One thing to keep in mind (something that the west always fucks up) is that this is written by a Japanese person. Eastern thought differs greatly from western thought, enough that even things that we take for granted is not true in their cultures and vice versa. Examples include: rights, individuality, creationism, ethics, morals, death, afterlife and others that i wish i knew more.
Because of globalization, western thought (philosophy) has spread everywhere and has affected eastern people whereas westerners never felt any need to understand eastern thought (or any others for that matter). Because of their background, keep in mind that the author is writing this in a manga.
And because of it, Im always questioning about the worth of the manga. What is the point of it? He made it clear, to study ethics. But the way the story is construed and how the teacher helps the students... it sure as hell isnt philosophy. Its therapy. Which is not bad, but not philosophy. Eastern thought focuses a lot on how to live well, whereas western thought is more focused on what is ’right’. If it was philosophy, we should question and criticize these quotes that the teacher says. After all, there isnt a “right” way to live well... right?
Or im full of shit, thats also a possibility. 😦