terakoya

A terakoya was a type of private educational institution that existed in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The name terakoya literally translates to "temple school," as many of these schools were originally housed in Buddhist temples. However, they were also established in other locations such as samurai residences, merchants' homes, and even dedicated school buildings.

Terakoya provided basic education to children from various social strata, including commoners, farmers, artisans, and merchants. While samurai and wealthy merchants often had access to more formal clan schools or private tutors, terakoya offered a more accessible form of schooling. The curriculum typically focused on fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Students learned to read classic Japanese texts like the Hyakunin Isshu (a collection of 100 poems) and the Iroha, a syllabary poem. Arithmetic was taught using the soroban, a Japanese abacus.

The teachers, known as shihan or sensei, were often Buddhist monks, retired samurai, or educated individuals from the local community. Fees were generally low, making education attainable for a wider segment of the population. Terakoya played a significant role in increasing literacy rates in Japan during the Edo period, contributing to a more educated populace and laying the groundwork for the modern educational system that followed the Meiji Restoration. Their influence extended beyond mere academic instruction, often imparting moral lessons and practical knowledge relevant to daily life.