More Than Marks: What Japan Teaches Us About Building Values in School
Japan’s schools focus on values, discipline, and responsibility instead of early exam pressure. India can learn to build character through daily habits, not just grades
Imagine a school day with no grades, no exams in the early years, and no pressure to score high marks. In Japan, many schools follow this model. From the beginning, children learn values like respect, discipline, community, dignity, and responsibility. These qualities are treated as important as any academic subject.
One key practice is Osoji or Gakko Soji, where students clean their own classrooms, corridors, and even restrooms. This cleaning time, done in small rotating teams for 15–20 minutes, teaches cooperation, responsibility, and respect for shared spaces. Students learn that if they make a mess, they should clean it. It is not punishment, but a way to build good habits.
In Japan, schools also focus on manners, discipline, teamwork, politeness, punctuality, and helping others. Children are taught to care for classmates and show respect to both elders and younger peers. Assessments do exist, but in the early grades there is less focus on exams. Growth is seen through social and emotional learning, not just numbers.
In contrast, many Indian schools are test-focused and marks-driven. Students often face pressure to perform in board exams, entrance exams, and coaching classes. Classroom chores are handled by staff, and values like responsibility and cleanliness are not part of daily school routines.
India can learn from Japan by building character through daily activities, reducing early exam stress, teaching hands-on responsibility, and measuring holistic growth. Education should shape responsible and respectful human beings, not just good test-takers.
