Describe the background of education in Japan.

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Japan has 100% literacy rate. The system is of 6 years of elementary schools, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years high school an d 2 or 4 years university. Elementary and junior high Japan takes a hierarchical, top down approach to education. Compulsory education to be expanded from 9 years to 10 or 11 years by making kindergarten required. 97% choose to go to high school after their compulsory secondary school.50% of high school students go to study at higher education institutions. Japanese women are among the most educated in the world; e.g., 42.5% women had post-secondary
school education in 2005.
In old days, education was at Buddhist temples where reading and writing was learnt; as well as arithmetic. School for nobility was introduced in 701; it started with Samurai and the wealthy but later spread to common people. Early teachers were priests/monks, Samurai, doctors and other professionals. Pupils paid what they could, and education was widespread.
There were two schools; Honko for Samurai and Terakayo for commoners.
Modern education has helped overcome challenges and stimulate recovery after World War II and education was modeled to American style. Free compulsory education was introduced in 1900; and extended to 6 years in 1908 and text books were also standardized. Emphasis was on cooperative behavior, group discipline and conformity to standards; success was also because Japanese see education as the only way to prosperity. Primary school is compulsory and lasts for 6 years.
There is also middle school and 3-year university education. Japans civil servants (Mandarins) were the best and brightest and served in courts, as magistrates and as representatives in the hinterlands.They were recruited and promoted through a series of examinations, which were responsible for social mobility. Japanese are education minded and consider education as the only path to success in life and status in the society and economically.
Confucianism and Buddhism infused this belief in education. People are taken to be of average talent and this can be improved through proper training. There is a test for everything in Japan, e.g., license, jobs, garment making, e.t.c. Art is learned only through masters. Students are apprenticed and at early stages of art, are considered as servants and have to watch the master at work. Japans education system produces the most literate and dedicated workforce in the world but it discourages diversity and creativity.

Titany answered the question on August 10, 2021 at 10:29

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Describe the background of education in Japan.

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