Beyond Books and Bells: What Tokkatsu Can Teach Us About Holistic Education
In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, workplaces, and daily life, the importance of cultivating human intelligence has never been greater. While AI excels in processing information and automating tasks, it is our uniquely human traits—empathy, creativity, resilience, and the ability to connect with others—that will shape the future. Education systems must rise to the challenge by nurturing these qualities alongside academic skills. Japan’s Tokkatsu ( tokubetsu katsudou ), or “special activities,” offers a compelling model for holistic development, teaching students the life skills and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in a world increasingly shared with AI. Drawing on insights from research into effective educational practices, including the works of Battistich et al. (2000), Connell & Wellborn (1991), and Deci & Ryan (1985), I will explore Tokkatsu’s advantages and challenges through a student-focused lens. It also highlights how t...