In Japan’s fast-paced and high-pressure society, many adults are running on empty, juggling demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and the weight of cultural expectations. These challenges don’t just affect them—they trickle down to their children, creating a ripple effect of stress, disengagement, and mental health struggles.
This cycle, if left unchecked, risks leading to even greater societal problems: poverty, domestic violence, broken family communication, and a generation unprepared for the future.
1. The Unseen Burdens of Japanese Adults
Adults in Japan are carrying heavy loads—both at work and at home. Long working hours are the norm, with many exceeding 40 to 60 hours a week. The concept of gaman (endurance) pushes people to silently bear these pressures, often at the cost of their health and happiness.
At home, traditional roles compound these struggles. Women are expected to manage households while often holding full-time jobs, while men face unrelenting pressure as breadwinners. This creates a lack of emotional expression and support within families, leaving children to absorb the stress around them.
Adults often fall into a pattern of harsh words and rigid views, stemming from their own unresolved frustrations. Over time, this environment becomes emotionally suffocating for both parents and children.
2. Children Caught in the Crossfire
When parents are overwhelmed, children often mirror their struggles. They internalize the stress, leading to anxiety, insecurity, and even a loss of identity. The constant push to excel academically or meet societal expectations only adds to the pressure.
A growing sign of this is the rise in futoko (school refusal). In 2022, over 244,940 students refused to attend school, a staggering 24.9% increase from the previous year. Many of these children struggle with bullying, academic stress, or feeling misunderstood.
Friendships, once a source of comfort, now often feel like another obligation. This isolation has contributed to alarming rates of youth suicides—suicide is now the leading cause of death among Japanese youth. Between 2011 and 2021, suicide rates among those aged 10 to 19 increased by 49%.
3. Building a Better Future with Education and Technology
To break this cycle, Japan must reimagine its approach to education. Schools need to go beyond academics and prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of students. Programs like Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which teach skills like resilience, empathy, and stress management, have shown great promise. Schools that have implemented SEL report improved relationships, reduced anxiety, and better academic performance.
Technology also plays a crucial role. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Japan’s education system to embrace digital learning, and while there were challenges, it opened doors to personalized and flexible education. These tools can ensure no child is left behind, meeting individual needs and helping students thrive.
Moreover, schools must teach life skills like financial literacy, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. Students need to see alternatives beyond traditional paths like attending prestigious universities or securing full-time corporate jobs.
4. Poverty and the Risk to Japan’s Youth
Despite being a wealthy country, Japan faces rising child poverty. A 2020 UNICEF report found that 14% of Japanese children live in poverty, among the highest rates in developed nations. Single-parent households are especially vulnerable, with a poverty rate of 48%.
The growing reliance on non-regular jobs adds to this instability. These jobs often lack benefits, career growth, or financial security, leaving young people trapped in a cycle of economic hardship.
To combat this, Japan needs stronger policies to support low-income families. Financial aid, affordable education, and accessible job training can give disadvantaged youth a chance to succeed. Schools must also act as a safety net, providing resources to children who lack support at home.
5. A Holistic Approach to Change
The pressures faced by adults deeply affect their children, creating a cycle of stress, disconnection, and hopelessness. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach:
- Support for Families: Parents need resources to balance work and family life, including mental health support and flexible work options.
- Reformed Education: Schools must prioritize emotional well-being, teach life skills, and embrace technology to meet diverse student needs.
- Economic Stability: Policies that reduce poverty and provide job security are crucial for creating a more equitable society.
Most importantly, we need to redefine success—not as relentless endurance but as living a meaningful and balanced life. By addressing the root causes of stress and disconnection, Japan can build a future where families and children thrive together.
Conclusion: Time for Action
The struggles of Japanese adults are not isolated—they deeply impact the younger generation, threatening the country’s future. Rising school refusals, youth suicides, and poverty are symptoms of a system that demands urgent change.
With a focus on education, technology, and community support, we can break this cycle. By addressing mental health, improving communication, and providing resources, we can create a society where families and children feel supported, valued, and hopeful for the future.
This questionnaire is designed to gather Voices of Change by exploring how stress impacts families and youth. Please answer based on the category that best applies to you. Thank you for your cooperation!
1. What do you think is the biggest challenge adults in Japan face in balancing work and family life?
- A. Long working hours and overtime
- B. Traditional gender roles and expectations
- C. Lack of emotional or mental health support
- D. Financial pressure and job insecurity
- E. Other (please specify): _______
2. How much do you believe parents’ stress impacts their children’s mental health and well-being?
- A. Very significantly
- B. Somewhat significantly
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very significantly
- E. Not at all
3. What do you think is the primary reason for the rise in school refusal (futoko) cases among Japanese children?
- A. Academic pressure and heavy workloads
- B. Bullying and negative social interactions
- C. Family stress and lack of support
- D. Mental health struggles like anxiety or depression
- E. Other (please specify): _______
4. How often do you think children mirror their parents’ emotional struggles?
- A. Always
- B. Often
- C. Sometimes
- D. Rarely
- E. Never
5. What type of support do you think schools should prioritize for students?
- A. Emotional and mental health counseling
- B. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs
- C. Anti-bullying initiatives and policies
- D. Flexible learning environments and personalized education
- E. Other (please specify): _______
6. How important do you think it is to teach life skills, such as financial literacy and critical thinking, in schools?
- A. Extremely important
- B. Important
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very important
- E. Not important at all
7. What do you think is the biggest barrier to addressing child poverty in Japan?
- A. Insufficient government policies and aid
- B. Lack of awareness or societal prioritization
- C. Rising costs of living and education
- D. Economic instability from non-regular employment
- E. Other (please specify): _______
8. How much do you think technology can help improve education in Japan?
- A. It can transform education and meet individual needs
- B. It can be helpful but has limitations
- C. Neutral—it’s not significantly impactful
- D. It won’t make a big difference without addressing other issues
- E. It’s unnecessary or counterproductive
9. How often do you think schools address students’ mental health and emotional well-being?
- A. Always—it’s a priority in most schools
- B. Often—but it’s not consistent across schools
- C. Sometimes—but it’s not a major focus
- D. Rarely—it’s often overlooked
- E. Never
10. What do you think is the most effective way to reduce youth suicides in Japan?
- A. Expanding access to mental health resources
- B. Reducing academic and societal pressures
- C. Promoting open communication in families
- D. Creating more flexible and supportive school environments
- E. Other (please specify): _______
11. How important is it for schools to teach alternative career paths beyond traditional jobs?
- A. Extremely important
- B. Important
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very important
- E. Not important at all
12. What do you think is the biggest contributor to stress for Japanese youth?
- A. Academic pressure and entrance exams
- B. Family dynamics and parental expectations
- C. Bullying and social dynamics
- D. Uncertainty about the future
- E. Other (please specify): _______
13. How often do you think single-parent households face higher risks of poverty?
- A. Always—it’s a major issue in Japan
- B. Often—it’s a significant risk factor
- C. Sometimes—it depends on the situation
- D. Rarely—it’s not a big issue
- E. Never
14. What should be the government’s top priority to support struggling families?
- A. Providing financial aid and subsidies
- B. Expanding access to mental health services
- C. Creating more flexible and affordable childcare options
- D. Reforming the education system to reduce pressure
- E. Other (please specify): _______
15. How can society better support children and youth affected by family stress or poverty?
- A. Raising awareness about mental health and emotional well-being
- B. Strengthening community support systems
- C. Offering more accessible and affordable extracurricular activities
- D. Increasing job opportunities for families
- E. Other (please specify): _______
16. What role do you think emotional well-being plays in a child’s academic success?
- A. It’s the most important factor
- B. It’s very influential but not the only factor
- C. Neutral—it’s helpful but not critical
- D. It’s a minor influence
- E. It doesn’t play a role
17. How often do you think parents in Japan discuss mental health openly with their children?
- A. Always—it’s a common practice
- B. Often—but it depends on the family
- C. Sometimes—but it’s not very common
- D. Rarely—it’s not addressed in most families
- E. Never—it’s considered taboo
18. What kind of change would you most like to see in Japanese schools to support students better?
- A. Smaller class sizes for more personalized attention
- B. More mental health and counseling resources
- C. Reduced emphasis on academic competition
- D. Greater focus on extracurricular and creative activities
- E. Other (please specify): _______