Global Education Executives

JAPAN

With its history of initiative and development, it is no surprise that Japan boasts of one of the world’s largest economies, longest life expectancies, and most developed technologies. Not only does it hold power globally as a sovereign nation, but Japan is also well-known and appreciated around the world for its intricately developed cultural life, whether through its food, media, art, or historical landmarks. As one of the most developed nations in the world, Japan has much to offer in terms of investing in cultural and individual advancement for its people. 
 

With all the access and more to fundamental necessities, Japan’s standards for nationwide education also adhere to high standards, following their mission towards an egalitarian society. Since the end of World War II, Japan has drastically raised the standards for quality education within the country by centralizing and equally funding schools across the nation. Education is compulsory for nine years, with a current enrollment rate of over 90% in secondary schools and increasing participation in higher education. Teachers, especially those in younger grades, are expected to contribute positively to the students’ educational lives beyond the classroom (such as after-school counseling, educational activities, etc.) and are funded to do so. Japan even has a system for those with mental or physical needs, called “Special Needs Education,” so they can integrate themselves in society while upholding an education. Lastly, with the typical Confucian fervor to work hard, parents and students alike strive for high intellectual performance, fueling the government’s interest to invest in education. All of these contribute to the high quality of Japan’s education system today.
 

Yet, it is important to know that no system is perfect; away from the more advanced metropolitan areas, Japan still sees levels of poverty that are high in comparison to other highly-developed countries in the world; this could negatively affect a child’s education if they are unable to afford the demands of such a quickly developing country. 
 

Despite this, Japan is arguably still one of the global forerunners in terms of quality education; for example, the country has seen success in expanding accessibility and providing those from lower-income families relatively equal education opportunities, and its students perform at extremely high levels in academic subjects compared to even other highly-developed countries. With the government’s past and current efforts towards raising educational standards, Japan sets a great example and high standards.
 

References:

1. Japan Educational Travel (n.d.). Japanese Educational System. JNTO. https://education.jnto.go.jp/en/school-in-japan/japanese-education-system/

2. NCEE (n.d.). Top-Performing Countries: Japan. National Center on Education and the Economy. https://ncee.org/country/japan/