Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, the documentary Elementary School: A Microcosm of Society will be released nationwide on December 13, 2023. This film, set in a Japanese public elementary school, delves into the everyday lives of students to explore the future of Japanese society. It also highlights the globally admired “TOKKATSU” (Special Activities) model of Japanese education.
Understanding Elementary Schools Is Understanding Japan’s Future
The Global Appeal of Japanese Education
The film is set in a public elementary school in Osaka. Director Ema Ryan Yamazaki, reflecting on her own experience in a Japanese public school, realized that traits like diligence and responsibility—key strengths in her life—were shaped during those formative years. This realization inspired her to create a film portraying the future of Japanese society through the lens of its schools.
Filmed over 150 days across an entire year, with an additional year spent editing, the documentary showcases the unique “TOKKATSU” model, where students take on responsibilities such as cleaning and serving lunch. This approach has garnered significant attention from educators worldwide for fostering independence and a sense of responsibility. The film focuses on first and sixth graders, capturing their growth throughout the seasons. It thoughtfully depicts first graders learning the basics of group life and sixth graders demonstrating leadership and responsibility.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers grapple with decisions about school events, first graders learn discipline and order, and sixth graders prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. The film begins with cherry blossoms in full bloom and follows the cycle of a school year, presenting the school as a microcosm of society.
In Finland, the film has been hailed as a “textbook for building communities,” while in the United States, it is praised as “an excellent example of teaching self-reliance.” Germany, South Korea, and Egypt have also given the film high praise, with the “TOKKATSU” model inspiring educators globally. The values of responsibility and cooperation emphasized in Japanese education are increasingly recognized as essential in today’s interconnected world.