From the Victorian rules of etiquette to the way of Bushido, every age establishes its own ideals for behavior and conduct. What is Japan's new standard? Kuda Mutenda, a Tokyo Agricultural University ("Nodai") student from Zimbabwe, looked to find out.

Apparently, he discovered it in Nodai's ouendan (cheering squad). Seeking to experience something that can only be encountered in Japan, Kuda joined up with the squad, which promised to teach him the essence of Japanese manliness, something that many believe is sorely lacking in these times. Though a third-year student, Kuda joined at the first-year level (and as its first foreign member ever) impressing senior members with his dedication to training  and his sense of responsibility.

Once you watch the video below the jump, courtesy of Japan Probe, you will know exactly what lies at the root of all the manga and anime banchou stereotypes we've come to associate with manly teenagers. It's all in the ouendan. They really do feel like people fail because they didn't cheer hard enough. The leader really does have that wicked pompadour. It's all true. 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must finish a series of reports, with just hours to go before deadline! I sure hope a squad of gakuran-wearing cheerleaders arrives to cheer me on!