Japan encourages parents to let kids walk to school solo

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Published 2015-12-15

Every weekday morning, millions of American kids wake up and go to school, usually under the watchful eye of an adult. But in Japan, children are expected to make the journey alone. In the Tokyo metro area, where the population tops 38 million, that trip can last up to an hour, covering several miles. Seth Doane visited one family to learn how students going solo are protected.

All Comments (21)

@sudeep2580 6 years ago

They are cleaning school themselves it is the best part of this documentary.
@takutubepalms 21 days ago

I used to take the subway to elementary school when I lived in Tokyo. Now I go to work while watching over other people's children who take the subway to school. Just like strangers used to watch over me when I was an elementary school student.
@uhgina 5 years ago

"Is that strange?.." "NoOOo" That was so cute lol
@CarmenElRose 4 years ago

I married Japanese and I'm glad that our daughter will grow up in a country like this. I'm ready to give her as much independence as she can handle :) I grew up with very overprotective grandparents and I still remember my childhood frustration with lack of freedom.
@andreacoconut9667 7 years ago

just a generation ago kids did everything alone
@fatemandouh6584 7 years ago

the kid is so freaking cute!!!!!
@kellypremium8507 10 months ago

This is no exaggeration. Walking alone to their school by themselves is a norm in Japan. There have been some terrible crimes in the past (hardly any gun related crimes) but not stopped the culture. In my town, there even are kind volunteers of local retired generations to watch the kids' safety at big crossings on the way and back!
@HardyGirl66 5 years ago

I grew up in NYC in the 70s, and I walked to school alone starting at age 7. After Etan Patz was snatched, everything changed.
@bccbg3921 7 years ago

This is amazing! Japan makes it safe for their children. It is a nation that lives like a village. They take care of each other.
@MensVersion 7 years ago

america has problems.....big problems.
@RicemanTV 3 years ago

I did this too as a child in China. When I moved to the US I suddenly loss my freedom to move, I had to be shuttled everywhere.
@Carole.P 9 months ago

I walked to school from aged 5, in 1970 England. Sadly, times aren’t quite so safe
@aliffoncexsone8644 7 years ago

Not just in Japan. Mostly in Asia. In malaysia, thailand and indonesia also have this kind of teaching. But just different crime rates. Malaysia might be little safer than Thailand & Indonesia but not even better than Japan. I do go to school by my own when I'm turned 8years.
@mhsmhs2217 7 years ago

1:04 he looks adorable around the crowd lol
@idolcarol5264 3 years ago

I’ve been in Japan for 30 yrs.& really loved the way they educate people the way they raising kids. And I think they are the #1 well mannered & disciplined country all over the world. Thank you Japan for being so good🙏❤️❤️❤️
@kookiemonster7508 5 years ago

0:45 his voice is so matured for a 1st grader
@khadibadiane9394 8 years ago

Hes so cute!
@gabbiemarc3802 7 years ago

That's one reason why Japan is my favorite in Asia snd South Korea.you will just love their people and culture.
@kristaparsons3347 3 years ago

2:23 ,she didn’t even let him finish his sentence about going to an American school ,that tells you how bad it is ..
@flakeyfilms5792 3 years ago

Japan's culture is very wonderful, I wish I was born there. It hit me hard when the reporter mentions that the community watches out for the children, as if they all were the parents of the children, which isnt a rule but rather a cultural thing.