Children autonomy

As I was walking down to street from my apartment to school, I notice two little girls walking down street heading back home. They had to be no more than 6 or 7. It is possible to question the age of people here in JP, but what made it more apparent of their age was their yellow hat - a detail more kindergarten children where as a part of their uniform. You may be asking yourself so what? My amazement is that there were no parents at all. This is a natural occurrence here in Japan. It is very common to five, six and seven year olds walk home by themselves.

I have seen them in heavy traffic areas, fleeting around people's legs, crossing the street by themselves and letting themselves into their home. It has become apparent to me that the idea of "child molester" doesn't really run rampant here. Back in the States, anyone would be curious if not worried that a child of that age would be by themselves in the street. Honestly, it is the equivalent of have a six year old doing their own thing in the middle of Downtown Crossing in Boston or Times Square in New York (its abit of stretch with the latter but you get my point).

I have come two conclusions: Parents here have extreme faith in their children and in everyone else. I may be generalizing (which cant be avoided) but I feel its pretty accurate. They don't believe that anyone will do any harm to a child that is returning home from school. They also believe that their children will listen to them and will not venture out anywhere but to go home.

Could the US ever be this? Could YOU be like this? I can only speak for myself when I say Hell to the Nah. I guess the JP doesn't have Chris Hansen showing the creep next door having wet dreams about you baby. But I guess that's just me....


Tina
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