The Japanese educational system underwent reform after World War II. It now consists of 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school, and 4 years of university. Elementary and junior high education is compulsory for 9 years. Enrollment rates are near 100% for compulsory education and over 96% for high school nationwide. About 46% of high school graduates go on to university. The Ministry of Education closely supervises education nationwide to maintain high standards. The national curriculum includes subjects like Japanese, math, science, and English. High schools can be academic or vocational. The school year runs from April to March.

1. Educational System
Japan

2. School System
o Japanese educational system was reformed
after World War II
o Old: 6-5-3-3 system
o Now: 6-3-3-4
(6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years
of senior high school and 4 years of University)
o An elementary school (from 6 years) and
junior high school (3 years) education, i.e.
nine years of schooling are considered
compulsory

3. o 100% enrollment in compulsory grades and
zero illiteracy
o high school (koukou) enrollment is over 96%
nationwide and nearly 100% in the cities
o About 46% of all high school graduates go on
to university or junior college.
School System

4. o The Ministry of Education closely supervises
curriculum, textbooks, classes and maintains a
uniform level of education throughout the
country. As a result, a high standard of
education is possible.
School System

5. National School Curriculum
o elementary school
Japanese
social studies
Mathematics
Science
Music and arts
Handicrafts and
homemaking
physical education.
o Middle School
Japanese
Mathematics
social studies
Science
English
Music
Art
physical education
field trips
clubs and homeroom time

6. National School Curriculum
o High School
o the content may contain general or highly
specialized subjects depending on the different
types of high schools.

7. o High schools may be classed into one of the
following types:
Elite academic high schools
Non-elite academic high schools
Vocational High Schools
Correspondence High Schools
Evening High School

9. Student Life
o A school year has three terms: summer,
winter and spring, which are each followed by
a vacation period.
o The school year begins in April and ends in
March of the following year.

10. o Japanese children enter primary school from
age 6.
o From age 12, children proceed to middle
schools.
o 15 year-old middle-school graduates go on to
high schools or private specialist institutions
Student Life

11. Student Life
o bullying (ijime) or behavioral problems
o Rigorous swotting for entrance exams
o To secure entry to most high schools, universities,
as well as a few private junior high schools and
elementary schools, applicants are required to sit
entrance exams and attend interviews.

12. Education philosophy and teaching
practices
(1)virtually all children have the ability to learn
well and to master the regular school
curriculum.
(2)certain habits and characteristics, such as
diligence and attention to detail, can be
taught.

13. o A basic characteristic throughout elementary
and secondary education is the continuing
emphasis on science and mathematics.
o The Japanese consider these subjects the
basic building blocks of technology, and
curriculum requirements ensure that all
children receive extensive grounding in them.
o Mathematics is one of the required subjects
on university entrance examinations and,
hence, receives continuing attention through
all grades.