Stranger danger

It seemed like an average work day in May when the men in my staffroom had their eyes on the clock. Armed with broomsticks and the like, they waited for the clock to strike three. I stood with them, but without any “weapon.” I really had no idea what was expected of me.

It was “Stranger Awareness Day" at Nichu. We spent the afternoon teaching students the importance of protecting yourself from strangers. But as per usual, I have discovered that the Japanese take it to another level.

When I was a kid, I think we popped in a safety video and watched it together. Some years, we had a policeman come in and make a special appearance. He’d warn us to never enter suspicious vehicles or talk to strangers. In my neighbourhood, we were told to avoid the “white van” that grabbed kids off sidewalks.

But I digress.

There was a strange man who was running up and down the Nichu hallways while yelling. I figured he was the dude posing as the “stranger” entering the school. Y-sensei, who was clutching his wooden kendo sword, looked over and kindly said: “Gemma-sensei… PLEASE ESCAPE NOW!!!”

So, I shuffled my way to the gym. Kids started filtering in a few minutes later. Then, the teachers ran in. Some of them were actually panting, so I’m guessing they legitimately chased the stranger with their kendo swords and broomsticks.

The school also has a special “stranger prod.” It is an eight-foot metal stick with a U-shaped end. Do they grab the stranger by the waist, and then push him out the front entrance? I wish I stuck around to see that comedic performance.


Stay alert, stay safe.