Journal of Public and Private Management■ Article ■Vol. 10, No. 6, March 2024, pp. 1-10
ISSN 2189-2490

Provision of Support for Children through Club
Activities at Junior High Schools and Associated Issues—A study of Brass Band Clubs at Public Schools Based on Work-style Reform—
Tomoko Yamamoto
Faculty of Business Administration, Bunkyo University, part-time lecturer
yamamoto.t@bunkyo.ac.jp
Received: 10, December, 2023

Abstract

This study investigated the support provided to children through club activities at junior highschools and the associated issues, mainly focusing on brass band clubs at public schools, based on the
responses of advisory teacher. The survey results revealed that although several teachers voiced theopinion that club activities are viewed positively because children can receive specialized education,
they also pointed out the necessity of conducting these activities based on and utilizing the current
local circumstances. There were also several opinions about the work-style reform in schools, including
the necessity for reform throughout the school and not just in club activities, as the working hours,
including that spent on other duties, are excessive and on the increase. Furthermore, in addition to therelationship between the school and the teachers, another point of contention was regarding the positionof these activities within the system and practice of school education, namely whether these activities
should continue as school club activities or be conducted as extracurricular activities. Other points werealso raised about the relationship with and effects on children, including whether these activities are afinancial burden for the children and their families, whether it is possible to support children at varying
stages of development, and whether personal information can be thoroughly protected. While dealing
with this matter, it is also essential to bear in mind that some children are only able to attend school
because of club activities, and consideration is needed to facilitate systems and practices for educationand schools that support a diverse range of children.
Keywords : W ork-style Reform, Public Schools, Club Activities, Brass Band Clubs, Support for Children

Faculty of Business Administration, Bunkyo University
5-6-1 Hanahata, Adachi, Tokyo 121-8577, JAPANTel +81-3-5688-8577, Fax +81-3-5856-6009
http://www.bunkyo.ac.jp/faculty/business/

経営論集Vol. 10, No. 6（2024）pp. 1-10

In response to this situation, club activities

Ⅰ. Preface

are currently transitioning from school-based
initiatives to community-based ones, while also

Reform of work styles in schools isundergoing reform to facilitate sustainable club1)

progressing in Japan . These changes areactivities and reduce the burden on teachers.

occurring in the background of children living

In this regard, the following ideas are currently

in a time of rapid social change, which makes

under consideration: building an environment

it difficult to predict the shape of society in thethat does not require teachers' involvement

future. While schools are expected to foster

in club activities on their days off, based on

qualities and abilities to shape society, the issues

the concept that being responsible for club

faced by schools are becoming increasingly

activities is not necessarily a task of teachers,

complex and difficult as children become moreand developing an environment where thesediverse. In these circumstances, reviews ofactivities can be performed on holidays as partthe working style of teachers are progressingof local sports or cultural activities. In 2018,

intending to facilitate effective educational

the Agency for Cultural Affairs establishedactivities by refining lessons and improving

guidelines f or club activities, including

students’ humanity and creativity based onlimiting the time spent on these activities

a fact-finding survey of teachers’ working

to approximately two hours on weekdays

conditions in 2016 and a report compiled by theand three hours on weekends/holidays andCentral Council of Education in 2019.

allocating at least one day in a weekend as an

Reform of club activities is considered aoff day. The length of activities and the number

practical way of reviewing the working stylesof rest days have been set, and thorough2)

in schools . Club activities in school education

implementation of these guidelines has been

are regarded as an opportunity for character

requested 3). It may be possible in the future tobuilding and provide a space for diverse

shift culture club activities to being run by local

students to engage in activities in groups

arts and culture groups by gradually shifting

different to those they are part of during theirschool-based cultural activities to community-

coursework. However, there are also concerns

based activities and through revising thethat these activities are established based onr eg u la t i o ns o n t he g o ver nment cou r se

the self-sacrificing work of teachers, such as

guidelines on club activities. The possibility

working for long hours including on holidays,of local musicians taking over the teaching ofand possibly creating a significant burden forbrass band clubs has been presented as a model

teachers with no experience in such activities.

project. Furthermore, specific measures to be

Furthermore, club activities do not always

gradually put into place from 2023 have been

provide the desired education for students.

presented, including gradually shifting non-1

school day club activities to the community,and measures in light of the results are also

such as securing local human resources topresented.

lead the club activities on non-school days and

The survey was conducted in FY2022

promoting rational and efficient club activities.

after requesting the cooperation of all nine

Previous studies on club activities,

schools in city X that have brass band clubs toparticularly focusing on shifting culture

participate in the survey. A telephone interview

club activities to the local community, have

was conducted with the teacher in charge ofinvestigated the reviews of school club activities

advising the brass band club in the six schools

4)and tournaments , procedures for shifting to
5)that consented to participate. The survey

6)

local clubs , trends , and shifting to the local

inquired about the current state of education

7)

community based on initiatives .

through club activities, views on shifting school-

This study investigates the issues andbased club activities to community-based ones,

measures regarding shifting club activities

and anticipated issues. The study was approved

to the community based on the opinions

by the Kunitachi College of Music Institutionalof teachers who are responsible for school

Review Board in 2022 (Approval No.: 2221).

education through club activities. The data were

Ⅲ. Results

collected through a survey of advisory teachers
for brass band clubs in city X, where all public

The responses from teachers who arejunior high schools have brass band clubs.

advisors to brass band clubs in Schools A to F

Ⅱ. Purpose and methods

are listed below.
（1）School A

The purpose of this study is to develop
support f or children’s development by

1) Current state of education

investigating the issues and measures associatedThree people are in charge of clubwith shifting brass band clubs in public junioractivities, including the community club activity

high schools to community-based activities,

instructors.

based on the opinions of advisory teachers.

Activities are conducted four times a week

The current state of education and theon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

views and anticipated problems of shiftingand either Saturday or Sunday once a month.

from school-based clubs to community-based

The working time, including that spent on otherones are discussed below based on a survey ofduties, is excessive.

the advisors for brass band clubs in six public
junior high schools: Schools A, B, C, D, E, and F.
The characteristics of the results and the issues

2

経営論集

Vol. 10, No. 6（2024）pp. 1-10

2) V iews on shifting to community-based club

The cost of club activities is decreasing as

activities

a result of measures such as not permitting theReceiving specialized education andpurchase of new instruments.

expert support for damage to instruments is
considered preferable for children.

2) V iews on shifting to community-based clubIf these changes are implemented as part

activitiesof the work-style reform in schools, it may be

Involving many instructors with a highbetter to shift the school-based club activities

level of expertise seems to be good for the

to extracurricular activities, ensuring that thischildren.

does not create an extra financial burden for the

If shifting to community-based clubchildren and their families.

activities would mean implementing clubIf these activities are implemented

activities also on weekends, the hours spentas school-based club activities, requiring

on club activities during the weekdays arecommunication and coordination by the school

expected to decrease, resulting in progress inand responsible teachers, it may further

the work-style reform in schools.

increase the teachers’ burden. Education
regarding character formation that has formerly

3) Anticipated issues

been offered through club activities should now

In addition to understanding the instruction

be implemented throughout school education.

of wind instruments, instructors will also be
required to have the ability to understand3) Anticipated issues

diverse types of children and school education.

Ant ic i pa t ed i s sues a s s oc ia t ed w i t hThese changes will also change the position

implementing club activities as extracurricularof advisors as support people, which may also

activities include problems in securing a location

affect the interpersonal relationships withand musical instruments, lack of protection ofteachers.

the personal information of children and their

There is a concern that having different

families, and problems with interpersonal

instructors on weekdays and weekends may

relationships.

confuse the students.
If club activities are considered part of（2）School B

school education, teachers would be in charge of1) Current state of education

the instructors.

The community club activity instructor

There is a concern that engaging highly

system is currently used for club activities.

professional local people as instructors may

Club activities are conducted four days acreate financial problems.

week only on weekdays, and not on weekends.

3

（3）School C

activities.

1) Current state of education
Club activities are implemented until2) V iews on shifting to community-based clubaround 6:30 pm on weekdays and Saturdays.

activities

Although the community club activity

The school should implement the activities

instructors cooperate with the club activities, itby conducting interviews and making awould be better to provide adequate financial

selection based on the provided information.

support to the instructors.

3) Anticipated issues2) V iews on shifting to community-based club

Understanding the experience of children

activities

and providing support are essential.

It is hoped that the work-style reform inEven if club activities shift to community-

schools will progress, which will make it easierbased activities, it is still essential to havefor young people to aspire to become teachers.

interactions and meetings regarding therelationships with children and education.

3) Anticipated issues

It may be necessary to consider how the

Many children start music club activities

educational direction and content are related toin earnest in junior high school with no prior

the school (education) and whether the school

experience in learning a musical instrument,

needs to be involved in the use and handling ofsuch as the piano. Therefore, these children

facilities and musical instruments.

require individual instruction on handlingmusical instruments and reading sheet music.

（5）School E

Given that some students can attend school

1) Current state of education

because the school offers club activities, it isTeachers start their work at around 7:30

essential that club activities are implemented in

am on weekdays. It is only after managing thethe school and advisory teachers serve a central

club activities from 4 to 6 pm that they do theirrole as coordinators.

own work, such as lesson preparation.

（4）School D2) V iews on shifting to community-based club

1) Current state of education

activities

Club activities are conducted on four

Most of the students only start learning

weekdays—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, anda musical instrument from junior high school;

Friday—and either Saturday or Sunday.

therefore, it would be better if they could

Club activities are run with the cooperation

be provided instruction on general practice,of community club activity instructors, andincluding how to read sheet music and practiceteachers are mainly in charge of managing theparts, as well as on how to assemble, handle, and

4

経営論集

Vol. 10, No. 6（2024）pp. 1-10

clean musical instruments.

considered to be much of a burden. Workstyle reform in schools requires a reduction3) Anticipated issues

in the ever-increasing overall workload ofStudents at diverse ranges of development

teachers rather than shifting club activities toparticipate in club activities; therefore,

community-based activities.

there may be issues regarding whether the
instructors understand the children and can3) Anticipated issues

practice education to be involved as school

There needs to be support in line with theeducation, and how they will respond whensize of the school and club activities, the range

problems arise.

of activities, and the content and extent ofteacher instruction.

（6）School H

If club activities are implemented within

1) Current state of education

the school, advisory teachers would also be

Activities are implemented on Tuesdays,

involved, and it is unclear whether this would

Thursdays, Fridays, and two Saturdays in apromote work-style reform in schools.

month.

If activities are implemented by local

It is difficult to participate in all thecommunity centres, there are concerns that

allocated timeslots.

families will be burdened with the cost of the

The community club activity instructor

instructors and costs such as that incurred forsystem is currently used for club activities suchthe transportation of the musical instruments.

as handling musical instruments, reading sheet

It is difficult to judge because of a lack ofmusic, and learning parts.

details about the system, but situations may

Currently, no budget has been secured

arise where children cannot participate infor the repair or replacement of musicalactivities for financial reasons when there is an

instruments damaged during transportation.

increased financial burden on the children andtheir families.

2) V iews on shifting to community-based club

Depending on the area, there may be ways

activities

to expand the existing system and budget

It is considered preferable for children tofor community-based club activity instructor

receive specialised education.

systems.

At pr e s e n t , c l u b a c t i v i t i e s a r e n o t

Table 1 summarizes the survey results.

5

Table 1: Survey results
Current state of education

Views on shifting club activities tocommunity-based club activities

Anticipated issues

A

Three people are in charge ofclub activities, including club
activity instructors.
Activities are conducted fourtimes a week on Monday,
Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday andeither Saturday or Sunday
once a month.
The working time, includingthat spent on other duties, isexcessive.

Receiving specialised education（Relationship with children）
and expert support for damage to
Anticipated issues associated with
instruments is considered preferable implementing club activities as
for children.
extracurricular activities include
If these changes are implemented
problems in securing a locationas part of the work-style reform inand musical instruments, lackschools, it would be better if the club of protection of the personal
activities shift from school-based to information of children and their
extracurricular activities, ensuring
families, and problems withthat this does not create an extrainterpersonal relationships.
financial burden on the children andtheir families.
If these activities are implemented
as school-based club activities
that require communication andcoordination with the school andresponsible teachers, it may further
increase the teachers’ burden.
Education regarding character
formation that has formerly beenoffered through club activities should
now be implemented throughout
school education.

B

Club activities are conductedfour days a week on
weekdays only, and not on
weekends.
The club activity instructor
system is used for club
activities.
The cost of club activities
is decreasing as a resultof measures such as not
permitting the purchase of
new instruments.

Involving several instructors with a （Relationship with children）
high level of expertise seems to be
In addition to understanding thegood for the children.
instruction of wind instruments,
If shifting to community-based
instructors will also be required toclub activities would also mean
have the ability to understand
implementing club activities on
diverse types of children and school
weekends, the hours spent on club
education.
activities during the week are
There is a concern that having
expected to decrease, resulting indifferent instructors on weekdays
progress in the work-style reform in and weekends may confuse students.
schools.
There is a concern that engaging
highly professional local people as
instructors may create financial
problems.
（Relationship with the school/teachers）
If club activities are considered partof the school education, teachers
would be in charge of the instructors.
This will also change the position ofadvisors as support people, which
may also affect their interpersonal
relationships with teachers.

6

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Vol. 10, No. 6（2024）pp. 1-10

CClub activities are
implemented until around
6:30 pm on weekdays andSaturdays.
Community club activity
instructors cooperate withthe club activities, but itwould be better to haveadequate financial support
for the instructors.

It is hoped that work-style reform （Relationship with children）
Many children start music clubin schools will progress, making iteasier for young people to aspire to activities in earnest in junior highschool. Therefore, they require
become teachers.
individual instruction on handlingmusical instruments and reading
sheet music.
（Relationship with the school andteachers）
Given that some students can attend
school because the school offers club
activities, it is essential that club
activities are implemented in theschool and advisory teachers servea central role as coordinators.

D

Teachers are in chargeof the club activities onfour weekdays—Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, andFriday—and either Saturdayor Sunday.
Club activities are runwith the cooperation ofcommunity club activity
instructors; therefore,
the main responsibility is
managing the activities.

（Relationship with children）
The school should implement theactivities by conducting interviews Understanding the experience ofand making a selection based on the children and providing support are
essential.
provided information.
Even if club activities shift tocommunity-based activities, it is still
essential to have interactions andmeetings regarding the relationships
with children and education.
（Relationship with the school andteachers）
It may be necessary to consider how
the educational direction and content
are related to the school（education）
and whether the school needs to be
involved in the use and handling offacilities and musical instruments.

E

Teachers start their work at
around 7:30 am on weekdays.
It is only after managing theclub activities from 4 to 6 pmthat they do their own work,
such as lesson preparation.

It would be greatly appreciatedif students could be provided
instruction on general practice,including how to read sheet music
and practice parts, as well as
education on how to assemble,
handle, and clean musicalinstruments.

F

Activities are held on
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday,
and two Saturdays in amonth.
The club activity instructor
is in charge of handlingmusical instruments, reading
sheet music, and learningparts.
Currently, no budget has
been secured for the repair
or replacement of musicalinstruments.

It is preferable for children to receive （Relationship with children）
specialised instruction.
Situations may arise where children
Work-style reform in schools
cannot participate in activities
requires a reduction in the everfor financial reasons if there is anincreasing overall workload ofincreased financial burden on theteachers rather than shifting clubchildren and their families.
activities to community-based（Relationship with the school andactivities.
teachers）
Depending on the area, there may be
ways to expand the existing systemand budget.

7（Relationship with children）
A diverse range of students
participate in club activities;
therefore, there may be issues
regarding whether the instructors
understand children and canpractice education and how they
will respond when problems arise.

for the children and their families, whether

Ⅳ. Discussion

it is possible to support children at varying
stages of development, and whether personal

The results of the survey revealed

information can be thoroughly protected.

that several teachers who serve as advisors

Given that some students can attend schoolfor brass band clubs positively viewed theonly because the school offers club activities,

specialized education available for children.

some respondents were of the view that it isThis finding suggests that shifting brass band

essential to implement club activities in the

clubs to community-based activities would

school. Respondents expressed the need for theprovide a more specialized education than theschool’s involvement in interviews and selection

current situation of music teachers being inwhen implementing these activities as clubcharge of education. However, respondents

activities to ensure that the diverse range ofalso indicated the need for implementing thischildren is provided with appropriate support.

change according to and utilizing the current

These responses suggest that even whenlocal circumstances, such as expanding theimplementing club activities as extracurricular

existing systems and available budget.

activities, support is needed for children who

Several respondents indicated the need forare only able to attend school because of thereform of the entire system for implementing

club activities.

work-style reform in schools, rather thanⅤ. Conclusion

limiting the reform to club activities, becauseof the ever-increasing excessive working hours

This study investigated the support

required of teachers, including the time spent

provided for children through club activities at

on other duties.
Furthermore, in addition to the relationshipjunior high schools, as well as associated issues,

between the school and the teachers, anotherby examining brass band clubs at public schools

point of contention was regarding the position

based on work-style reform.

of these activities within the system andIn response to the current situation andpractice of school education, namely whether

concerns about activities and children, whenthese activities should continue as school club

activities are implemented as club activities, it

activities or be conducted as extracurricular

may be necessary to position these activities

activities.

within the system and practice, with due

All responses included concerns

consideration of the effects on and relationshipabout interactions with children. The mainwith school education, namely adjusting the roleissues were concerns about whether theseof advisory teachers and the school.
In contrast, when activities areactivities would become a financial burden

8

経営論集

Vol. 10, No. 6（2024）pp. 1-10

Reform of Club Activities Based on Work-Style

implemented as extracurricular activities

Reform in Schools”.

outside the school, it is essential to adopt

URL: https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/

measures to deal with anticipated issues such as

geijutsubunka/sobunsai/pdf/92497901_01.pdf

ensuring these changes do not create a financial(accessed 20 May 2023).
3)

burden for the children or their families,

Japan Sports Agency, Agency for Cultural
Affairs “Comprehensive Guideline for School

providing adequate support for a diverse range

Activities and New Community-Based Clubof children, protecting personal information,

Activities (Draft)” Japan Educational Press (Ed.)

and determining how to respond to any trouble“Educational Public Opinion” 2022.12.12, pp.19-34.

that arises, while taking into consideration

4) “ R e v i e w o f S c h o o l C l u b A c t i v i t i e s a n d

the relationship with existing systems andTournaments” Japan Educational Press (Ed.)“Educational Public Opinion” 2022.12.05, pp. 8-10.

practices specific to the local community. The

5) “Procedures for Transition to Community-Basedimpact of these changes to the systems andClubs” Japan Educational Press (Ed.) “Educational

practices on children is of particular concern.

Public Opinion” 2022.12.05, pp.10-13.

All the advisory teachers who cooperated in6) Nakakoji T “Trends of Transitioning School Clubthe survey on shifting brass band clubs in

Activities to Community-Based Club Activities– Case Studies of Three Local Governments –”public junior high schools to community-based“Quarterly Education Law” 214, 2022, pp.20–25.

activities raised anticipated issues regarding

7) Ueda M “Considering Transition of School Club

relationships with children, which suggests

Activities to Community –Based on Approaches

that the relationship with children and theirfor Athletics Club and Culture Clubs– “Quarterly

development is considered to be the most

Education Law” 214, 2022, pp.14–19.

important aspect of brass band clubs as club

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Akiyama T “Brass Band Showa Collection” Rocket

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and Technology “Work-Style Reform in Schools”.

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URL: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/“Comprehensive Guideline for School Activities

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10

経営論集
Vol. 10, No. 6, March 2024, pp. 1-10
ISSN 2189-2490

中学校における部活動を通した子ども支援と課題
─学校の働き方改革をふまえた公立校の吹奏楽部の検討に基づいて─
山本

智子

概要
本稿では、顧問を担当される教職員による回答の結果を基に、公立校の吹奏楽部を中心とする中学校
における部活動を通した子ども支援と課題に関して検討した。回答では、子どもにとって専門的な教育を受けられることが肯定的に評価される一方、地域の現状をふまえたり特性を活用したりした実施の必要性が指摘された。また、学校の働き方改革に関して、他の職務を含め勤務時間が過多で増え続けていることから、部活動に限らず全体を通した改革が必要であるという見解が示された。さらに、論点として、学校や教職員との関係に加え、部活動として継続するのか、校外の活動として実施するのかといった、学校教育に関わる制度や実践における位置づけが問われた。あわせて、子どもや家庭に経済的な負担が生じないか、発達等にかかわる多様な子どもたちに対応できるか、ならびに、個人情報の保護を徹底できるか等といった、子どもへの影響や子どもとの関係に係る論点が挙げられた。部活動があるから登校できる生徒がいることをふまえた対応の必要性が指摘されたことに留意し、多様な子ども支援を発展させる検討が求められる。

（投稿日

文教大学経営学部〒 121-8577 東京都足立区花畑 5-6-1
TEL：03-5688-8577

FAX：03-5856-6009

http://www.bunkyo.ac.jp/faculty/business/

2023 年 12 月 10 日）

経営論集

Vol . 10, No . 6

ISSN 2189-2490
2024年 3 月31日発行
発行者

文教大学経営学部

石塚

浩

編集

文教大学経営学部

研究推進委員会

編集長

山﨑

佳孝

〒121-8577 東京都足立区花畑5-6-1
TEL：03-5688-8577

FAX：03-5856-6009

http://www.bunkyo.ac.jp/faculty/business/