An important aspect of Japanese schooling is the attention given to class management and student guidance, particularly at the elementary and lower secondary levels. The Japanese school curriculum for the elementary and the lower secondary schools consists of three areas: (1) regular subjects; (2) moral education; and (3) special activities. The special activities component consists of student activities, such as student council and club activities; school events, such as ceremonial events and cultural performances; and class guidance which includes instruction on better personal relationships and assistance on motivation. Comprehensive examples of long-term homeroom activities, student council manuals, and yearly calendars of cultural event activities illustrate this mandated aspect of Japanese education. Successes and concerns associated with the class management and student guidance program are discussed and a list of references from Japanese articles and school publications is included. (CFR)