Bullying in Japan

While many Japanese kids are well behaved like angels, some are complete and utter brats who go around bullying other kids.
Bullying in schools is a major social problem in Japan - many kids end up killing themselves due to the treatment they get.

A recent survey by the ministry of education reveals that there were 124,898 reported cases of bullying in schools. 12,307 cases were from secondary schools, 12,307 were from colleges, 384 from special facilities but most of the bullying went on in primary schools with 60,897 cases. The remaining numbers where cases from some private/public schools.

Out of the total number of reported bullying, 40,019 cases were of violence. The survey also shows that bullying by means of electronic means (internet, mail) is on the increase too.

A few colleagues and friends who used to live in Japan have left to go back too the US because they didn't want their kids going to schools in Japan. There are international schools in Japan where the population is mostly gaijin but apparently are rather expensive.

Recently saw a documentary about a popular talent on Japanese TV who was half Japanese and Egyptian. He lived until the age of four abroad and then moved back to Japan to experience terrible bullying in school - "run its the gaijin!"

Met up with a Japanese friend of mine who spent his younger years in England and Germany. Even though he was full blooded Japanese, just because he lived abroad, he got the same gaijin treatment when he came back to primary schools in Japan.

I received my fair share of bullying when I was back in the UK - was called every name under the sun and battered left right n center ^^; Never spoken about this before but I didn't enjoy my child hood at all. I have zero fun memories as a child.
I look at my life now and realize that I'm living my childhood as an adult trying to take back the lost years. Spent too much time as an unhappy child and am making sure that I spend the rest of my remaining time enjoying life as much as possible - life is short. For those who always send me mail asking why I behave like a child (buying figures, "parading" around in armor etc) - now you know ^^

I'm guessing that bullying happens everywhere but in Japan it could be more of a problem that other regions - you tell us.

You can read more about bullying in Japan in English through this search result.