The Secrets of Japanese Parenting: Raising Disciplined, Ethical, Smart, Hardworking, and Respectful Children

The Secrets of Japanese Parenting: Raising Disciplined, Ethical, Smart, Hardworking, and Respectful Children Desalegn Terecha Japan is globally admired for its disciplined, ethical, and hardworking society. From an early age, Japanese children learn the values of respect, responsibility, and perseverance. This upbringing is not accidental; it is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, social expectations, and a well-structured education system. What makes Japanese parenting so effective? Let’s explore the key aspects of how Japanese families raise disciplined, ethical, smart, hardworking, and respectful children—with real-life examples. 1. Discipline Through Routine and Responsibility Discipline in Japanese families starts at home. Parents teach children self-control, patience, and responsibility from an early age. One of the most famous examples is "Gakudo" (after-school care programs), where children continue learning and practicing discipline beyond school hours. Another striking aspect is the "Osoji" (school cleaning practice). Unlike in many countries where janitors clean classrooms, Japanese students clean their own schools—sweeping floors, wiping windows, and even scrubbing toilets. This practice instills responsibility, humility, and respect for shared spaces. Example: In 2019, a viral video showed Japanese students in Tokyo’s schools happily cleaning their classrooms, proving that early discipline leads to a sense of collective responsibility. 2. Ethical Upbringing: Teaching Honesty and Integrity Honesty and integrity are core values in Japanese culture. Parents and schools emphasize ethical behavior through stories, real-life examples, and community-based discipline. "Hansei" (self-reflection) is a critical practice that teaches children to admit mistakes, learn from them, and improve. Example: A widely shared story from Japan in 2018 was of a lost wallet containing $3,500 being returned untouched by a 10-year-old boy. His parents and teachers had instilled in him the importance of honesty and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. 3. Intelligence Through Early Education and Self-Discipline Japanese education is highly structured and focuses on both academics and moral values. Parents engage their children in early learning activities, and children develop a strong work ethic through rigorous schooling. One secret is "Shichida Method", which emphasizes early childhood education with memory-enhancing techniques and hands-on activities. Additionally, the "Juku" (cram school) system helps children reinforce their knowledge and improve academic performance. Example: Japan consistently ranks in the top 10 in the OECD's PISA rankings, which assess students' abilities in reading, math, and science. This high performance reflects the strong emphasis on education and discipline in Japanese homes. 4. Hard Work and Perseverance ("Gaman" Spirit) Hard work, or the "Gaman" (perseverance) spirit, is deeply embedded in Japanese society. Parents encourage their children to push through challenges and never give up. The idea of "Kaizen" (continuous improvement) applies to all aspects of life, from education to sports. Example: Japanese figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, a two-time Olympic champion, exemplifies perseverance. Despite multiple injuries, he continued to train rigorously and compete at the highest level. His success is attributed to the hardworking and never-give-up mentality that Japanese children are taught from an early age. 5. Respect for Others: A Cultural Foundation Respect is the foundation of Japanese upbringing. From a young age, children learn the importance of "Keigo" (polite language), bowing as a sign of respect, and waiting patiently in lines without pushing. Parents and schools enforce respect through everyday practices, such as encouraging children to serve food to others before taking their own and greeting elders properly. Example: During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Japanese fans and players made headlines for cleaning up the stadium after matches. This act of respect for public spaces reflects how children are raised to be considerate and respectful to others. Conclusion The Japanese way of raising children blends discipline, ethics, intelligence, hard work, and respect into everyday life. These values create responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. By adopting some of these principles—such as instilling self-discipline, encouraging ethical behavior, and emphasizing perseverance—parents worldwide can raise well-rounded, respectful, and hardworking children.