Mommy’s note: How I wish I can let my kids go to school by themselves. In my country, I can’t even let them go to the playground by themselves.

Every weekday morning, millions of American kids wake up and go to school, usually under the watchful eye of an adult. But in Japan, children are expected to make the journey alone.  In the Tokyo metro area, where the population tops 38 million, that trip can last up to an hour, covering several miles. Seth Doane visited one family to learn how students going solo are protected.

Watch the video below and let us know: will you let your kids walk to school alone?