Record violence among Japan's teachers

Classrooms have become increasingly unsafe in Japan

By Sharon Moushavi in Tokyo

A record number of Japanese teachers were disciplined for committing "obscene acts" against students in the latest school year, an Education Ministry survey has found.

Acts of abuse against students continue to erode trust in teachers

Education Ministry survey

The news has prompted increasing concern in Japan about the condition of its schools.

Teachers in Japan are traditionally held in high esteem but acts of abuse, the ministry's survey said, are eroding trust in the country's educators.

Most of the 149 teachers who faced punishment were either fired or resigned for conduct ranging from sexual harassment to physical attacks.

High stress

At the same time, teachers are facing extraordinary strains. Last year the same survey showed a record one-in-400 instructors took a leave of absence, citing mental anguish or stress.

There appears to be a correlation with the stultified economy

Much has changed in Japan's once vaunted school system. What used to be a model of the country's success appears to have become a breeding ground for trouble.

Last year, incidents of student violence and vandalism reached an all-time high.

The problem has been blamed on a number of factors, including the enormous pressures students face to pass competitive exams.

With good jobs scarce in Japan's troubled economy, getting into a good school or university is more crucial than ever.

The situation in Japan's schools mirrors what is happening across the country.

Crime is rising nationwide, as are the levels of suicide and depression. Nearly all of the problems are attributed to Japan's decade of economic decline - a decline that shows no sign of ending.