Q-6: ISN'T THERE AN OBLIGATION FOR CHILDREN TO GO TO SCHOOL?
A-6: No, there is not. Under the Constitution of Japan, children have the "right to receive an education" [*kyoiku o ukeru kenri*], and people are "obliged to have" [*hosho-suru gimu*] children receive an education. If a child does not suit a school or if a child dislikes going to school, she/he still has the right to an education, even if it is outside of school. But this is made especially hard for large numbers of children and parents because no systematic procedures are in place at the administrative levels in Japan to deal with such situations.
It becomes necessary, then, to stand up for the right "not to go to school" -- and for society to recognize that right. Citizens groups in Japan are already undertaking these very types of activities, and homeschooling support groups are springing up in many areas.
[Editor's Note: The part of the Japanese Constitution pertaining to education, Article 26, in two paragraphs, reads in its entirety as follows: "All people shall have the right to receive an equal education correspondent to their ability, as provided for by law. 2. All people shall be obligated to have all boys and girls under their protection receive ordinary education as provided for by law. Such compulsory education shall be free."]