23/08/2025
習い事 (Naraigoto)
It’s the structured, formalized pursuit of a skill, almost always under the guidance of a teacher (sensei) in a class setting. The word itself comes from 習う (narau - to learn) and 事 (koto - thing). It’s a "learning thing."
The Rhythm of 習い事
To understand it, you have to see its role in the rhythm of life here.
For kids, it’s a huge part of childhood. After school, it’s not just about going home. It’s about grabbing your canvas bag with your kendo armor and for Sayuri her musical book.
It’s not just for fun; there’s often an underlying sense of self-improvement, discipline, and building a well-rounded character.
In Japan, it’s not just an activity; it’s a deeply ingrained social system for lifelong learning and community building. It’s the acknowledged, respected, and encouraged answer to the question: "What are you doing to improve yourself and connect with others this week?"
It’s the beautiful, structured pursuit of a slightly more interesting life, one lesson at a time. And over here, everyone is doing it.
