Longer Work Hours for Young Teachers

TOKYO, Apr 05 (News On Japan) - Analysis of a nationwide survey on the working conditions of teachers, conducted for the first time in six years, has revealed that younger teachers and those responsible for larger classes tend to work longer hours.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) suggests that support for younger teachers and reduction of class sizes are necessary. The survey, carried out by MEXT for the 2022 fiscal year, targeted approximately 35,000 elementary and junior high school teachers and confirmed figures were published on the 4th. According to the results, the average daily working hours at school were 10 hours and 45 minutes for elementary school teachers and 11 hours and 1 minute for junior high school teachers. Although this represents a decrease of about 30 minutes from the previous survey, a significant number of teachers are still working long hours, with 77.1% of junior high school teachers and 64.5% of elementary school teachers likely exceeding the government's overtime limit of 45 hours per month.

The analysis of the survey results also indicated that both elementary and junior high school teachers who are younger, responsible for classes with a larger number of students, or holding positions such as grade leaders or heads of academic affairs, tend to work longer hours. Furthermore, in terms of psychological stress, teachers with longer working hours, younger teachers, and those with students who are absent from school, showed a higher tendency towards stress. MEXT is calling for support for young teachers and reduction of class sizes, as well as collaboration with school counselors and other measures to alleviate the burden of dealing with diverse student needs.

Source: NHK

Manhattan Celebrates Japanese Culture with Third Annual Japan Parade

New York hosted the "Japan Parade" for the third time on Saturday, with around 100 groups showcasing Japanese culture, featuring traditional cultural performances such as taiko drumming and martial arts, along with pop culture themes, celebrating Japanese culture.

Solar Flares Ignite Rare Aurora Sightings Across Hokkaido

Solar flares have been occurring in succession, resulting in aurora sightings around the world, including current footage from the Nayoro City Astronomical Observatory in Hokkaido.

Third Road to Connect Japan's Main Island with Kyushu

The preliminary route plans have been consolidated for a third road linking Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture and Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, including a 2.2 kilometer bridge spanning Kanmon Straits between Honshu and Kyushu.

McDonald's for 65 Yen!? Playback of Japan 30 Years Ago

Thirty years ago, Japan experienced significant economic changes. Due to the strong yen, many rebate sales were held. Even supermarkets frequently had sales on imported goods, showing how different times were then.

Mother's Day Spending in Japan: Gunma Tops Budgets

Mother's Day, a tradition celebrated on May 12 since its establishment in 1947, showcases diverse regional preferences in gift-giving across Japan, highlighting local cultural values and economic conditions.

MORE Education NEWS

Innovation in Education: What can we learn from Japan?

Currently, western society has an unhealthy view of technology. There are two extremes of thought, and none has a complete solution.

School Absence in Japan Climbs to Nearly 300,000; One Girl's Story

School absenteeism among Japanese elementary and middle school students has surged to approximately 300,000, with many students struggling to return after long holidays like Golden Week. In this context, a sixth-grade girl who overcame school absence shared her story.

Japan Tightens Rules on Student Residency Requirements

The Japanese government has revised a Justice Ministry ordinance to tighten rules for granting student residence status. This comes after it came to light in 2019 that a university in Tokyo had lost contact with more than 1,600 of its foreign students. (NHK)

History of the Shogunates and the End of the Shogun

Kings and Generals animated historical documentary series on the history of Japan continues with a video on the history of the shogunate and various dynasties that ruled it, including Tokugawa, Ashikaga and Kamakura, as well as the end of the shogun as the shogunate gets abolished in the XIX century. (Kings and Generals)

Teachers' Burden Grows with Unreasonable Parental Complaints

Tenri City in Nara Prefecture has opened a "dedicated desk" to handle complaints that were traditionally managed within schools.

Japan Conducts First National Survey on Religious Abuse

For the first time, Japan has conducted a national survey on child abuse related to religious beliefs, uncovering 47 cases reported to child consultation centers over the past 18 months. The findings highlight significant concerns within households where extreme religious convictions interfere with children's welfare.

News Reporter Game Teaches Student's Media Literacy

Nippon Television has developed a new educational game aimed at elementary school children that combines the fun of learning about "information literacy" with a simulated experience of being a news reporter.

Young Faces, New Trends: The Rise of Makeup Among Japan's Students

Youngsters in Japan are enthusiastically embracing the world of cosmetics, with a recent survey reporting some 60% of elementary students own some form of makeup.

< 2 3 4 5 >