The Jan. 11 Kyodo analysis article, "Physical punishment at elite school shows limits of ban," is unfortunately not surprising. I have seen firsthand as well as heard from others how sadly common the practice of corporal punishment is.
I have witnessed students being shoved repeatedly against the wall by teachers, sometimes twice their size, doing their utmost to reduce the children to tears.
More than just a ban on corporal punishment, Japan needs to rethink discipline in the school system. By all means, corporal punishment should be banned and it should be seriously investigated and prosecuted.
Students must also face the consequences for bad behavior — but consequences that do not involve physical violence.
It is no surprise that bullying is so prevalent in Japanese schools when there are many teachers who play the role of bullies themselves.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.