Education in Japan

The education system in Japan is very rigorous and competitive, but helps result in a strong overall education for Japanese civilians. When Japanese students begin middle school, usually at age 12, 5.7% of the students attend private schools since it helps being accepted into high school. For example, some private middle schools are affiliated with high schools, which are further affiliated with universities; enrollment in certain middle schools will allow for direct enrollment in the affiliated schools. Parents who choose the option of private middle school want to secure a position in a good high school of their choice, since the race to be accepted into private high schools is incredibly competitive. This displays just how intense the education system is, which is directly related to how much importance the Japanese place on education. Furthermore, 90.8% of parents send their children to cram school, or juku/gakken, where they can further enhance their studies. These cram schools are basically after school study sessions, which prepare students for the high school entrance exams. With the education system being of utmost importance, many Japanese have a fair amount of education under their belts. For example, in 2002 97% of students advanced into senior high schools, as in the Japanese workforce, a high school diploma is widely considered a minimum for basic job opportunities.

The Japanese curriculum is fairly similar to that of the United States, with moral values, academics and arts being taught in elementary schools. Japanese middle schools are tough, with the teachers moving at a fast pace and sticking to the textbook in order to prepare their students for high school entrance exams. While the curriculum tends to be similar among elementary schools and middle schools across Japan, the high schools differ by type (most prestigious to least): Elite academic high schools, Non-elite academic high schools, Vocational high schools, Correspondence high schools, and finally Evening high schools.

Overall, I find the Japanese school system to be very effective. With 90% of students graduating from high school and 40% from a university or junior college, a large percentage of the Japanese people are well educated. While the competitive aspect of their system does contribute to a large amount of stress, I feel that that is why a vast majority of the Japanese have completed a high school education. It is also interesting to note that the Japanese believe that their education system allows for equal opportunity to move up in the social ladder. Many believe in the notion that entrance into good schools is based on merit and long hours dedicated to educational life. The Japanese school system definitely must have its flaws, and some could say that dedicating years of childhood experience to possibly be admitted into a superior high school isn’t right. There also is less importance on critical thinking and thinking as an individual, since many years of schooling is just to prepare for entrance exams. Nevertheless, I find the Japanese educational system to be very impressive and respectable.



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