Mother, daughter, and son all enjoy reading on the train. When I saw the scene in front of me it reminded me that the USA, in adopting the "No Child Left Behind" policy (i.e. standardized testing) took the absolute worst part of the Japanese school system -- the focus on standardized testing -- and ignored the real reason why, for example, Japan has a near 100% literacy rate. There are many reason besides testing. For example, teachers are held in very high regard in the culture. All teachers are "sensei." It is hard to become a teacher in Japan. But the culture also places a high regard for the educated. Yes, some parents take it too far, but for the most part parents are deeply involved in their kid's education and schooling. Schools have their place, especially the good ones can be very helpful for a child's education. But more important in my mind are the parents. It is the parents, it seems to me, that really lead by example and ignite the flame, or at least cultivate an atmosphere for learning. These kids are not reading because they have to, they are reading because they want to. I can't help but think the mother (and father) played a huge role in that.