A foreign woman married to a Japanese is concerned about her son who refuses to go to school, a problem that is shared by a lot of other families today. Many kids are revolting against Japan's education system. It could be an indication that they are getting smarter, but unfortunately it doesn't make them better educated.

Authorities would rather not talk about it because it might influence other youngsters to do the same, but there is a movement to set up alternate schools for dropout kids. Sometimes teachers are sent to the home, sometimes regular classes are held away from the schools. She should check with her ward and city offices and see what is available. It is a problem Japan is grappling with, but there are no solutions in sight. The much lauded education system no longer works for everyone. Recently some universities have been hiring instructors to teach essentials to new students who spent so much time studying for entrance exams that they missed the basic education they now need. A sad situation however you view it. All those juku hours and they don't know anything but how to pass a test.

Actually, her choices are limited. She can't make her son do what she knows is best for him. It is important that he understands how she feels but he will not necessarily adapt to her ideas. It is very likely he won't but he will remember, and if she is lucky (as most are) it shows up later. Many have gone through similar experiences. Since there is little she can do but hold on to her standards and set a good example, I tend to agree with her now-successful husband who suggests that she give him a chance to find himself. He too was a school dropout.