Japanese children and young people explained

Why are Japanese kids so well behaved?

Japanese mothers seem to control their kids with an absolutely expert use of the kind of emotional blackmail that a Western parent might feel embarrassed about, plus a good dollop of indulgence and other manipulations. The net total result is a kid (and so usually an adult) who will feel so upset themselves at displeasing their parents (mainly the mother), that no other punishment is needed. Another reason you would rarely see temper tantrums etc. if you are not part of the family is that a Japanese child quickly learns that different behaviour is suitable for different circumstances, and there is no such thing as “acting naturally” or “being true to yourself”.

Why do so few Japanese women still go back to work after having a baby?

The main reason is still that people will disapprove of it, whereas a few years ago in the UK people would disapprove of women giving up a good career just for their kids and/ or husband- i.e. the British are no more individualistic than the Japanese on this one. One reason for that disapproval is a general culture of dedicating yourself to one thing only (there is no word for “multitasking” in Japanese), and therefore the idea that you will nor be able to either do your job properly or bring up your children properly if you try to do both.

Why do small Japanese children think oppai- breasts- is the funniest word ever?
Why do Japanese kindergarten and elementary schools have so many school bags?

Many different uniforms, slippers and shoes to carry

How does a small child use a Japanese-style squat toilet? Do they have training seats?

No. The mother holds them over it with one arm behind the child’s back and the other behind their knees.

How did Japanese kids ever decide it was acceptable and funny to stick their fingers up their classmates’ arses?

How do Japanese kids in almost unheated kindergartens grow up into teenagers who put the college air-conditioning on 27 degrees?