Wee Travelers

I’m reading this book titled, Call Me Okaasan by Suzanne Kamata. It is an anthology of essays written my mothers who are raising their children in a multicultural environment. One of the essays in the book is written by a British mother who met her Iranian spouse while they both were living in Japan. They immigrated to Australia but returned to Japan when their son was young. He is attending Japanese primary school. From speaking with other foreign mothers, I’ve learned I am not the only one shocked by the young age at which Japanese children travel alone on the train or bus or by walk to get to their school. In her essay, this British Mother explains her struggles to come to terms with the school’s expectation that her six year old son walk unattended to school. Most likely with a friend and most definitely not with a parent. Mothers accompany their preschool age children and during this period they are learning the route and safety rules. But once they start primary school (age 6) they make their own way. It’s almost a rite of passage for the six year old and is considered important to build a sense of responsibility and independence. It helps that Japan is safe, security guards may be posted on well traveled routes, and the broader community takes a role in helping to police and ensure harmony. A Japanese mother explained this community role to me by giving an example. You’re encouraged to take your dog for a walk during the time children are en route so you can help keep watch over young commuters.