Japan teacher with Brazilian roots hopes for children to keep dreams despite discrimination

Fukumoto Willian Gabriel Kazuyuki, a Brazilian national born and raised in Japan, fulfilled his dream of becoming an elementary school teacher despite facing discrimination because of his nationality. As a child, he was teased by classmates and struggled in school until a caring teacher encouraged him, inspiring him to become a teacher himself. Although he considered becoming a Japanese citizen, he decided to keep his Brazilian nationality while pursuing his career.

After becoming a teacher in 2021, Fukumoto introduced his full name to his students because he wanted them to know his background. However, some parents questioned his patriotism, and anonymous callers claimed that foreign teachers might teach children the wrong values. Feeling hurt and afraid that students would no longer trust him, he stopped using his full name for a time.

When he transferred to a new school, his colleagues and principal strongly supported him and encouraged him to be open about his identity again. During a class about different countries, he shared his full name, and his students responded with curiosity and acceptance. One student even wrote that people should not be treated differently because of their nationality. Fukumoto hopes to teach children to recognize discrimination and create a future where no child has to give up their dreams because of prejudice.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260625/p2a/00m/0na/025000c

Comprehension

Why was Fukumoto teased when he was a child?
What inspired Fukumoto to become a teacher?
Why did Fukumoto stop using his full name after becoming a teacher?
How did Fukumoto's new school support him?
What message does Fukumoto hope to teach his students?

Discussion

Why do you think some people judge others based on their nationality?
Should a person's nationality affect their opportunity to become a teacher? Why or why not?
How can teachers help students understand and respect cultural differences?
Have you ever witnessed discrimination? How did it affect the people involved?
Why is representation of people from different backgrounds important in schools?
What can schools do to create a more inclusive environment for everyone?
Do you think children are more accepting of differences than adults? Explain your answer.
What lessons can we learn from Fukumoto's experience about courage and identity?

Vocabulary

Discrimination – unfair treatment of people because of their race, nationality, gender, or other differences.
Nationality – the legal status of belonging to a particular country.
Patriotism – love for and loyalty to one's country.
Prejudice – an unfair opinion or judgment about a person or group before knowing the facts.
Citizenship – the legal status of being a citizen of a country.
Recognition – appreciation or acknowledgment of someone's efforts or abilities.
Defiant – refusing to obey or accept something; boldly resisting opposition.
Inclusive – welcoming and treating everyone fairly, regardless of their differences.