ABSTRACT
Japanese bullying, or ijime, is distinctive and more class- and relationship-based than Western bullying. This affects which interventions are most likely to be suitable and effective. This chapter first tells a short history of ijime in Japan, theory and models to explain ijime. Then some topics of psychological research on ijime are presented: 1) the help-seeking of victims and maintaining their anonymity, 2) stopping the escalation of ijime, and 3) the worst cases and long-term influence of ijime. Japanese researchers and practitioners, learning from and inspired by European research and practice, have added certain modifications and tried new ways to handle ijime. Though the evidence of the impact is not sufficient, some have sought to depict the impact in a unique way. Ijime prevention/intervention is a struggle against obstacles that requires us to meet challenges. At the end of this chapter, the ‘Ijime Immunity Program’ and future directions of ijime prevention are presented.
