Following Japan's summer break, a noticeable uptick in student absences, termed "futoukou" (refusal to attend school), has been observed. This news focuses on "hikarincho," a term referring to children who prefer staying home post-vacation. While no particular school or student is singled out, the issue has emerged across multiple schools, signaling a nationwide concern. The news investigates possible causes and potential solutions for this growing problem.

Japan places high value on education and school attendance, and regular attendance is seen as a sign of discipline and social conformity. However, recent generations have been facing increased academic pressures, leading to issues like "hikikomori" (social withdrawal) and "futoukou." Society and educational institutions are wrestling with understanding and addressing these complex issues.

In the US and EU, school attendance issues are also taken seriously, but the response varies. While the US often employs truancy laws and parental responsibility norms, EU countries like Finland focus more on providing student support, counseling services, and specialized educational plans. The issues of school refusal and academic pressure are global phenomena but are dealt with a more individualistic approach in the west than in Japan.