In Japan, the group identifies the individual. One is determined by what they belong to, as much as they are by their own actions. Clubs are one such identifier; one that permeates Japanese school life from start to finish. In Canada, clubs are treated as more of a hobby than a pursuit, and are sometimes even only a way to fulfill a requirement, and to graduate. Prior to researching clubs in Japan, we had an inkling that this was different here. In order to understand Japanese school clubs better, we spoke to Ren about his club experience, from elementary school - to university:
Ren has been in basketball club since he was 10. He describes his experience as extremely positive. Ren says that being part of basketball club helped him focus during exam periods, increased his confidence, and overall improved his motivation. Having a consistent form of stress relief is a crucial component of a successful school career. Some people play music, some people draw, and some people play basketball. Ren describes basketball club as "がんばる時", a time when he can give it his all and forget about the stress of school.
It seems that clubs in Japan are where you will find the people who are passionate about their hobbies. As opposed to North America where practice time alone is common, Ren says that in high school basketball club met every day, there was no time to practice alone. Furthermore, he became extremely good friends with his fellow club mates. He says they still get together, from time to time. This is a part of school life that North America lacks. The close bonds formed through consistent, frequent, commitment to a mutual passion.
Ren is now part of the University basketball club, where he says they practice less frequently, but are much more competitive. Talking to Ren, clubs in Japan take on a whole new meaning. More of a life lesson in stick-to-it-iveness, than an extracurricular activity. We both feel inspired by this dedication, and slightly regretful that our own school experience lacked such a positive dash of spice.
The takeaway:
It seems that our inkling was correct! Club life in Japan fulfills much more of a formative role than the 'on the side' nature of Canadian clubs. Given more time we would have liked to interview more students about their club experiences, and perhaps even visited some clubs ourselves. But Ren's passion shone through, like a beacon on a stormy night. His message was clear. Clubs are an integral part of what it means to grow up in Japan, and further still: memories and friends that you keep with you for the rest of your life.