This paper discusses human relationships with the natural world in Japanese educational policy. Based on two case studies, we argue that policy must recognize the cultural and spiritual ties that people in Japan have fostered in order to live well, which this paper considers to be part of "re-wilding education policy." We briefly review…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review key developments and the role of governmental support in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD) in higher education in Japan. Design/methodology/approach: This is an analytical review paper on policy and practice, using an evaluative perspective to consider developments, challenges…

The relationship between the state and higher education institutions has always been a complex one. The "state" itself in this context is a heterogeneous mix of elite people--bureaucrats, politicians, committees of co-opted academics and business leader--and it increasingly faces pressures from diverse stakeholders, including students…

The study scrutinizes the rationale behind higher education policy change in England and Japan, giving attention to stakeholders' perspective and legitimacy, policy network, and policy sphere. It argues that change in higher education policy in England and Japan towards being more market-oriented in the 1980s (England) and the 1990s (Japan) can…

Contemporary Japanese higher education is reviewed, taking into account German influences especially. Three main objectives of post-war reforms are discussed along with the entrance examination system in Japan. Available from: Japan Cultural Society, 101018, Shirokane-dai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. (LBH)

This article is an anthropological analysis of the recent policy reforms of the Japanese preschool system. It takes the introduction of the "nintei-kodomoen" ("accredited children's centre") as a point of entry to discuss the historical, social and political debates concerning early childhood education and care. The "dual…

Presents a study that traces the rise and development in Japanese education from 1926-45, examining educational policies and the role of teachers and schools. Reports that the factors that produced ultra-nationalistic and fascist education were already founded during the years of 1868-1912. (CMK)

This historical paper is an introduction to curriculum thinking in Japan. It discusses contested value frameworks that have exercised professional educators in the light of two "Western" interventions: (1) the modernization initiatives of the Meiji government of the nineteenth century; and (2) the policies that followed Japan's defeat in…

Provides an overview of compulsory moral education in Japan from 1886 through 1997, tracing the introduction of specific ideals to elementary and secondary students. Argues that moral education was used to instill conformity, docility, and social cohesion in Japanese youth in order to fulfill the priorities of the political system. (CMK)

Describes the general framework of the teacher training system and its recent reform in Japan. Reviews the present system of Japanese teacher education, summarizes the current reforms of teacher education in Japan, and explores various educational problems. Evaluates the potential of Japanese restructuring. (CMK)

This study explores postwar educational reform in Japan from 1945 to 1952 and focuses on issues related to women's higher education. It describes the transformation of the educational system and the effect of the educational reforms of U.S. occupation forces on post-World War II Japan. The basic research design emphasizes narrative historical…

Because of revisions made in the content of history textbooks, Japan has been accused of attempting to rewrite history as part of a larger conspiracy to brainwash students and to rearm the nation. Discussed are the legal authority of the national government to screen and approve textbooks and international reactions. (RM)

The Japanese university system has been evolving gradually from more traditional patterns to more modern ones in terms of increased efficiency and participation, as well as from an elite to a mass enrollment system. However, the basic patterns of control and decisionmaking have changed little. The universities have been able to resist intrusions…

This paper seeks to answer the following questions: What is educational planning? In what way can educational development contribute to the socioeconomic development of society? How can a plan be effectively implemented? What are the major characteristics of educational development in Japan as compared to that in other countries? The discussion of…

Over the years, Japan has revamped her education system a number of times. With the coming of the U. S. Education Mission in 1946, she turned her schools toward democratization. The major aims of this reform program in education were: 1) the elimination of militarism and ultranationalism; 2) democratization; 3) modernization; and, 4)…