News Saitama-based organisation criticised for combat training 'survival school' for children

[thomas]

Scenes reminiscent of Russian elementary and junior high schools:

An organisation based in Saitama Prefecture has come under scrutiny for conducting "junior survival school" sessions that involve combat-style training for primary and lower secondary school students at public facilities in Tokyo's Itabashi and Suginami wards.

The events, run by a general incorporated association, reportedly included activities in which children handled toy firearms and underwent training modelled on drills used by the Japan Self-Defence Forces (SDF). A local civic group has expressed concern, suggesting the programme may be inconsistent with the wards' declarations as "cities of peace." Sources familiar with the activities and the organisation's website indicate that the training sessions are led by former SDF personnel, take place in Itabashi, Suginami, and Toshima wards, and require participants to pay a fee. Social media footage posted by the group shows children in camouflage attire saluting and aiming toy guns while lying on the ground.

The organization's website describes its mission as "developing skills for social independence and survival," listing expectations for its "cadets" that include "properly following orders and fostering the habit of proactive obedience based on self-awareness." Jin Takeda, 78, a former teacher and secretary-general of the civic group "Itabashi inochi furusato heiwa no tsudoi," was alarmed upon viewing these videos and submitted a formal request to Itabashi Ward seeking clarification. The group's letter stated: "Allowing elementary and junior high students to hold guns, even toys, and participate in 'combat experiences' is utterly unacceptable." Itabashi Ward officials said the training sessions' specific contents themselves did not immediately violate the ward's public facility usage rules. However, after investigating, ward authorities discovered that for about one year, the organization had used local community centers without disclosing that it was charging participants. As rules forbidding profit-oriented activities had been breached, facility-use permission was revoked on May 14. Similarly, Suginami Ward prohibits profit-making activities at its facilities, and after officials contacted the organization on May 19, the group voluntarily halted its use of those venues.

Japan group under fire for holding 'junior survival school' combat training for children - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- An organization in Saitama Prefecture has drawn criticism for holding

mainichi.jp

公共施設で「戦闘訓練」　埼玉の社団法人、小中学生対象スクール　板橋・杉並　「平和都市宣言逸脱」疑問の声　／東京 | 毎日新聞

埼玉県の一般社団法人が「ジュニアサバイバルスクール」と称し、板橋区と杉並区の公共施設で小中学生対象に自衛隊式の「戦闘訓練」を指導していたことが、関係者への取材で判明した。子供に銃（おもちゃ）を構えさせるなどしており、市民団体から「区の平和都市宣言から逸脱する活動が区有施設で行われていることに疑問を

mainichi.jp

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[Grandpa Frank]

Reminds me of belonging to the rifle club in junior high and high school for 6 years. We used .22 target rifles and usually had around 20 members. In the high school parking lot , you would often see rifles and shotguns for after school hunting. I don't think it was till the early 80's that things changed a little. Guns and hunting were part of life in Maine back in the day. At age 10 , I got my first rifle , a .22. At 14 I got a 30-30 rifle and at 18 , a 30-06 rifle. When I returned from the Navy in 73 , I started buying and selling guns to make extra money. I did light gunsmithing to make a gun look better to sell. Over the years I had several hundred guns come and go. I'm down to just 22 guns now , most new and unfired. I've been offered 20 thousand US for my collection , but can't bring myself to let go yet , LOL. Different times now for sure.

 

[Ukigumo]

Is this a new reality due to the potential threat from Russia/China? Training children for potential self-defense in case of conflict. It's a little depressing. Anyway there's Kendo etc to teach martial spirit!

 

[mdchachi]

Reminds me of belonging to the rifle club in junior high and high school for 6 years. We used .22 target rifles and usually had around 20 members. In the high school parking lot , you would often see rifles and shotguns for after school hunting. I don't think it was till the early 80's that things changed a little. Guns and hunting were part of life in Maine back in the day. At age 10 , I got my first rifle , a .22. At 14 I got a 30-30 rifle and at 18 , a 30-06 rifle. When I returned from the Navy in 73 , I started buying and selling guns to make extra money. I did light gunsmithing to make a gun look better to sell. Over the years I had several hundred guns come and go. I'm down to just 22 guns now , most new and unfired. I've been offered 20 thousand US for my collection , but can't bring myself to let go yet , LOL. Different times now for sure.

Sell some and fund a long overdue trip to Japan!