Japan

Osaka’s mayor, inspired by Thatcher, requires children to attend Saturday classes

Ida Torres, The Japan Daily Press (November 12, 2012)

Mayor Toru Hashimoto

Mayor Toru Hashimoto responded to a recent assault, attempted robbery, and several other violent acts allegedly committed by six youths, with a reinstatement of a mandatory educational guideline that was abolished over ten year ago. Students are to attend Saturday classes in addition to their Monday through Friday schedule. Five elementary schools have already reinstated the Mayor’s guideline and the remainder will have the guideline take force in April 2013. Hashimoto hopes that with the additional school day will not only benefit student academic achievement, but also prevent juvenile delinquency.

For more information:

Japan’s Osaka to restart Saturday classes for schools