Japan encourages parents to let kids walk to school solo

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.

[sudeep]

They are cleaning school themselves it is the best part of this documentary.

[uhgina]

"Is that strange?.."
"NoOOo"
That was so cute lol

[takutubepalms]

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.

[andreacoconut]

just a generation ago kids did everything alone

[HardyGirl]

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.

[idolcarol]

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🙏❤️❤️❤️

[bccbg]

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.

[mhsmhs]

1:04 he looks adorable around the crowd lol

[CarmenElRose]

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.

[kellypremium]

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!

[aliffoncexsone]

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.

[ksant]

I spent the last five weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto and let me tell you I have never felt so safe in a country/city before. I was walking around as a young woman with both headphones in, and shopping bags in hand with zero bother! Their train/metro system is so incredibly easy and impressive that we simply cannot compete.

[santi]

I have just arrived from Japan yesterday. Having visited Tokyo and Osaka for 8 days. I have witnessed this first hand, seeing children even younger than 7yrs old walking to school with all their bags and water jugs. Walking to school all by themselves, others walking in group of 3s. All little kids.

[gabbiemarc]

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

[marigeo]

In Japan, yes! In the rest of the world, big NO!

[Carole.P]

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

[RicemanTV]

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.

[houroflove]

If you're American and you can visit only 1 country, I think many would recommend JAPAN for its novelty, its architecture, its festivals, its geography, its people...👘🚅🗼⛩

[fafafifufu]

Singapore is safe as well. Most kids here go to school by themselves as there are no weirdos lurking around the streets.

[kookiemonster]

0:45 his voice is so matured for a 1st grader