Unit 5: Factors Influencing Japanese Well-Being

Education

A cornerstone of Japanese society and a primary determinant of quality of life.

6-3-3-4 system

The structure of the Japanese school system, comprising 6 years of elementary, 3 years of middle school, 3 years of high school, and 4 years of university.

Gimu kyouiku (義務教育)

Compulsory education in Japan, covering elementary (Shougakkou) and middle school (Chuugakkou).

Entrance Exams (Juken)

Exams that determine entry into high school and university in Japan, focusing on test scores rather than holistic admissions.

Juku (塾)

Cram schools attended by students for additional preparation for entrance exams.

Souji (掃除)

School clean-up where students and teachers clean classrooms daily, fostering responsibility.

Kyuushoku (給食)

Standardized school lunches served in classrooms emphasizing teamwork and nutrition education.

Bukatsu (部活)

Club activities in Japanese schools that greatly influence students' social circles and identities.

Shuukatsu (就活)

Job hunting process in Japan, where students wear identical suits and interview after university.

Shuushin koyou (終身雇用)

The traditional expectation of lifetime employment with a single company.

Zangyou (残業)

Overtime work that creates work-life balance issues in Japan.

Karoushi (過労死)

Death from overwork, a major social issue in Japan.

Ichiju-Sansai (一汁三菜)

A traditional Japanese meal structure of one soup and three sides, promoting a balanced diet.

Kokumin Kaihoken

Japan's universal health insurance system where citizens pay 30% of medical costs.

Shoushikoureika (少子高齢化)

The demographic crisis in Japan characterized by a declining birthrate and an aging population.

Yoka (余暇)

Leisure time that helps balance stress from school and work.

Supootsu (スポーツ)

Sports in Japan, including traditional sports like Sumo and modern sports like Baseball.

Onsen (温泉)

Hot springs in Japan that serve as a vital source of relaxation and stress relief.

Golden Week

A series of national holidays in Japan, marking a busy travel period.

Karaoke

A popular leisure activity in Japan for stress relief, typically enjoyed in private spaces.

Purikura

Photo sticker booths popular among Japanese youth, contributing to social life.

Cultural Comparison

A section of the exam where students contrast aspects of Japanese society with their own.

Kyouiku (教育)

The Japanese term for education, central to understanding societal values.

Seito (生徒)

The term for middle or high school students in Japan.

Jidou (児童)

The term for elementary school children in Japan.

Grammar Structure: A no hou ga B yori…

A comparative grammatical structure meaning 'A is more… than B.'