Bullying is a big problem in Japan. In a society where group identity is everything, being ostracized is a huge deal. I think that most of the bullying is verbal or ignoring the person; although there is probably some physical violence as well depending on the situation.

Lately, it has gotten national attention. On Monday, a junior high school boy sent a letter to the minister of education in Japan saying that he is being bullied. His teachers, parents and other authority figures hadn't done anything to help. In the letter he said he wanted help, and if he didn't get it he would commit suicide on Wednesday. However, he didn't sign his name or say what school. Thus, the minister of education televised a plea and said he wanted to help.

A day or two ago, the minister of education received another letter from a high school girl saying that she was also bullied. The boy's letter had encouraged her to ask for help or commit suicide on Saturday if she didn't get help. Apparently, this letter was faxed to all of the high schools in Japan to see if any teacher could identify the handwriting. This morning all of the homeroom teachers were called into a short meeting about it. For me this is a reminder of the need to encourage and support my students in prayer.