I agree with the Dec. 5 article "Politicians failing to engage youth," but one main issue is ignored. As with most articles published about Japan's lack of political participation, this one neglects to address the school's role in citizens' political involvement. As an assistant language teacher (ALT), I have noticed that students have a shocking lack of knowledge about Japan's political system and history. This, combined with a lack of education in current events, an absence of critical-thinking exercises such as research essays, and a lackluster television news media, creates a situation where a majority of the publicly educated people lack the basic skills to become politically aware. Because of this, as the article mentions, people do not become politically engaged until much later in life.
As a solution, before going to the Internet, I would suggest a nationwide mandate that schools, starting in elementary school and continuing through high school, provide civics education as part of the requirements for graduation. The problem comes mainly from the lack of knowledge, but few care to examine the role that schools play in creating informed citizens who want to be politically engaged.
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