This study, one of the Office of Education series on education in other countries, is the third to be published as a result of on-the-spot reporting on Japanese education in its own setting. It covers primarily the initial modernization epoch, post-war democratization epoch, and the present period, with some information about the wartime period. The bulletin contains useful information to educational and other groups and to individuals interested in Japanese education and its unique historical background. It is presented in 10 chapters, as follows: (1) Educational philosophy and policy; (2) Educational opportunity; (3) Administration and supervision; (4) Curriculum, teaching methods, and textbooks; (5) Higher education; (6) Teacher education; (7) Vocational education; (8) Special programs; (9) Social education; and (10) Brief review. Appendices include: (1) Imperial rescript on education; (2) Number of schools, teacher, and pupils: May 1957; and (3) Education chronology of modern Japan. A glossary and a bibliography are also included. (Contains 9 charts, 14 tables, 24 illustrations, and 290 footnotes.) [Best copy available has been provided.]