
Death is indeed the final departure, but that does not mean that the echoes of our lives can’t have some lasting effects on the lives of those who survive us. One Japanese school teacher understood that he was nearing the end of his time on earth and did what he could to dispel the certain grief of his beloved students the only way he knew how. He gave them one last homework assignment.
Here’s a translation of the assignment as pictured above:
Final homework assignment
No due datePlease be happy.
By the time you are ready to turn in this assignment, I will probably be in heaven.
Don’t rush your report. Feel free to take your time.
But someday, please turn to me and say “I did it. I’ve become happy.”
I’ll be waiting.
According to the Twitter post that shared this heartwarming homework assignment, the teacher who gave it has since passed away, but what an awesome impression to leave on the students that he must have cared for so very much. Now, please excuse me while I find a fresh box of tissues. These tears refuse to stop.
Source: Ajajashita (Japanese)
Image: kandoh_hanashi on Twitter

High school teacher’s summer vacation homework about appreciating life brings tears to our eyes
Uncle and netizens confused about child’s low grade on math assignment
“Hate summer homework, kids? We’ll do it for you!” A disturbingly booming business in Japan
Japan in tears over elementary school teacher’s emotional homework assignment about love and loss
Japanese pre-teen’s summer homework assignment either lazy or genius… possibly both
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Are 500-yen noodles at Akihabara Ramen Center a great find or cheap miss?
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Osaka man reserved and cancelled 1,873 seats at two baseball games to get more space for self
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Secret Starbucks sausage customization sparks sweet joy in Japan[Taste test]
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
P.E. advice from an old teacher has Japanese Twitter saying nice things about exercise for once
Junior high student in China trapped in elevator for five hours, grateful for time to do homework
“Peaceful life with many dogs” is unacceptable dream, Japanese high school teacher tells student
‘Smell my spit!’ and other Japanese teachers’ corporal punishments
Japanese university English teacher fights student misbehaviour with eccentric new rulebook
Should Japanese schools stop making kids write book reports? Twitter debates
“The taste of a liar!” Japanese teacher arrested for licking student’s ear
Japanese high school teacher in hot water after forcibly giving male student a buzz cut
Teacher’s heartwarming message helps student pursue art dream
Japanese teacher simply asks to be treated like a human being
Don’t like trigonometry? Then you’re just like Hitler, says Japanese high school English teacher
Teacher stares down bear at school in Japan, saving students from harm
Teacher in Japan literally picks up truant kid, carries him out of house to make him go to class
This is chalk?!? Yep, and it’s a touching Pokémon goodbye from a Japanese teacher to his students