Cram School Day (Juku no Hi)

What is Cram School Day?

October 9th is "Cram School Day" (Juku no Hi) in Japan, based on a wordplay where "ju" (10) and "ku" (9) combine to sound like "juku" (cram school). It was established by the Japan Juku Association (JJA), a public interest incorporated association. The day aims to improve the quality of cram schools and to build correct understanding of, and trust in, them.

Why is October 9th "Cram School Day"?

The date comes from the wordplay "ju (10) ku (9)." The Japan Juku Association was founded on October 8, 1988, and the first "Juku Festival" (Cram School Day ceremony) was held on October 9, 1989. Today, the association still holds a "Cram School Day Symposium" in a different city each year around the national holiday in October.

• Wordplay: 10 (ju) + 9 (ku) = juku.
• Established by: The Japan Juku Association (founded in 1988).
• Purpose: To improve the quality of cram schools and spread correct understanding of and trust in them.

The role of cram schools

Cram schools are used not only to reinforce school lessons, but also as places that offer instruction tailored to each student's learning style.

• Individualized instruction: Lessons matched to each student's level of understanding.
• Exam preparation: Guidance for middle school, high school, and university entrance exams.
• Building study habits: Support for establishing a rhythm of studying.
• Motivation: Helping students stay motivated through goal-setting and career counseling.

Things to think about on Cram School Day

Cram schools are places to study, and also places where children meet teachers and friends.

• Diversity of learning: Options such as online cram schools and one-on-one tutoring are increasing.
• Changing materials: Teaching with tablets and video lessons is spreading.
• Collaboration with families: Communication with parents is also important.

Cram school trivia

• Overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: Many people assume cram schools fall under the education ministry, but as a service industry they are overseen by METI. The Japan Juku Association itself was founded with the approval of the then Minister of International Trade and Industry.
• Private academies of the Edo period: In the Edo period, private academies (shijuku) such as Ogata Koan's Tekijuku and Yoshida Shoin's Shoka Sonjuku trained many future leaders.
• A boom in the late 1960s: Cram schools are said to have grown rapidly from the mid-1960s onward (Showa 40s).
• A wide variety of schools: Including exam-prep schools, supplementary schools, one-on-one tutoring, and programming classes.

Ideas for enjoying and making use of Cram School Day

• Reflect on your own or your family's learning style.
• Read a book or article about education.
• Talk with your family about cram schools and after-school lessons.
• Use it as a starting point for relearning or reskilling.

Learning is a power that enriches life

October 9th, "Cram School Day," is a day to reconsider the value of learning. For both children and adults, continuing to learn opens up new possibilities.