A Reflection on Education

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As a Chinese student, life was basically a countdown to the gaokao. School meant discipline, long days, endless homework, and the belief that hard work = a better future. Club activities? Not really a thing. Every minute counted.

My impression of Japanese school life, though? That coming from anime and the internet, looked totally different from what I was living. There were cherry blossoms, cute uniforms, and bukatsu. They had love stories, free time, and colorful school memories. I honestly thought, “Wow, school in Japan must be so much better.”

But then I learned there’s more to it. Japanese students also go to juku and yobiko (cram schools), worry about university entrance exams, and face quiet pressure to succeed. The idea that education leads to a bright future? It's just as strong in Japan as in China. University life isn’t all freedom either. Zemi is challenging—deep discussions, presentations, even research, and balancing arubaito (part-time jobs) with studies isn’t easy. I appreciate it because most of us back in China continue to prioritize exams and certifications. Gaining social and work experience is far more valuable than burying oneself in books.

All in all, anime gave me the intro, but cross-cultural learning and understanding filled in the rest.
 

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