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DOCTORATE THESIS · IN · DAVID BALL – Japanese Scouting – Comparison & Contrast

It is tradition in the Japanese Scouting Program that the outgoing Governor of their state or prefecture becomes the honorary Executive of that area. They are considered high in wisdom and worthy of respect. Governor Soichiro Yamamoto, of the Miyagi Prefecture produced this calligraphy graphic which reads, “Plowing a field is endless.” His follow up note says, “The more you cultivate your character, the more brilliant and refined you become. This process is endless.”

I gratefully received this one-of-a-kind handmade calligraphy graphic in May 2014 as a gift of international friendship from District Commissioner, Isao Watanabe of the Miyagi Prefecture – childhood home of my late mother, Etsuko Takahashii Ball

At its essence the world of Scouting is amazingly similar from Japan to America. Undoubtedly there are contrasts due to our and cultural differences, but my discovery is how much this enhances the program, and the appreciation for both.

D A V I D B A L L DOCTORATE THESIS · · DAVID BALL

It was my Japanese mother, not my American father who enrolled me and my brother into the Boys Scouts near our suburb home in Houston in the early 1970’s. It still astounds us how a woman born and raised in Japan would know about an American organization for boys that promoted such great values, experiences, responsibility, and . We asked her years later what made her do it. She calmly replied she did not intend to raise Japanese sons in America, but instead raise proud American sons. She then added that the ideal “American Boy” was a Boy Scout. Her decision would set a direction for our lives.

Over the years, I learned to appreciate both my American heritage and my Japanese heritage. To my delight, I discovered that Japan too had . In recent years I’ve also discovered how similar the Japanese programs are to the American brand. I’ve also found out the differences, which motivated me to create this thesis for my Doctorate of Commissioner Science. –David Ball DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL I am the embodiment of this cross-cultural examination as I am half Japanese and half American by birth. Of course, my allegiance is without question American, but my life has been an exercise of the blending of Asia and America. I feel especially qualified to unveil the Japanese Scout program to the American Scouts because, as an American Eagle Scout, and now adult leader on both the unit side and district side, also trained, I am familiar with important contrasts in our two programs that still allow Scouting to work. History of Scouting in Japan

The Scout Movement spread to Japan in 1913 soon after it was founded in England in 1907 by Lord Baden-Powell. Similarly, Scouting came to America in 1910. After a few failed attempts to root Scouting in Japan, the National Association was organized in Japan as the “Boy Scouts of Japan” in 1922, and the organization became a founder-member of the International Conference of the Boy Scout Movement during its inaugural meeting in From my personal collection, two Paris, . The BSJ name lasted until Japanese Scout bollo ties. Camp Yamanaka worn by my uncle Isao, and 1971, when it was changed to “Boy a BSN 50th Anniversary (1972) Scouts of Nippon”. “Nippon” is the correct way of saying “Japan”.

After a separation from Scouting during World War II, the National Association was re- admitted as a full member of International Con- ference of the Scout Movement in 1950. For some, this would seem to be a small thing. Knowing what I know from family tales of war, poverty, starvation, bombs, and death, I imagine this war-torn nation, and the world, felt like the Japanese readmission to Scouting was HUGE in their normalization process. Being accepted back to a friendly nation status may have been truly helped by the beliefs in Scouting. Historically, post World War II Japan embraced American ideas and those of the west in their desire to modernize. Within ten years of the end of the war, Scout membership had grown to 80,000. In 1957, the first Wood Badge course by that name was held in Japan. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL In 1956, Japan held the First Japan-wide . The Second Nippon Jamboree came in 1959, shortly after the conclusion of the 10th in the . National have become very popular in Japan as they have in America.

From my personal collection, these are Japanese National Jamboree patches dating back to the first one in 1956.

This 16th Jamboree patch among other Scout memorobilia was given to me personally by the District Commissioner from my mother’s home town of Sendai, Japan in a meeting we had together last year (2014) when I visited Japan.

The cartoon samurai warrior is the symbol of Sendai– “City of Holy Trees” DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL From there, the Scout Movement steadily grew on the so- cial, cultural and traditional soil of Japan, and established an eminent place for itself in social education for young people. In 1995, the National Association was re-named from “Boy Scouts of Nippon”(BSN) to “Scout Association of Japan” (SAJ) as it was decided that the proper national name “Nippon” was not well known worldwide. Also, doors opened to the girls/female youth in all divisions in that year. After that point, to use “Boy Scout” would

Bo–y Su-ka-oo-toh Nihon Ren Mei strictly be incorrect. However, it was decided that the Japan Federation official name is to be in the , and the English expression is for the convenience and benefit of overseas Scouts to connect with Japanese Scouting*. Of course, this is very different than America, as Boy Scouting & Cub Scouting has remained male. However, Venture Scouting in America is coed. *The Japanese Boy Scout identification strip patch is affixed above the right pocket like the American strip as is the The SAJ celebrated its 75th Anniversary International Scout patch. of founding of the National Scout Asso- The Japanese flag patch is above the right pocket also, in contrast to the American ciation in 1997 and hosted the 2nd Scout which carries the flag on Asia-Pacific Regional Top Leaders’ Sum- the upper right sleeve. mit Conference in Gotemba and .

In recent years, the SAJ held several international youth events which include the 15th Nippon Jamboree in Shizuoka in August 2010 and the 10th Nippon Agoonoree in Hyogo in August 2008. The 16th Nippon Jamboree (16NJ) was held in 2013 in Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi, Japan as the dry-run event for the upcoming 23rd World Scout Jamboree

Japanese Scouts are actively involved in the international understanding and cooperation programs by their Rover Scouts with the Scouts, Scouts of , Scout Association and Scouts Association. Today the Scout population boasts 143,272 members.

This was the 40th Anniversary patch from Sendai, Japan in July of 2008. This camp no longer exists as it was completely washed away in the earthquake, tsunami of March 2011. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL Japanese Scout Response to the 2011 Earthquake & Tsunami In March of 2011, northern Japan experienced a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami wave which devastated everything in its path; nearly 6 miles into the City of Sendai, Japan. According to Mr. Takeshi Koyama, District Commissioner of that district, the Scouts were used for important relief aid to the displaced citizens with food, water and shelter. Also they helped clear out debris and clean up many salvageable homes. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL The 23rd World Scout Jamboree will take place at Kirara Beach, Yamaguchi in late July - early August 2015. The theme will be “Watakushi Wa: A Spirit of Unity”. The kanji is also a part of the theme.

SAJ Overall Statement Purpose What do the Japanese Scouts say about themselves? How they define their Scouting Program? “The aim of Scouting is universal - to help young people to become responsible humanitarian citizens, who can appreciate and practice loyalty, courage and self-respect in an international perspective. With social support and the cooperation of volunteer leaders, the Scout Movement in Japan provides fun-filled, challenging programs, with an emphasis on developing each youth member’s character, health, abilities and sense of service to others. It is a non-political, voluntary movement, open to all regardless of origin, race, gender or creed. Those who have physical or mental difficulties are also welcomed, to achieve the ideal of Scouting for all. We are proud that Founder Robert Baden-Powell’s world-wide spirit of Scouting blended with our Japanese traditions and spirit is now blossoming out and moving on to meet the changing needs of society and young people.”

Kunisada Kume International Commissioner, SAJ DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL Overview of SAJ Scout activities Japanese Scouts, like Scouts in all countries, are involved in a wide range of outdoor activities including , boating, , orienteering, swimming, and other. I was told that there is considerably less space available for these activities than in America however. The Japanese for the most part believe in a kind of amorphous synthesis of Bud- dhism and Shintoism, but religious commitment for the most part is not as intense as in the West, especially America. The Japanese do not have the negative attitude toward religion that is often expressed by the Western political left. Scouts often participate in the many religious/cultural festivals held throughout Japan. These festivals are commonly a mix of both religious and civic pageantry. After the great earthquake and tsunami of 2011, Japanese Scouts were involved in the massive clean up, and aid to the recovery effort through distributing food and water. The Japanese is “So nah eh-yo Tsunéhni” or “Prepared Always”. It is written in the scroll portion of the Japanese Scout symbol which contains the fleur de lis. The central symbol of the fleur de lis is the “Yata no Kagami” a sacred mirror that is part of the Imperial

Regalia of Japan. It represents “wisdom” and “honesty”. Commemoritive Its name literally means “The Eight Hand Mirror,” a ref- SAJ erence to its octagonal shape. Mirrors in ancient Japan slide represented truth because they merely reflected what was shown, and were a source of much mystique and reverence (being uncommon items). Japanese folklore is rich in stories of life before mirrors were commonplace. The two stars symbolize truth and knowledge (same as the American two stars). The scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, with the ends turned Commemoritive SAJ leather up and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom. The neckerchief slide knot reminds each Scout to remember the Scout slo- “Be Prepared” underneath gan, “Do a Good Turn Daily”, and the upturned ends “So-nah-eh-yo of the scroll symbolize cheerfulness in service. Tsu-neh-nee” As you can see, the Japanese Scout logo contains all the same elements as the American version except for the center American bald eagle & shield which represents American free- dom and the willingness to defend that freedom. Religious Policy: The Movement is inter-denominational, and the members are encouraged to have a clear conviction of the existence of . Politics: The Association is not connected with any political body. The Japanese Oath & Law are very similar to America. The Oath, almost exactly. The Motto is exactly the same. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL Japanese Scout Programs Japanese Scouting ranges from age 6 through age 24: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts (not Boy Scouts due to coed feature), Venture Scouts, and Rover Scouts. The first Scout entities have a progressive rank system. The first rank in each section is for “orientation”, to allow a new member a period in which he can learn about the section. To develop individuals’ own interest and specialties, each section has a choice of “Proficiency Badges” or “Target Badges” much like American merit badges.

JAPANESE BEAVER SCOUTS: For boys and girls who are aged 6-8 (2 years). Theme and goal of are to have them recognize people around them. The educational aim is to join in the groups. Their activities are based on play and games.

Beaver Oath: I get along with everybody else. I follow the Colony Laws.

Colony Laws: 1. Beaver Scouts play cheerfully. 2. Beaver Scouts take good care of things. 3. Beaver Scouts do good deeds. Beaver Badge (pronounced: Beaver Ranks: ‘bee-baah’) Beaver Badge (blue rim) Big Beaver Badge (red rim) Big Beaver Beaver “Twig” Award Badge Skill Awards: Leaf Award (38 details) and Twig Award (5 Subjects)

Uniform: Members normally wear brown short pants with a brown vest with blue pockets as a uniform with a blue Beaver cap, and matching scarf and socks. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL

JAPANESE CUB SCOUTS: For boys and girls who are aged 8-11 (3 years). Theme and the goal of Cub Scouts are to have them recog- nize and accept cultural tradition and social model. It is educationally aimed that Cub Scouts integrating in their groups, and learn discipline. They too gain a lot through play and games.

Cub Scout Motto: Always, Be in High Spirits

Cub Scout Oath: I promise to behave honestly and steadily, and to fol- low the Pack Laws.

Pack Laws: 1. Cub Scouts obey 2. Cub Scouts look after themselves 3. Cub Scouts work together 4. Cub Scouts help younger ones 5. Cub Scouts do good deeds

Cub Scout Ranks: Squirrel (Risu) Rabbit (Usagi) Deer (Shika)

Ooh sah gi She kah Ku mah Bear (Kuma) Arrow of Light

Uniform: Cub Scout Japanese Cubs wear blue shirts with yellow trim, Crossover. similar to the old Cub uniform worn by American boys Notice the Cubs until the 1980s. The Japanese are one of the few coun- and Scouts in the background tries to copy the American Cub uniform. The shirt and pants have yellow piping. Japanese Cubs still almost always wear the short pants uniform with knee socks, unlike the Scouts who now mostly wear long pants. The girls also wear short pants ever since the program became coeducational. The caps are also the British school peaked style that American Cubs wear. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL

JAPANESE CUB SCOUT PROGRAMS: In autumn- Cub Scouts enjoy activities to learn sportsmanship.

In winter- Cub Scouts develop their expressiveness and creativity through acting in drama and pantomime, and hold Cub Scouts festivals.

In spring- Cub Scouts exercise in a bicycle challenge Wonderful Japanese Cub Scout/ Boy Scout and learn traffic rules and safety. commemorative stamp on the 5oth Anniversary of Scouting in Japan in 1972. Kanji on left flank In summer- Cub Scouts camp out and explore reads “Boy Scouts of Nippon”. Note the same Scout as America. The is the adventures and study nature. traditional clasp-pinky lock.

Japanese Cub Scouts have up to 40 different “Challenge Badges” (much like American Skill Awards) to earn toward their Arrow of Light Award. Subjects vary from citizenship responsibilities to and useful skills. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL

JAPANESE SCOUTS: For boys and girls who are aged 11-15 (4 years). The goal of Scouts is to cultivate citizenship in their local community. The educational aim is to encourage the Scouts to gain the consciousness of voluntary activi- ties and leadership roles in the groups. Their activities are based on games and learning rules.

Scout Motto: Be Prepared. “Sonah eh-yo Tsunéhni” Scout slogan: “Do a Good Turn Daily”

Scout Oath: On my honor, I promise I will do my best to do my duty to God/Buddha and my country, and to obey the Scout Laws, to help other people at all times, and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Japanese Scouts enjoy the patrol method. Culturally the Japanese are very team oriented Scout Laws: already. A Scout is faithful (reverent) A Scout is friendly* A Scout is courteous* A Scout is kind* A Scout is cheerful* A Scout is thrifty* A Scout is courageous (brave) A Scout is thankful *Same as American Scout Laws

Scout Ranks: I assisted Japanese Scouts in America as part of an international Scouting journey to Philmont Apprentice Scout* with the Catholic Japanese Scout contingent Tenderfoot (Sho-kyu)* 2014 Second Class (Ni-kyu)* First Class (Ikkyu) Chrysanthemum or “Kiku” Rank has a First Class Chrysanthemum (Kiku) symbol on a stylized white *Ranking advancement is based on the Handbook. chrysanthemum– the symbol of the Japanese After Nikyu level, Scouts may work on “Proficiency Royal Family. Badges” or “Target Badges” which the American Program calls “Merit Badges”. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL

Apprentice- Scout Shokyu- Tenderfoot Nikyu- Second Class Ikkyu- First Class Kiku- Chrysanthemum

The Japanese Scout rank program uses a series of medals and patches as emblems that are very similar to the American system. The left-pocket badge shape and coloration is based on the rank badges used by the . The badge for the “Apprentice” or “Scout” rank consists of a simple fleur-de-lis, which symbolizes a needle. The needle points the Scout in the right direction, which is onward and upward. This is the only badge to have a button loop, to emphasize its temporary status and that a Scout should soon move on to “Tenderfoot”. The next two ranks show the rank high- lighted with the rest of the emblem subdued into the background. The Tenderfoot badge takes the fleur-de-lis of the “Scout” badge and incorporates the sacred mirror Yata no Kagami, which represents wisdom and honesty. The stars symbolize truth and knowledge. The “Second Class” badge features a scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, with the ends turned up and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom. The knot reminds each Scout to remember the Scout slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily”, and the upturned ends of the scroll symbolize cheerfulness in service. The “First Class” badge combines the elements of the Tenderfoot and Second Class badges. The First Class badge is essentially the same as the emblem of the SAJ. “Chrysanthemum” rank has a First Class symbol on a stylized white chrysanthemum– the symbol of the Japanese Royal Family.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader patch comparison Examine the differences between Japanese Scout patches and American patches. The Japanese patches tend to be much smaller than American design. The center patch is Japanese; very traditional in design. The patch at left is the American equivalent dating back to the late 1960’s. Neither have words. Each contain their First Class rank emblems with the two long and one short bars behind them. The larger patch at right is the current American design that contains a simplified Scout emblem shape with circular word halo taking up considerable more room.

Examine the differences between Japanese “Target badges” and American “Merit badges”. Again the Japanese target badges are notice- ably smaller. The Japanese Scouts typically wear their badges on their sleeve until they build up enough to then sew onto a target badge sash. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL Japanese Scouts have up to 53 different “Target Badges” to earn toward their Chrysanthemum Scout Award. Subjects vary from citizenship responsibilities to sports and useful skills. Badges are segmented into Groups A–G with colored coordinated rims.

Uniform: The Japanese Scout uniform is strikingly similar to the American uniform. Happy khaki adorns both the shirt and pants. Japanese Scouts have traditionally given great attention to their . This seems to continue to be the case even after Scouts in other countries began to deemphasize the uniform. A factor here may be the fact that many Japanese children wear school uniforms. About a third of primary-age children and virtually all secondary children wear uniforms. Thus uniforms probably seem quite ordinary in Japan. The uniforms have changed little over an extended period. The principle change in recent years is the Japanese Scouts now wear long pants, but the Cubs continue to wear short pants. Neckerchiefs are typically worn on the outside of the collar. DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL A C H J

K

D E

F

A- Khaki uniforms much like American style. B- is the common headwear C- Council strip on shoulder B G D- Handerchief hangs on belt E- SAJ neckerchief slide (metalic) F- SAJ neckerchief slide (leather) G- Boy Scouts Sendai slide (inlay) H- SAJ belt buckle J- Japanese flag patch worn on front of shirt K- SAJ neckerchief L- Wood Badge belt buckle (inlay)

Scout Programs throughout the Year: In autumn- Scouts observe plants, animals and in- sects. Also learn about using a map and a compass through hiking. In winter- Scouts think of health. They learn and practice first-aid treatment. They also enjoy skiing. In spring- Scouts practice rope works, flag sema- phores and tracking signs. They try to make an oven for outdoor cooking. In summer-Scouts study environmental preservation. They practice “leave no trace” camping preventing environmental destruction. They confirm their personal mission and create programs for the upcoming year.

L DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL

JAPANESE VENTURE SCOUTS: For youths who are aged 14-19 (5 years). They set the goal of growing up as individuals in society. It is educationally aimed that Venture Scouts find self-activities and self-goals for accomplishment of individual projects, world citizenship, and outdoor activities. A Venture Second Class Award may be earned for each of several categories. After earning that Award and meeting tenure, leadership, personal growth, and other requirements, or having previously reached the Chrysanthe- mum rank, the Venturer may earn the Venture First Class Award. Finally, the Venturer can earn the Peregrine Falcon Award. Venturers may also earn expert awards that build on one of the focus areas of the Venture Second Class Awards. The Fuji Scout is the highest rank and award a Venture Scout can achieve in of Japan. Named for Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan, it was formerly the highest rank in the Scout Rankings prior

Venture Scouts participate in many team-building to the creation of Venture Scouts. A Scout who attains this activities rank is also called a “Fuji Scout” or “Fuji”. This award has an earn rate of .5%, or 1 in 200 Scouts who stay with the pro- gram. As with the BSA, but since membership numbers are only about 3% of the BSA, issuance of the Fuji Scout is

Venture Scouts much rarer. Since its introduction, the Fuji Scout rank has award ceremony been earned by less than 3000 Scouts. Venture members under the age of 18 may earn the Fuji Scout Award if they earned at least First Class rank in Scouting.

Venture Ranks: Venture Second Class Venture First Class Venture Scouts Peregrine Falcon (Hayabusa) knot patch Fuji Scout

Venture Second Class Venture First Class Peregrine Falcon Fuji Scout DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL

JAPANESE VENTURE SCOUT

Japanese Venture Scouts can earn up to 69 different “Skill Badges” toward their Fuji Scout Award. Subjects vary from citizenship responsibilities to sports and useful skills including “Laundry Skill Badge”!

JAPANESE ROVER SCOUTS: For youths who are aged 18-25 (7 years). They set the goal of carrying out of humanitarian endeavors and service projects in society as adults. It is educationally aimed that Rover Scouts investigate themselves and service in society. Usually a distinctive group emblem or the university logo is worn on the right sleeve or as a neckerchief pattern. logo is very close to the SAJ logo. It contains a loop lariat rope around the fleur de lis

Rover Scouts participate in many humanitarian service projects Rover Scout logo pin on typical Japanese Scout beret DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL Japanese Scout Commissioning The Commissioning System plays a role in Japanese Scouting as it does in America. I met with three District Commissioners in Sendai, Japan in May 2014. From our first ; using the lock- ing pinky; we were brothers joined together through Scouting despite our diverse cultural and language backgrounds. Over a 4-hour conversation and use of interpreter, I found out how very similar our programs are to each other. Commissioners are set up with assignments to a unit which they minister good Scouting advice, instruction, and guidance. My hosts provided me with a treasure of Japanese Scout material of which I later sent them a large package of American Scout items.

Commissioning Training Award KNOTS are color coded to indicate their meaning. Patch Color Code: Purple knots are those attained as In typical Japanese Scout fashion, very few words are District Commissioner. Green knots are those earned while Assistant District put on Scout patches to identify their use. Instead, the Commissioner Japanese employ a color code system, many times using the same design, but just changing the color. The District Commissioner color is PURPLE. The designating patch is purple as well as the beret “brush” emblem, and any other color coordinating device. The Assistant District Commissioner color is GREEN. The Commissioner pins for the LEFT District Commissioner and the Unit Commissioner color is RED. RIGHT Assistant District Commissioner Japanese Commissioner Patches

Commissioner patch size comparison. American patch is bigger & contains words District Commissioner Asst. District Comm. Unit Commissioner

District Commissioner Asst. District Comm. Unit Commissioner DOCTORATE THESIS · SCOUTING IN JAPAN · DAVID BALL Bibliography Personal Interviews Many of my observations in this document are based on my notes, purchases and gifts I received from a trip to Tokyo and Sendai, Japan in May of 2014.

District Commissioners Mr. Isao Watanabe Ms. Kiko Yamada Mr. Takeshi Koyama Mrs. Kimiyo Hozawa (interpreter)

Japanese & International Scout expertise Mr. Kunisada Kume (International Commissioner, SAJ)

Mr. Hidekatsu SATO (Scout Representative and guide for International Contingent of Japanese Catholic Scouts, 2014)

The main Scout Headquarters in Mr. Ed Richards (International Scout Committee, LHC) downtown Tokyo, just a few blocks from the Tokyo Dome. Wikipedia.org/wiki/Scout_Association_of_Japan Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8517 Scout.or.jp (main Japanese Scouting website) Members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets (Japan Facts) Colnect.com/stamps/Boy_Scout-General Issues Japan histclo.com/youth/org/country/scoutjap (historical uniforms) Longhorncouncil.org Scoutingnewsroom.org Scouting.org/worldjamboree/faq

Reference material (USA) Complete Japanese Boy Scout Catalog