The discipline of the Japanese starts at an early age.
As a teacher in school, we have first hand experience of this during the regular drills they have in school.
When the alarm goes off, it would say – ”Fire” or “Earthquake”….
Everyone would stop what they are doing.
Fire? Earthquake? And depending on the intensity of the earthquake, the action taken varies.
During an earthquake, the children would automatically go under their desks and stay as silent as possible.
When it is a stronger earthquake or a fire – everyone puts on his or her cap, everyone goes out of the school and proceed to the open space outside the school, which is usually the playground. They put on their protective cushion if needed.
Am still amazed with how these children respond, and how they listen to their superiors.
One of the Principals told me – they remember – ”Okashimo”
O for Osanai , Ka for Kakenai, Sh for Shaberenai , Mo – for Modoranai
In English- that would be -
No Pushing, No Running, No talking, and No going back
Each school has it’s own way of letting the kids remember…. in one of the school’s I go to -it’s – Okashimo !
Here are some photos of the drill we had last Sept. 9th.
September 9 or 9.9 in Japanese- reads and sounds as ”Kyu-Kyu” , the word for Emergency.
However, there are other surprise drills during the school year.
They put on their protective cushion over their heads and walk outside
Everyone gathered around the Open Space in front of our school, teachers stand behind
Here, the teacher in charge of the drill speaks to the children.
These drills are so effective.
It is always best to be prepared, but I do pray that we would never have to experience another earthquake anymore.
Praying for the safety of all the children and everyone in school all year round.
I am an English lady married to a Japanese man who asked me to bring our children to safety in England for a while. I want so desperately to do something to help people in the devastated areas and to make people here remember the awful disaster(s) that took place as there is almost no news/coverage anymore (other than the stories dating back to March) abroad. As we approach Christmas (and more importantly in Japan – New Year)I would like to hear, first hand, how ordinary people in the affected areas are coping. Are they still living in public buildings, i.e. gymnasiums/town halls or are they in temporary shelters or perhaps they have moved (permanently) to other parts of the country? I would love to hear stories/news and hope that I and my children could make others aware and raise money/help to spread a little joy this Christmas/New Year.
Dear Rachel,
Sorry for the delayed reply, I missed your comment – I just don’t know why I did not see it in the comments approval area. How are you and your family? Life goes on, many people have moved to their temporary shelters and homes provided by the government. Some have adjusted but many have their own problems – looks like it is gonna take more time to clean up. Am sure you can read lots of news related to this. Gambatte ne.