The news covers a prominent issue rising among Japanese households: children expressing a want not to go to school. Diving into the socio-emotional aspects and the intricate causes such as bullying, unyielding academic pressure, and lack of school-life balance, the piece examines parents' struggles and their responses to this cry for help. This phenomenon, gaining increased media attention, is pushing educational institutions and society at large to reconsider current educational practices.

In Japan, education is highly prioritized with an emphasis on discipline and academic achievement. School refusal is treated not only as an individual's concern but also implicates the family's reputation, leading to societal pressure on parents. Surveillance on bullying and mental health concerns in schools have also increased, reflecting societal concern.

In contrast, the US and EU tend to focus more on children's individual learning needs and emotional well-being. School refusal is often seen through the lens of psychology, with more access to counselling services and alternative teaching methods. Bullying and academic pressure are recognised issues, but responses vary widely.