Japan's proposal to open primary schools at 7 a.m. is facing strong opposition from various quarters. The idea, aimed at accommodating working parents, is undergoing significant criticism due to concerns over safety, children's health, and student performance. Despite the controversy, the government maintains that the move is essential to balance the working habits of modern families with the educational needs of the children.

In Japan, the proposal is seen as a measure to combat the increased pressure placed on families due to rising work commitments and unsocial working hours. However, this early opening plan is clashing with a deep-seated socio-cultural belief in Japan that children require a full night's rest to maximize their academic and extracurricular activities performance.

In the US, comparable issues have arisen when changes in school hours have been proposed to accommodate parents with demanding work schedules or in efforts to improve student performance by aligning school schedules with peak student attention spans. A similar debate exists in the EU, where changes in school timings have faced criticism concerning student health and safety.