Children in the Park
Today I saw these two boys, about six years old, playing alone in Wadasakuranosaka Park near my apartment, without adult supervision and totally safe. It was a mild day coming after several days of cold and rain. I had work in the afternoon, but in the morning I felt bored and decided to go out for a walk.
This is how it is in Japan. Children can safely play outside and unsupervised. Elementary school-aged children habitually go to-and-from school and ride the trains and subways by themselves, as well. Maybe that seems incredible to North Americans, but it’s normal life in Japan. Notice these kids are wearing masks, too.