Essay: Deep Analysis on the Life as a Student in the Japanese Society
Student Name: Hikigaya Hachiman
Exam code: 689FG4500ANHS
Youth—a time in one's life often described as something bright, fleeting, or full of possibilities. But in most cases, this glorious youth is built on illusions. It's a fantasy shaped by contradictions and double standards. People project their own ideas of what youth should look like and then expect others to live up to them—even when those expectations are vague or unrealistic.
If someone is popular or well-liked, their mistakes are forgiven—even seen as charming. But if someone is quiet, distant, or doesn't fit in, those same mistakes are treated as proof that they've failed. They're the ones at the bottom, expected to carry the weight of everyone else's ideals. They become the background—the contrast that makes others shine. Their struggles aren't seen as part of growing up, but as something broken that needs to be fixed or discarded.
In this period of youth, some live in their own world, while others are trapped in the world of others. Their identity, friendships, and even relationships are shaped by how they're perceived by those around them. And most of the time, they mold these parts of themselves just to meet standards set by others—what's "normal," what's "acceptable." They do this even while knowing, deep down, that everyone is fundamentally different and that the same mold can't fit everyone. So in this pursuit, they slowly lose touch with who they really are—what they feel, what they want, and what actually matters to them. And maybe that's the quiet tragedy of it all.
I don't think youth itself is bad, or something we should avoid or dismiss. But the way we put it on a pedestal can be harmful. We act like it's the most important thing in life, yet not everyone experiences it the same way. Maybe it's time we stop pretending everyone's youth is perfect—because for some people, it's not something they got to enjoy. It's just something they had to survive.
So for the conclusion, youth is just a rough draft of adult life, still shitty, just hidden behind school uniforms and the pressure to pretend it's something special.
"So for a conclusion, youth is just a rough draft of shitty adult life." Chairman Sakayanagi's eyes rose from the paper, an amused expression flickering across his face. He leaned back in his chair slightly, tapping the paper thoughtfully. His voice carried a touch of intrigue as he remarked, "A rather bold choice of words, especially for someone so young."
An administrator sitting beside him let out a soft chuckle, his tone tinged with mockery. "I've seen kids like this before. Smartass edgy kids who read two or three philosophy books and suddenly think they've figured out the world. But in the end, they're just lonely teens with no one to hang out with—so they lash out and hide behind these fancy words."
He reached across the desk and picked up the student file with casual disinterest.
Chairman Sakayanagi responded with calm dignity. "Perhaps there's some truth in that. But still... this doesn't read like someone pretending to be a philosopher. His tone isn't performative; it feels genuine. It's as if this is truly how he sees the world around him. Rather than being bitter, his perspective seems detached yet empathetic at the same time."
The administrator hesitated before replying, voice a bit more reserved. "Well, if you say so, Sakayanagi-sensei…"
He flipped open the folder and began reading the personal details aloud, his tone light again. "Hikigaya Hachiman, age sixteen. Dropped out of middle school in the middle of his second year. Failed both Math's and Science in the entrance exam—how unfortunate."
But then, his expression shifted.
"…What? This kid got a special recommendation?"
He skimmed further down the page, eyes narrowing, the air around him suddenly more serious. When he finally spoke again, his tone was heavier, laced with something between suspicion and concern.
"Were you already aware of this student's case… and the one responsible for the recommendation, Sensei ?"
"Yes, this special recommendation was quite unexpected, and it immediately caught my attention," he replied, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and seriousness. As he leaned back slightly, his gaze turned thoughtful. "Following that, we launched an investigation and gathered several reports about him. The more I looked into it, the more intriguing his case became."
"If that's the case, are you certain we should allow a student like him to join the school? It could lead to some concerns regarding the school's reputation." the administrator asked, his voice carrying a mix of hesitation and seriousness. As he placed the folder back on the table, his expression tightened slightly, reflecting his unease.
"No, this matter isn't widely known, and I'm quite certain of that. Even if some become aware of it, this school's reputation isn't so fragile that it would be damaged so easily. Besides, this might give the kid a second chance. He has a lot of potential, and it would be a shame for it to go to waste." Sakayanagi-sensei replied firmly, picking up the file and scanning its details, his thoughts clearly deep and reflective.
"It seems you've already made your judgment, Sakayanagi-sensei," the administrator remarked in a more relaxed tone, as the heaviness in the room eased slightly.
"So, Sensei, will this boy also be placed into Class D this year?" the administrator asked, seeking to confirm the suspicions lingering in his mind about Hikigaya. Chairman Sakayanagi responded with a polite nod, silently answering the question.
"Then," the administrator continued, his tone laced with humor as he rubbed his chin, "it seems this year's Class D will have its fair share of problematic kids with great potential. Chabashira-sensei is sure to have a tough time managing them all. I already feel a little bad for her."
"I believe the classes this year are going to face much fiercer competition than before. There are so many students with much more potential this year." the chairman thought as he rose from his chair. His demeanor shifted as he focused on the administrator, his tone sharpening. "There are still more students to assign and evaluate. It would be best if you didn't fixate on just one student. Time is a precious resource, especially at this time of the year."
"Y-yes, Chairman. Forgive me for getting distracted. I'll sort it all out shortly," the administrator replied hastily, sensing the change in atmosphere. He straightened his back, returning his attention to the stack of files—but not before noticing that Sakayanagi had already stood and begun to walk away.
"Seems there are quite a few students this year who might just be capable of defeating Arisu. Hopefully, that will help her grow too." A thought about his daughter crossed his mind, and a faint smile brushed his face.
He paused at the door, casting one last glance at the file left on the desk. The smile slowly faded, replaced by a subtle expression of concern as his eyes lingered on one peculiar important detail.
Hikigaya Hachiman (Age 16)
Special Recommendation for Admission from :
Ichihara Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation Center, Chiba Prefecture