High Stakes: Mental Health in Japan's Education System

This chapter opens with a striking recount of a Ferris wheel experience, quickly shifting to urgent discussions on youth mental health crises in Japan. It explores the cultural and educational pressures that contribute to alarming rates of bullying and suicide among students, juxtaposing personal teaching experiences with broader societal issues. The narrative reflects on the impact of rigid education systems and the emotional toll they take on young individuals, while advocating for more compassionate approaches to mental health.