These People Need Representation

As a former building representative for the Pullman Education Association, I can safely say, the Japanese teachers need representation. Katano Sensei (Sensei follows the person’s name) begins his day at Kawaragi at 6:30 am Tuesday through Friday. He coaches Kendo, Japanese Martial Arts fencing, until 8:00 at which time he goes to the teachers’ room to prepare for classes. Depending on the daily schedule, he may not have a break all day. He eats lunch with his homeroom. When he does have a prep, he must patrol the 7th grade balcony and restrooms to make sure no students are skipping class.

During Soji time, cleaning time following 5th period and before 6th, he is responsible to supervise students cleaning areas of the school. I don’t know which area is his yet. Some teachers supervise and help clean the bathrooms, hall/balcony, courtyard, staircases and classrooms. All students and all teachers participate. When the day ends, he may have a half hour or so before kendo practice begins again. It runs from 4:00 to 6:00. Kendo practice is also on the weekends from 9:00 to 1:00 Saturday and Sunday. Kendo is practiced year round. He has 5 days off during the 40-day summer break and no kendo on Monday. For the weekend practices he is paid 1200 yen a day, about $10.00. No other practice time or coaching is subsidized.

He also coaches kendo at a university in Osaka. He judges kendo matches and he practices kendo himself. Last night he said he wouldn’t get to eat dinner until after 9:00 pm. I told him he works too hard. He told me he does this for his love of the sport.

I don’t think he is very unique. Teachers will work on Saturday coaching students in a wide variety of sports. I don’t think they have Saturday school, but I will find out. Katano lives between Nishinomiya and Kobe. He rides the train for maybe 10 minutes everyday and walks from the station to work. Every time I have been on the train, I see many people sleeping in their chairs. We have even seen people sleeping hanging onto handles as they stood. The Japanese work. They work hard.

Twelve years ago, an earthquake wiped out Nishinomiya. I don’t think the school district, which is run by the town, has recovered since. When I say that they need representation, I say it half joking. I appreciate the ethic that doesn’t require compensation for everything. Businesses will take advantage of that ethic. I truly respect the Japanese work ethic. Their work ethic is their strength and also their main weakness. It leads to a great deal of stress. I don’t see how they maintain such a demanding pace.