JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~Appreciation of Teachers: The Effort Behind Japanese School Sports Day~
You know, organizing “Undōkai” is actually really tough.
Teachers start planning almost a year in advance like deciding which grade does which performance,
what music to play, setting rules for each event, and even how to referee fairly.
Actually, right after graduating from university, I became a junior high school teacher.
Of course, I helped prepare for Sports Day, and I remember how tough it was.
Teachers have to make sure everything runs smoothly and, most importantly, that no students get hurt.
When I was a student, I had no idea how much work the teachers were doing behind the scenes.
Wait, a whole year ahead? That’s serious dedication!
I had no idea teachers put in that much behind the scenes.
This might actually be one of the reasons why Japanese teachers are said to have the longest working hours in the world.
Maybe we can talk more about that topic another time.
I’m just as surprised to hear that you used to be a junior high school teacher!
Haha, oh, I guess I never mentioned that, did I?
But when I saw the students grow and enjoy the event, not just on the day but through all the preparation.
I really felt it was worth all the effort.
Students and parents really shouldn’t forget to appreciate their teachers!
