Examines modes of competition for entry to selective Japanese universities using data on graduates from five high schools. Describes four models of selection modes, with "contest mobility" and "tournament mobility" corresponding to myths about U.S. and Japanese selection processes. Connects such myths to different national…

Examines yobiko, Japanese supplementary education system which prepares high school graduates who didn't pass college entrance examinations (ronin students) to retake tests. Examines ways yobiko tracks and places graduates. Examines system's relations to high-school tracking and subcultures. Examines current reforms and yobiko's impact on ronins'…

Chinese history is outlined, modern developments briefly described and compared to events in Japan, and the development of the formal education system covered. Universalized educational opportunity and hierarchies in the school system are discussed as well as the school system in general and teacher education programs. (MH)