By examining the role of the teacher in Japanese schools, we can discover directions to follow and to avoid in developing the teaching profession in our own country. (Author/TE)

Discusses principles of early childhood education and trends in the education and care of handicapped children in Japan. Maintains that children express their inner world through play and that teachers need to be ready to meet a child, understand his or her expression, create the present, and reflect on the experience. (KB)

Argues that American education could benefit from a look at the Japanese participative management system. (FL)

Provides historical background for understanding social changes and the resulting problems facing Japan's schools. Topics include resistance of youth to society and its schools, the breakdown of regional communities, the impact of competition for grades, and the changing role of teachers. (JHZ)

In 1930, Japanese philosopher Tsunesaburo Makiguchi stated that happiness was education's main goal. The paper examines Makiguchi's work as relevant to the American educational system and teacher education. Makiguchi cautioned that children's inherent love of learning could be extinguished by systems that force-fed students information in order to…

Contrasts in the approaches of a Japanese company and the American university to management development provide the basis for a discussion of Theory Z's potential application to faculty affairs. Among the issues discussed are the tenure and promotion system, collegial decision making and responsibility, faculty development and incentives, and…

This feature is a collection of brief essays recently written by Japanese and Chinese gay youth, followed by commentary from several leading educators and scholars. Akihiko Komiya's "Difficulties Japanese Gay Youth Encounter" provides excerpts from the stories of six gay youth and their everyday lives, based on their letters in…

Compares Queensland teachers' conceptions of communicative language teaching with those held by 11 Japanese junior high school teachers of English, interviewed in 1997 as part of a s part study on the development of language teaching in Japan. (Author/VWL)

This paper presents a summary discussion of the current status of special education in Japan, its recent history, and issues and trends. Noted is establishment of the current educational system (and special education system) as part of post-war American occupation. The following issues are discussed: centralization and teacher autonomy; compulsory…

Argues that the Japanese model of early years education enables children to make comparatively fast progress once they begin elementary schooling. Asserts that the understanding of group behavior and needs of other children contributes to children's sharing of responsibility and positive learning attitudes. Maintains that preschool routines…

This collection of columns on teaching English as a Second Language in Japan appeared on the English education page of a Japanese English-language newspaper over a period of almost 4 years. Article topics include these: principles of second language learning; differences between language skills; standards of usage; avoiding stereotypes; school…