Final answer:
School refusal, a problem in Japan since the 1990s, refers to students persistently avoiding school due to various pressures such as high educational expectations. Historical discrimination, notably post-1906 in San Francisco, and contemporary societal issues contribute to this phenomenon.
Step-by-step explanation:
School Refusal in Japan
School refusal is a term used to describe a situation where a student persistently fails to attend school without a legitimate excuse. In Japan, this phenomenon has been particularly problematic since the early 1990s. The issue likely stems from various social pressures, educational expectations, and the highly competitive nature of Japan's education system, which can lead to stress and anxiety among students. Despite Japan's historically strong emphasis on education, with nearly universal attendance since the turn of the 20th century and a focus on both the sciences and Confucian classics, the rise of school refusal reflects underlying problems within the system and society.
The historical context of educational challenges for Japanese students can be traced back to issues like the segregation policies following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, where Japanese students were subject to discrimination. These incidents have had long-lasting repercussions on the Japanese-American community and reflect broader struggles faced by students of Japanese descent both in Japan and abroad, dealing with pressures and social expectations.
Issues of educational stress and the legacy of discrimination may contribute to the ongoing problem of school refusal. Japanese society's high expectations for success and academic performance are often cited as contributing factors, as well as broader concerns regarding past Japanese government actions, such as those during times of war, which may affect contemporary attitudes towards authority and institutional trust.