Parents, Don’t Give Up Too Soon : Japanese Study Tip Beyond Study

The Odd Beginning of My Career Journey

Deprived of parental support for my music career, I was left to pave my own way. My journey began humbly—as an English tutor at a modest language school in town. There I encountered high school students struggled with their grades and confidence. Initially, these students appeared to lack the ability to communicate effectively. I made it my mission to engage with them before diving into the lessons.

Through our discussions, I soon discovered their hidden potential. For example, a boy told me about his hobby, watching scary suspense/crime movies such as The Postman Always Rings Twice. He was surprisingly knowledgeable and efficient in speech when it came to cinema topics. So I realized how smart he was. Despite their initial struggles, all of these students quickly climbed to the top of their classes.

Unbelievable Parental Perspectives

I often received visits from my students’ parents, who would express their gratitude with sweet gifts—usually cakes and cookies. They were astonished by the sudden academic improvement their children achieved under my guidance. While they beamed with pride, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. It angered me that they had once underestimated their own children, labeling them as inferior or incapable.

I understand the parents had given up hope, perhaps out of guilt, realizing their expectations had been too high. But still, I wished they had held onto a bit more faith in their children’s potential.

The Tale of a Legendary Teacher in Japan

Recently, I learned about a legendary figure in Osaka, 北極老人(Arctic Old Man), who mirrored my experiences as a tutor. This man achieved remarkable success, securing first place in the national mock exams across all subjects. Inspired by this success, he decided to open a prep school. Yet, his students faced a daunting challenge: they were mentally struggled and lost energy ;

- Children who were exhausted by the "cramming education" at school

- Children who were so desperate to keep up with the trends and their friends that they lost sight of "themselves"

- Children who were forced to follow a set path by their parents, couldn't live freely.

Recognizing the need for a nurturing environment, Arctic Old Man, also a good cook, began offering home-cooked meals to his students. These affectionate gestures cultivated a sense of belonging and security, allowing the students to thrive academically. In a short span, their grades improved tutoring experience and the story of the legendary teacher is the significance of belief—both that of the students and their parents. When students feel valued and trusted, they often surprise everyone with their abilities. When we nurture children with love and reassurance, we open the doors to their future achievements.

Ultimately, fostering a deep belief in students can spark meaningful change. As parents, we often rush to see visible results—and when they don’t appear quickly, we tend to give up too soon. I was no exception. I didn’t fully recognize my daughter’s aspirations until she told me she wanted to attend prestigious school.

Ideally, however, we should strive to create environments where students feel empowered to succeed. Such spaces can reignite their passion for learning and significantly improve their academic performance.