Japanese Education

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 The education system of Japan is not very different from that of the United States in comparison to other cultures and nations. Education is a foundational institution of japan that shapes social behavior. Japanese culture places heavy emphasis on education while displaying cultural values such as collective responsibility, academic success, and discipline.


The Structure of Education

Japan's school system consists of 6 years of elementary, 3 years of junior high, and 3 years of high school. Elementary and junior high are freely accessible to the public, and with recent trends since 2010, high school can predictably join that group. Many Japanese students choose to pursue higher education at universities, mirroring that of the United States's students.  More than 98% of students choose to enroll in high school, completing 12 years of education. "School after school" is also an important part of Japanese culture; many families place their children in after school programs to help them with their academic studies.



A Typical School Day

From usually 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. students are in school Monday through Friday. However, some institutions hold Saturday classes in addition to their normal scheduling. During these classes, students will go through the required curriculum. After school, several students will engage in extra-curricular actives or further their studying.Around 70% of high school graduates enroll into higher education, and around 80% of those students complete their degrees.

                              Curriculum and Cultural Reflection

There is a national standardized curriculum that must be implemented into all schools. This curriculum includes science, language, social studies, math, english, physical education, and moral education. The moral education class required by the Ministry of Education focuses on building character, showcasing cooperation, respect, and the importance of discipline and collective responsibility. These values are reflected in the overall values of Japanese culture. 



Sources:
https://education.jnto.go.jp/en/school-in-japan/japanese-education-system/
https://ncee.org/japan/
https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2016/2016100/ind_25.asp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_secondary_education_attainment

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