Japanese Educational System Improving Ongoing Practice in Schools

The characteristics of the Japanese educational system are described. Japanese schools provide a prescribed curriculum and pupils spend much of the day at the desk. Teachers identify with their schools and are committed to service. Behind the Japanese school culture is “a view of improvement” to make schools better by working harder, which is a different view from those in Western and many other Asian nations. To understand effectiveness in schools, frameworks are needed which are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, Buddhism and Confucianism. To improve schools, strategies are needed with new diagnostic instruments deeply rooted in the unique characteristics or school culture that each school possesses.