Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window

Forcing children to go to school is not a new phenomenon. Be it first grade or final year, it’s a tradition that never fades. But why are parents always pushing their children to go to school? And why are children so often reluctant to go? The same applies to adults too - be it college or the workplace. 

This happens because the environment they expect and the environment they are placed in are completely different. But what if reality met expectation? What if school was a place children loved to go and never wanted to leave early? What if they eagerly looked forward to sunrise so they could head off to school?

Can you imagine such a situation? What if I told you that such a dream school once existed?

Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi is a memoir that recounts the childhood, especially the schooling experience - of a little girl named Totto-Chan at a school called Tomoe. Tetsuko is Totto-Chan’s real name, and in this book, she recollects her early school experiences.

The book begins with Totto-Chan, a first-grade student, being expelled from her school due to her so-called "naughtiness." Her mother, a patient and understanding woman, didn’t scold her. Instead, she recognized it as part of her age and innocence. She started looking for a new school and found Tomoe. Tomoe was not a conventional school. The classrooms were made from old railway cars. There were only 51 children in the entire school, a deliberate choice by the headmaster so he could focus on each child individually.

On her first day, Totto-Chan was taken to the headmaster's room for admission. He simply asked her to speak about whatever came to her mind. She kept talking for four hours straight, until she ran out of things to say. The headmaster listened patiently the entire time. That was a big moment for Totto-Chan, as no one - not even her mother had ever listened to her for so long. From that moment on, she started loving Tomoe and its headmaster.

At Tomoe, everything was different. Classes weren't taught in fixed subject periods. Instead, students could choose which subject they wanted to learn first. At the beginning of each day, students were given tasks to complete, and they had the freedom to finish them in the order they preferred. Self-learning was encouraged from the very first grade.

During lunch, students were encouraged to bring "something from the ocean, and something from the hills." The headmaster would inspect their plates, and if anyone had missed something, he would provide it from his own kitchen, ensuring every student had a balanced meal. After lunch, students would take a walk by the riverbank to the Kuhonbutsu Temple, along a path lined with cherry blossom trees. They were not just taught about nature—they were allowed to feel it.

Tomoe welcomed all kinds of children, including a child with polio, an undergrown child, and even some from other countries. The headmaster designed Sports Day in such a way that these special children could win and receive prizes, boosting their confidence. The prizes weren’t medals - they were vegetables the children could take home and have for dinner. The headmaster believed children should feel the satisfaction of providing food for their family through their hard work.

Eurythmics formed the core of Tomoe’s education system. The headmaster made learning easier by blending it with music. He encouraged students to write haiku based on the thoughts that arose during class. To overcome fear of public speaking, the headmaster had a unique approach. Each day during lunch, a student would come to the front and speak whatever came to their mind. Sometimes they forgot what they had prepared and ended up simply saying, “Thank you.” Still, it was appreciated and encouraged. The headmaster wanted his students to face an audience with courage, regardless of what they had to say.

There are countless moments in the book that feel heartwarming and unique. Reading about Tomoe felt like visiting my dream school. I especially loved four characters - Totto-Chan, her mother, the headmaster, and Rocky.

1) Totto-Chan

Despite her naughtiness, she was kind-hearted. She always stood by her friends and her school. She never let them down. Several scenes in the book beautifully illustrate her loyalty and compassion. No wonder the headmaster often said, “You are really a good girl.”

2) Totto-Chan’s Mother

She was the foundation of Totto-Chan’s confidence. Even when Totto-Chan was expelled, she didn’t shout or punish her. In fact, she didn’t even inform Totto-Chan about it. She gave her daughter the freedom to follow her own path while gently guiding her on how to treat fellow human beings, be kind to animals, and uphold values of equality and compassion.

3) Rocky

Totto-Chan’s dog was her closest companion. Rocky and Totto-Chan were inseparable, like siblings. She shared her heart with him.

4) The Headmaster

The visionary behind Tomoe. A true leader who believed all children are born with an innate goodness that could be either nurtured or damaged by their environment and adult influence. His mission was to uncover that goodness and help it grow, encouraging children to develop their individuality naturally.

This book is not just a memoir - it’s a guidebook on what an ideal education system should be.

Do give it a read!