Conflict

Ijime is one of the serious problems in Japanese society. It literally means bullying. According to the survey, it ijime has been reported in 27% of elementry schools, over 50% of junior high schools, and 36% of high schools in Japan. Although bullying exists in other countries too, it is somewhat more serious and dangerous in Japan.

It has also been reported that one junior high school student committed suicide after being continuously bullied by his classmates. Ijime exists in various of forms. It includes hiding or destroyng property, verbal and physical violence, taking money, etc. There are several reasons that explain why ijime is so strong in Japan.

Japan is a collective country, which values conformity over individuality. In other words, people in Japan do not like something different from them. For example, in schools, students who are too brilliant and raise their hands too much can be attacked by others. Students who look differnt can also be attacked as well (too good looking or too bad looking for instance).

Schools in Japan also enforce many restictions to students, which can be very stressful. Students in Japanese schools are required to wear same uniforms, to cut hair to certain length, etc. Students become stressful, dealing with so many school restrictions, and this might be one of the reasons for ijime in Japan.

There isn't a single answer for ijime. Combination of many factors contribute to ijime in Japan. It is one of many serious issues to be solved in Japan today.