1. Japan has a rich Asian culture and history. The country is made up of 4 large
islands and over 4,000 smaller ones. Due to the mountainous terrain only
15% of its land is cultivable.
The largest cities are found along the coastline and are home to the majority
of the citizens.
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After the atomic bombs fell and the eventual defeat in WWII, the Emperor
surrendered in 1945. Japan quickly recovered within 2 decades and
completely revised their constitution. They limited the power of the emperor,
making it a ceremonial position. Japan, it seems within the blink of an eye
became one of the worlds major economic forces, it’s high quality automobiles
and electronics cover the planet.
We will examine their education system which lead to this rapid rise of a

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3. The middle curriculum includes Japanese, mathematics, social studies,
science, English, music, art, physical education, field trips, clubs and
homeroom time. Students now receive instruction from specialist subject
teachers. The pace is quick and instruction is text-book bound because
teachers have to cover a lot of ground in preparation for high-school entrance
examinations.

4. Teachers face many of the same frustrations as U. S. teachers.
They are called on to do more and more within their day.
Their role has shifted to include more student motivation and discipline and
now more hands on teaching and lessons are desired.
The role of IS has been very challenging for them to embrace as are many of
the reform efforts due to lack of training.
Although Japan is only the 2nd
country to require all teachers to have degrees
and be licensened.
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5. The themes of increased academic pressures, scrambling for instructional
time, and struggling to embrace new practices seem to be common themes
between the U.S. and Japan.
In the past class size has not appeared to be an issue, but if discipline
continues to unfold this may become problematic.

6. Traditionally in Japanese culture the family was to supply the motivation and
discipline for students to learn. Families sacrifice a great deal of time and
money for their children’s education.
Parents watch over and guide their children’s learning carefully.
As the culture is changing this responsibility is shifting to the school and
teachers and moving slightly away from the family.
Culture in schools strive to highlight these areas.
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Education is important to economic success and is a source of honor for the
individual and the family.
Confucius had a great deal of influence on Japanese culture and thought.
Confucius regarded government and education as inseperable. Without a

7. The national government bears 1/3 – ½ of the cost of education in the form of
teachers salaries, school construction, school lunches, and vocational
programs and equipment.
Local governments are responsible for the remaining expenses associated
with education.
4.7 % of the GNP is allocated for education.
Schools seem to receive fairly equal amounts of money and there it little
variation in the quality of schools between neighborhoods.

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9. Proposed educational reforms emphasize these 3 areas:
Individuality
Life Long learning
Global society
These are all major shifts from the system Japan is accustomed to.
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10. Proposed educational reforms emphasize these 3 areas:
Individuality
Life Long learning
Global society
These are all major shifts from the system Japan is accustomed to.
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