to be in a group and benefit society. At the same time, every resident of the country will certainly believe that he is responsible for the quality of what he does.