May 5, 2025

Akahata ‘current’ column

May 5 is Children’s Day in Japan, but the social environment surrounding children is becoming harsher.

Extensive data point to worrisome figures regarding the environment for children. In 2024, the number of suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school students reached a record high of 529. The number of school bullying cases and truant students also hit a record high, both of which have been increasing for eleven consecutive years, according to a 2024 survey.

Another survey the public interest incorporated association “Chance for Children” conducted in 2023 shows that one out of every three elementary school pupils from families with annual incomes of less than three million yen had “no out-of-school activities” such as the enjoyment of leisure, travel, sports, or going to see movies during the year.

This data implies that the household financial situation affects children’s leisure and out-of-school activities. The Act on National Holidays stipulates, “This day is for honoring the individual personalities of children, working towards their happiness.” Children’s Day should be an occasion for everyone to rethink this commitment and improve the current state of Japanese society in regard to the wellbeing of children.