The ijime phenomenon and Japan: Overarching considerations for cross-cultural studies

This article addresses the paucity of literature in English about the probl em of ijime (bullying) in Japan. It offers an introductory presentation to understand its educational, social and cultural context, which is considere d to be a first necessary step in order to conduct cross-cultural work. Bas ics on ijime research and its history are briefly reviewed; key educational values and related concepts ("ganbaru" -perseverance-, "gaman" -patience-, "sunao" -obedience-, and group inclusion and exclusion) are explained foll owed by illustrative examples (shikato ijime, ochikobore...). Finally, pecu liar societal features in Japan (credential society, examination hell, juku ) are also presented and discussed from the optic of its concomitance with the ijime problem.