When you think of Japanese schools, it’s hard not to picture the red marks on tests and homework: “○” for correct, “×” for incorrect, and “△” for something in between. Many of us remember the joy of seeing rows of “○” in our notebooks, or the disappointment of too many “×.” This practice, called marutsuke (丸つけ), is a unique feature of Japanese education.
Comparison with Other Countries
Interestingly, this style is not universal. In Western countries, teachers usually use a “✓” (check mark) to indicate a correct answer. Using “○” for correct answers, as in Japan, is rare. In fact, a circle might mean something completely different, like an empty space to be filled in.
This cultural difference even shows up in video games. On the PlayStation controller, in Japan “○” means “confirm” and “×” means “cancel.” Overseas, however, it’s the opposite. Many Japanese gamers were baffled when they first played the international version.
Historical Background
So why does Japan use “○” for correct answers? The practice dates back to the Meiji era (late 19th century), when the Japanese education system adopted Western-style testing. While the idea of marking answers came from abroad, Japan adapted it in its own way. After World War II, marking in red became standard nationwide, and teachers were expected to carry red pencils or red pens as essential tools of their trade.
The Ambiguity of the Triangle (△)
We can’t forget the “△.” Neither right nor wrong, it lives in the gray zone. Depending on the teacher, it may mean “almost correct,” “partial credit,” or “needs improvement.” There is no fixed rule. For students, it could be a source of motivation—“I was so close!”—or a source of frustration—“So was it right or not?”
The Color of Feedback
Red is the classic color of marutsuke. A big red circle on your test is bold and easy to spot, and it has long carried the weight of a teacher’s authority. The famous correspondence course “Red Pen Teacher” (赤ペン先生 / あかぺんせんせい, Akapen Sensei) is a cultural icon built on this tradition. In recent years, however, some teachers have started using blue, green, or orange, arguing that red feels too harsh or intimidating.
Cultural Reach
The symbols “○” and “×” go far beyond the classroom. They appear in TV quiz shows, surveys, and everyday conversation. For instance:
- 「彼(かれ)にはバツがついた」
- “He got a mark against his name.”
- 「バツイチです」
- “I’m divorced once.”
Here, “バツ (batsu)” symbolizes failure, disapproval, or social stigma. The school symbols have taken on a much broader cultural life.
Conclusion
Marking tests with “○,” “×,” and “△” may seem like a simple act, but it reflects Japan’s distinctive view of education and feedback. These marks are not only tools for grading but also emotional triggers that shape how students experience success and failure. Even as adults, we keep encountering these symbols in different forms. Compared with other countries, the culture of marutsuke truly stands out as something uniquely Japanese.