As the 2025 Golden Week approaches, many families are grappling with the dilemma of whether to take their children out of school for family vacations. This year, the holiday period is marked by a "flying stone" pattern, where the arrangement of public holidays makes it challenging for families to plan extended trips. Discussions about the appropriateness of taking children out of school for leisure are heating up on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where opinions are sharply divided.
While some parents argue that taking time off for family trips is justified, particularly given the constraints of work schedules, others express concern about the implications of missing school. The debate touches on deeper issues regarding parental responsibility and educational commitments. As one parent noted online, "There are parents who can’t take weekends off, so there’s no problem with taking kids out for a trip." However, critics counter that allowing children to skip school for leisure can undermine their educational responsibilities.
The School Education Law categorizes absences into three main types: absence due to illness or personal reasons, suspension of attendance for health-related issues, and mourning due to family misfortunes. Notably, absences for leisure do not fall under these categories, which raises questions about how schools should handle such situations.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education has clarified that they do not require the number of absences to be recorded on the forms necessary for entrance exams for metropolitan high schools and secondary schools. This policy alleviates some anxiety for parents considering taking their children out for a family trip.
Associate Professor Katsuhisa Shirai from Aichi Toho University highlights that societal perceptions of taking time off are evolving. He points out that the traditional view that perfect attendance is paramount is shifting, with growing recognition of the value of experiential learning outside the classroom. "While it's important to attend school, the experiences gained during time off are equally valuable," Shirai stated. This perspective is gaining traction as more educational institutions begin to acknowledge the benefits of learning vacations.
In 2023, Aichi Prefecture introduced a "learning vacation" system that allows students to take up to three days off per year for experiential learning activities. This initiative aims to encourage families to engage in educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. A survey conducted six months after the program's launch revealed that approximately 17% of children had utilized this option, indicating a positive response to the initiative.
Following Aichi's lead, Beppu City in Oita Prefecture has expanded its learning vacation system, allowing students to take up to five days off per year starting in the 2025 academic year. This flexibility has been well-received by families, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to combine travel with learning.
However, the implementation of such systems is not without its challenges. Concerns have been raised about the potential for inequality, particularly in regions like Nagoya City, which has opted against adopting the learning vacation policy. Officials there worry that the system might exacerbate disparities among children, particularly those whose parents work essential jobs and may not have the flexibility to take time off during weekdays. A representative from the Nagoya City Board of Education explained, "While we understand the intent behind the 'vacation reform,' we are concerned about the fairness of the system for all students."
As families weigh their options for the upcoming Golden Week, many are still undecided about their plans. According to a recent survey conducted by Iko-yo Research, 41% of families indicated they have plans to go out during the holiday, while 52% are still unsure. Only 6% of families stated they do not plan to go anywhere at all.
The survey also revealed that parks are the most popular destination for family outings, with 43% of respondents planning to visit these outdoor spaces. Returning to hometowns for family gatherings is another common choice, with 28% of families indicating this as their plan. Theme parks and zoos also remain attractive options, with 22% and 18% of families respectively expressing interest in these venues.
Interestingly, many families are opting to travel during weekdays rather than weekends. The survey found that 58% of those planning weekday outings cited the desire to avoid crowds as their primary reason, while 36% noted that weekday outings are often cheaper. This trend reflects a growing awareness of the benefits of strategic planning to enhance family experiences while minimizing costs.
Despite the challenges posed by rising costs associated with travel, such as airfare and accommodation, the survey indicated that only 2% of families plan to travel overseas during Golden Week. This low figure suggests that many families are still hesitant to venture abroad, possibly due to economic uncertainties and the complexities of traveling with children.
As families prepare for the holiday, they are also considering what activities they would most like to pursue. Popular responses included picnics, animal encounters, and visits to local festivals. Many parents expressed a desire to foster connections with nature and spend quality time with family members.
In summary, the 2025 Golden Week presents a unique opportunity for families to navigate the balance between educational commitments and leisure activities. As discussions continue around the appropriateness of taking children out of school for vacations, it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact family dynamics and educational outcomes. The evolving perspectives on learning and time off suggest that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and each family will ultimately make choices that best fit their circumstances and values.
