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Categorizing this as an "entertainment documentary" doesn't seem fit for a show that will completely stage a course, thoroughly discuss the errand content and t

Categorizing this as an "entertainment documentary" doesn't seem fit for a show that will completely stage a course, thoroughly discuss the errand content and timing with the parents and have a number of "strangers" cooperate. I'd personally put it straight into the "reality show" category. Otherwise, children independence is a real thing. They'll walk by themselves to school as soon as they become first graders, often assisted by the other kids following the same path. And the city itself will be part of the effort: paths to schools will be visibly marked as such, they'll be checked for safety, residents will watch for kids that seem lost or adult people that could potentially be dangerous, cops will bike these course more often etc. It's not all rosy, but it is one of the best sides of the community thinking in Japan IMO.

quartesixte 5y ago
The community overwatch is very real and very important to this whole process. The school teachers will do rotations on patrolling the walking paths. Moms volunteer at crosswalks. Local elderly conveniently do their morning gardening at this time. Older kids are expected to help the younger ones not get lost. A kid who habitually walks to school alone will be subjected to much concern by faculty. I have witnessed personally phone calls coming into the office from local retirees saying a certain kid went off the predefined walking path in the morning. Which set off a HUGE commotion. The result is that students as young as 6 walk to school on their own. It’s a masterclass in fostering independence and urban navigation—important traits for a nation that has some of the densest urban areas on the planet.