This article addresses the paucity of literature in English about the problem of ijime (bullying) in Japan. It offers an introductory presentation to understand its educational, social and cultural context, which is considered to be a first necessary step in order to conduct cross-cultural work. Basics on dime research and its history are briefly reviewed; key educational values and related concepts ("ganbaru" -perseverance-, "gaman" -patience-, "sunao" -obedience-, and group inclusion and exclusion) are explained followed by illustrative examples (shikato dime, ochikobore...). Finally, peculiar societal features in Japan (credential society, examination hell, juku) are also presented and discussed from the optic of its concomitance with the dime problem.

Key words: dime, school bullying, Japan