Japanese School Culture

Part 1: Class Procedure

I’ve noticed some key differences between American schools and Japanese schools since teaching in Japan, some of which are widely known by Americans (junior high and high school students wear uniforms) and some are less commonly known (using 2 sets of shoes, one indoor and one outdoor).  Here’s an overview of some things I discovered after a bit of initial confusion in regards to class procedure:

Class Procedure:

In America, students move from classroom to classroom as they change subjects throughout the day.  They go to the class where their respective teacher is located.  But in Japan, it’s the opposite: each grade has their own classroom as “home base,” and teachers move around the classrooms depending on which grade they teach during which period.  The teachers’ home base is in the staff room, where they get their own desk to work from and keep their materials. 

One student from each grade comes to fetch their respective teacher when it is time for that subject’s class.  Students are allowed in the staff room, but they must show respect at the entrance by announcing their name and why they have come (eg. “I’m Abe Naruka.  I’ve come for Suzuki-sensei.”), then they walk up to that teacher’s desk and request them to come to class (“Suzuki-sensei, please teach us.”).  Of course, this is all said in Japanese and the phrases vary slightly between schools and students, so my translations are very general.  Many students also tend to mumble/slur their words, so it’s not always discernable what exactly is being said.  I’ve provided the phrases in English, Romanized Japanese, and Japanese at the bottom of this entry for those who are curious.  (If I got any of the phrases wrong, please let me know and I’ll correct it.)  Once they’ve requested their next teacher’s presence, they must excuse themselves as they walk out by saying, “Excuse my intrusion,” and bow.

When the teacher arrives at the classroom, they go through another formality to begin and end class.  When beginning a class, all students stand up, and the student on duty that day calls the class to attention, then they ask for instruction as they bow.  The students and teacher(s) bow to each other, and class begins.  A similar routine is used to mark the end of class.  Once again, students stand and are called to attention, but this time, instead of “Please teach us,” it’s “Thank you very much.” They bow again, and class is dismissed.  Japan uses a bell to mark period times just like America does, but none of the students are dismissed until these formalities are finished.

Student Phrase Translations

I’m Abe Naruka.  I’ve come for Suzuki-sensei.

Abe Naruka desu.  Suzuki-sensei kara ni kimashita.

安倍成華です。鈴木先生からに来ました。

Suzuki-sensei, please come to our class next. -or- Suzuki-sensei, please teach us science.

Suzuki-sensei, onegaishimasu.  -or- Suzuki-sensei, rika o oshiete onegaishimasu.

鈴木先生、お願いします。-or- 鈴木先生、理科を教えてお願いします。

Excuse my intrusion.

Shitsureishimasu.

失礼します。

Attention.  Please teach us.

Chuumoku.  Onegaishimasu.

注目。お願いします。

Attention.  Thank you very much.

Chuumoku.  Arigatou gozaimashita.

注目。ありがとうございました。