A few weeks ago, my 14-year-old daughter wrote a text for school about this phenomenon ijime (jeer). After the presentation in class, the teacher praised her for her courage and insight. In the work, he talked about what it means to be hafu^[1] in Japan, discussing how it affected her during her school years, both negatively and positively, and what bullying is for bullying’s sake. He ended by asking, “What can I do to prevent my younger colleagues from going through the same thing?” I won’t reveal her conclusion here, but I know I should have said more as a follow-up to the idea.

In my first year of high school, I went to a new class, a new school. I didn’t know anyone. I can’t forget the first day when I met my classmates in the school yard. I felt small and fragile compared to other girls. They were taller, fashionably dressed and self-confident. They laughed at me then, and the echo of their laughter followed me through the school corridors for years. I didn’t like them at first, and things didn’t change until the end of eighth grade. I endured moments of abuse just because I didn’t have jeans, I didn’t have ham in my sandwich, I didn’t have money to go to the pizzeria on the corner, I didn’t have more TVs at home. I will not list every single case now, I will save this “delight” for another time. I just want to point out that I know exactly what it means to go through all of this.

Exist difference ibetween ijime and bullying?

There are already numerous studies of the phenomenon of bullying in the world, and many of them are based on the findings of Olweus, which provided him with an undeniable authority in the West. However, there are other scholars who hold a different point of view, such as Mitsuru Taki, who draws our attention to some differences specific to Japan. First, “younger schoolchildren (kōcome on) report that they are more open” and “much of the bullying comes from older students (Senpai)”. This takes us back to the time when Confucianism was borrowed from China and spread to various aspects of Japanese philosophy. Relations senpai-kocome on it is a vertical hierarchy, similar to a father-son relationship, which emphasizes respect for authority, for elders, eliminates any form of internal competition and strengthens the unity of the organization.

Attitude to the system senpai-kocome on it ranges from valuing traditions and the benefits of good relationships to acceptance with reluctance or even antipathy. Critics of this system consider it arbitrary and unfair, i.e Senpai-i can often be overwhelming and the system results in students being shy or afraid to advocate for their own ideas in a group. For example, some kōcome on they fear that if they exceed their Senpai– in a certain activity, she will lose her prestige and kōcome onwill suffer when he is forced to apologize or even be humiliated for daring to stand out. In some cases, the relationship can become violent and aggressive. Most Japanese – even those who criticize the system – see it as an aspect of public common sense, from which deviation inevitably has negative social consequences.

What does it mean ijime in Japanese schools?

From March 2021 to March 2022, there were 615,351 reported cases of bullying in elementary, middle, and high schools in Japan. Of these, 705 were considered “serious incidents” related to prolonged absence or suspicion of causing serious physical or mental harm. Compared to last year, the number of these incidents increased by 19%.

School bullying became a topic of wider attention after several suicides related to bullying were made public in the 1980s. A 13-year-old boy committed suicide, leaving a note in which he described how his peers beat him, threatened to kill him and forced him to perform humiliating actions.

Japanese sociologists state such a phenomenon ijime it is a result of the social pressure that exists in Japanese society. Children are bullied because they are seen as too smart, too stupid, too ugly, or just different. One of the most troubling aspects of bullying is that few victims feel safe asking their parents or teachers for help. The survey showed that half of the boys did not tell anyone about the violence they experienced, while girls (54%) told their friends. Other studies highlight the lack of effective communication between Japanese parents and their children. Only 13% of girls and 10% of boys had the courage to talk about these problems at home.

How is it comYoallAhem VIOLENCEȘa in şsheets?

Although the School Education Act 2001 provides for the suspension of students involved in ijimeschool boards do not always apply these provisions properly.

In June 2013, Japan’s parliament passed an anti-bullying bill aimed at preventing an increase in serious bullying incidents. At the time, the newly passed law said that harassment that causes significant physical and mental harm to victims or causes them to be absent for a long time is considered a “serious situation”.

The law introduced stricter measures and encouraged schools to take specific measures to combat bullying. This includes establishing clear policies and procedures to prevent and deal with bullying, providing support and counseling to victims, punishing bullies and raising awareness of the impact of bullying on children and the school community.

Educational and training programs have also been developed to help students understand and recognize the phenomenon of bullying and develop communication and empathy skills. These programs aim to create a safe and inclusive school environment where all students feel safe and respected.

what what is happening in the field of work?

The role of a Senpai in a professional environment, it is to be a mentor to learn from kōcome on and help them develop. So it should be in theory. Those with more experience and knowledge should pave the way for those who are just starting their careers. Unfortunately, in the 15+ years I’ve worked in Japan, I’ve noticed that things are different and often defined by age and position in the hierarchy rather than actual ability, intelligence and ability.

Dysfunctional hierarchy begets ijime

Over the years, I have met incompetent, limited, and incompetent managers who demand respect just because they have been with the company for years. This behavior can create a toxic environment where the less experienced or those who think differently are marginalized or intimidated.

I found an interesting study in an article by Mitiko Yoshinaga titled “Modern Attitudes To Senpai Cocome on relations”. ..Read the whole article and comment on Contributors.ro