Senior Fuma Ueno was a Japanese resident for the first 7 years of his life.

In Japan, students don’t have the same rights that they do here. In Japanese schooling systems, students also have a lot more responsibility.

“We didn’t have janitors to clean our classrooms, instead students were in charge of cleaning the classroom daily. We also couldn’t bring our own lunch as it was provided by the school, and served by the students,” Ueno said.

Compared to U.S public schools, Japan has strict dress code policies,

“Students also had to adhere to an even stricter dress code.”

This dress code involved the following: school uniforms, and hair regulations, such as dyes and length. In addition to the dress code, the way schools function is drastically different.

Usually, students spoke formally to their peers that were in higher grades,” Ueno said. “Instead of the students going class to class, the teachers were the ones who changed classes. Also, only graduating students received a yearbook. Another major difference was the size of the schools, as they were four to five stories high to minimize space.”

Students in Japan feel a higher pressure when it comes to educational self-discipline.

“Most high school students in Japan are forced to study things that they don’t have any passion for, unlike our high school where we can basically choose whatever classes we want to take,” Ueno said. “American students have a better balance of studying and having fun.”

Although he has enjoyed his time in both the systems, Ueno has witnessed the negative aspects of both Japanese and American schooling.

“Both Japanese and American schools have their pros and cons,” Ueno said. “I don’t think there is a definitive answer on which education system is better.”

Aside from school, there are also many cultural differences between the two countries.

“Japanese people are very nationalistic but we aren’t very politically active,” Ueno said.

From a strict social hierarchy to no tips being allowed, Japan has a completely different culture.

“In Japan, people are a lot more reserved,” Ueno said. PDA is frowned upon, tips are not given,Ueno would never want to give up either portion of his life.

“I personally love living in America more than Japan because I’ve lived here longer,” Ueno said “However, I love the Japanese culture more than the American culture.