Just about every school I've been at in Japan, the principal is something of a figurehead. Almost everywhere I've taught at, they hype up the kocho like they're a link in a chain of visionary, inspirational leaders going back to the founding of the school, but the reality I've seen is almost every principal I've ever worked with hasn't really done much.
A small number have genuinely had big ideas and wanted to steer the direction of the school, but the vast majority just drink tea with guests in a fancy office, stamp approval on any form the vice-principal gives them, and make meandering speeches at school events that mention the season or the weather. Indeed, it often seems to me that the real figure with the most influence on how things actually work in a school is almost always the kyoto-sensei. One principal at one of my schools early on was notorious for hiding in his office and sleeping or playing video games when he thought no one was looking.
What's it like at your schools? Is the principal at your school just a cushy pre-retirement role, or do they actually do something useful?
by PaxDramaticus