School - Part III

One thing to mention is that, like in their homes, the pupils and even the teachers have to remove their shoes. There are special lockers in the reception area, just big enough for a pair of shoes in which they can be placed.

The genkan in the school

Students can then wear slippers provided for them, although they can bring their own, teachers do this more often. Traditionally peoples shoe sizes in Japan are smaller than their Western counterparts, we have larger feet! There are slippers specially reserved for guests if necessary, they have to remove their shoes also.

There are more things that make Japanese school unique. One thing which appears to be common on most anime series is if a pupil (or group of pupils) have commited some sort of minor offence, then they need to stand outside the classroom and hold two buckets of water in each hand.

The bucket punishment in action

The point of this remains to be seen, but appears to be an indirect way of physically punishing the pupil(s) in question. This would strain the arms, making it harder to hold the buckets. It isn't known how long a person is forced to stay out of the classroom, but I would assume either the end of the class or when they give up holding the buckets.

Pupils actively take care of the school premises themselves. At the end of the school day, the pupils stay for one hour to clean up the school.

Cleaning duties in the school

Mopping the floors and cleaning the desks is something every Japanese pupil will do at least once in their time at school.

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