Japan has found a novel way to attract tourists by offering a taste of its iconic school culture. For just Rs 17,000 (30,000 yen), foreign visitors can spend a day as a Japanese secondary school student, complete with uniforms, classes, and cultural activities.

Launched by a company called Undokaiya, the unique program takes place in a decommissioned school in Chiba Prefecture, located in eastern Japan. The goal is simple: give tourists an immersive, fun experience while boosting tourism in the area.

What can tourists expect?

There is no age requirement to participate in the program, but it only accommodates 30 participants per day so that it remains personal and engaging. Upon arrival, participants are attired in traditional Japanese school uniforms: either the famous sailor-style uniform or formal suits for the formal beginning.

From then on, they are assigned classrooms where they engage in a wide range of activities from:

  • Calligraphy lessons in Japanese language class
  • Katana sword practice
  • Traditional kimono-wearing and Japanese dance sessions

The program doesn't just focus on academics and culture but also introduces visitors to disaster preparedness drills conducted by schools in Japan, which are a very essential part of real school life within the earthquake-prone country. Like Japanese students, the visitors are taught how to duck under their desks instantly during simulated emergencies.

Adding a drama touch, some "naughty students" – inspired by rebellious characters in manga and anime – disrupt the Physical Education (PE) class. These "students," played by staff, embody Japan's Yanki subculture, which challenges school norms and often appears in popular shows.

Before the day ends, participants clean their classrooms, another Japanese way of doing things as deeply set in the nation's educational system. The activity has a connotation of responsibility and respect toward shared areas, which constitute a well-known part of its educational values.

As a memento of finishing their own "school day," participants will receive a graduation certificate.

Manga and anime influence

Much of the appeal of the program owes to Japan's growing soft power. For decades, manga and anime have underlined the charm of Japanese school culture stylish uniforms and energetic club activities to strong friendships and team spirit.

Now, fans from across the world can step into the very setting where their favorite characters begin their heroic journeys. Whether it's nostalgia, curiosity, or simply a love for Japanese pop culture, this “one-day student” scheme offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is hard to resist.

If tourists want more than what typical sightseeing has to offer, Japan's "one-day student" program provides a mix of fun, learning, and cultural immersion that could be hard to beat.