As summer vacation ends in Japan, there's an unexpected concern manifesting: children's anxiety about returning to school. With kids having navigated through a mix of fun, freedom, studies, and home boredom, the shift back to the school routine is triggering anxieties and uncertainties. Parents, teachers, and education specialists are working together to make the transition smoother and ensure a secure environment for these children.

The issue of children's mental health, particularly in relation to school stressors, is an increasingly significant topic in Japan. Many families, educators, and even policymakers are focusing on endeavors to address and understand it better. The Japanese value balance in their lives, and this concern reflects their aim to ensure a balanced educational environment that caters to students' academic development as well as their emotional health.

Like in Japan, children's anxiety relating to school is a universal concern, including in the US and EU. However, back-to-school anxieties may be more pronounced in Japan due to cultural elements such as pressure for academic excellence and social conformity. The EU and U.S. have also intensified efforts against children's school-related stress, implementing measures like counseling, parental education, and school policy reforms.