What is the Futoko Phenomenon in Japan?

Futoko or Futoukou is a phenomenon that emerged in Japan in the early 2000s and refers to children and adolescents who frequently refuse to go to school or completely abandon it.

Students diagnosed with futoko often have learning difficulties, psychological problems, and may show signs of severe anxiety.

They often prefer to stay home alone or with friends in friendly environments, rather than dealing with the pressures of studies and the rigidity of schools.

There are several possible causes for the phenomenon, such as social pressures, bullying, or student burnout, but there are also many uncertainties about the subject.

In any case, the Japanese government has focused especially on preventing futoko and has taken measures to improve conditions in Japanese schools.

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What does the word Futoko mean?

Although we write “futoko” due to Western romanization, it is worth mentioning that the correct term is “futoukou” [ふとうこう]. The ideograms that compose the word are [不登校] and mean school absence or out of school.

The term is written with the two ideograms [不] (Fu) which means “not” and [登] (To) which means “to ascend.” The last ideogram [校] refers to school.

In addition to its literal meaning, the term can also be used to describe a person who is not socially active or involved in society. A person who rarely leaves home, or someone who avoids social interaction.

The ideogram for [不] is composed of a hand, and the ideogram [登] is composed of a person and a ladder. This implies that not going to school involves actively avoiding an opportunity for self-improvement, suggesting that the student is voluntarily missing the chance to learn and acquire knowledge.

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Fushuugaku [不就学] – Not Attending School

The difference between Fushugaku and Futoko is that generally the word Fushuugaku is used for children who have never enrolled in school, while Futoko refers to people who registered but do not attend.

Generally, students considered Fushugaku are mostly foreigners who have not adapted to the Japanese language or due to other personal and family reasons.

Since there is no obligation for foreign children to attend schools, the term Fushuugaku fits with foreigners, especially parents who want their child to learn their native language.

What are the Causes of Futoukou?

There are a variety of reasons why children do not want to attend school. Often the causes are complex, some of them are:

1. Bullying: one of the main causes of Futoko is bullying, or physical and psychological abuse by classmates. This can lead children to feel insecure and unmotivated to attend school.
2. Learning difficulties: children with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or concentration issues, may feel discouraged and unable to keep up with the pace of the classroom, and end up avoiding classes.
3. Mental health problems: mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, end up affecting a child’s ability to cope with school pressure.
4. Family problems: some children may be facing problems at home, such as parental separation or financial issues, while others have absent parents and may even live alone.
5. Demotivation and lack of interest: the traditional teaching methodology can be somewhat archaic, boring, and tiring for some children, leaving them demotivated and uninterested.

In addition, some children may be facing several of these problems at the same time; each child has a unique situation and reality, so the list of causes can be much larger.

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More and more children in Japan are leaving schools

An example of this is the story of Yuta Ito, a ten-year-old boy, who waited until a week of vacation to tell his parents that he no longer wanted to go to school.

He had been a victim of bullying and suffering in silence for months. Yuta’s parents had three options: send him for school counseling, teach him at home, or transfer him to an alternative school.

They chose the last option, and Yuta went to a government-recognized school that prioritizes the freedom and individuality of children. The trend has been an increasing enrollment in this type of alternative school, while the number of bullying cases in conventional schools continues to rise.

On October 17, 2019, the Japanese government announced that the number of absences among elementary and middle school students reached a record, with 164,528 children absent for 30 days or more during 2018, compared to 144,031 in 2017.

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What to do in case of Futoukou?

Children who suffer from futoukou, or refusal to attend school, have some alternative options. Some of the options include:

1. School counseling: children can attend school counseling sessions to deal with issues such as bullying, learning difficulties, or mental health problems that may be preventing them from attending school.
2. Home schooling: some families choose to teach their children at home, either through distance learning programs or through private tutors.
3. Alternative schools: as mentioned, there are government-recognized alternative schools that prioritize the freedom and individuality of children; these are less conventional schools and can be a good option for children who do not adapt to the traditional school environment.
4. Psychological and psychiatric care: children suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, may need specialized treatment to deal with these problems and return to school.
5. Remote learning: Some VR programs are being used for remote classes, where children can participate in a virtual classroom, with their peers and teachers present, and still have the interaction and help of a tutor during classes.

It is important to note that each child has their own unique situation and it may be necessary to explore various options before finding a suitable solution for them; the guidance of a specialist in the field is essential.

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Conclusion

In summary, Futoko is a growing phenomenon in Japan, where children are refusing to attend school, causing concern for families and educators.

The causes of Futoko can be varied and complex, including bullying, learning difficulties, mental health problems, family issues, and demotivation.

The alternatives available for children suffering from Futoko include school counseling, home schooling, alternative schools, and psychological and psychiatric care.

Additionally, VR technology has been experimented with in some schools as a way to make learning more immersive and engaging.

However, it is important that each case is evaluated individually to find the best solution for each child. Prompt attention and intervention are essential for children to return to studying and developing in a healthy way.