japanweb

Japan has the most grueling education system that i have studied in the Asian countries. There are five stages in the education system, kindergarten, elementary school, lower secondary, upper secondary and the university level. To move on to the next level you must take an exam.

At an early age Japanese children are geared for these exams. At some prestigious nursery schools, they begin preparing the children for these exams, some as young as one year old. At two years of age, some schools begin giving paper exams based on pictures and verbal instruction. These subjects include skipping, talking politely about your family life, swimming and english. These exams are given 4 times a month and can run the parents $10,000 for a two year period.

Japan has an excellent reputation for education. 100% of its children ages 5-14 are enrolled in school. The schools are free and the funds come from a private source. An amazing fact is that 58% of the students go on to finish at a vocational or university level. To have education be such a big part of their lives, they go to school longer hours and more days then their American counterparts. Japanese students go to school 220 days a year and 6 days a week. That, compared to America's 181 days a year and 5 days a week, is a significantly higher amount. Along with the extra days, some students will join "juku". This is a cramming school that helps prepare students for the exams that will determine their next level. These exams will also determine the job the students will have after university level. A list of Japanese schools can be found at asiadragons. There are also many great language schools offered in Japan for the children. I found a web page on a children's museum in Japan. It had many informative issues for children.

The family in Japan is the most important institution to the Japanese. The children are taught at a young age to respect their elders be it an older brother uncle, father, ect. It is mostly the males that are respected. The fathers have the role of bread winner and the wife is the home and child care taker. Fathers have a heavy work load and seldom spend much time with their children. Only 54% said they communicate with their children a daily basis. Discipline in the home is also very different then in America. The good behavior of children is rewarded much more then negative behavior is punished. The children are taught at a young age to be polite and act well mannered in public. Because of this, children whose behavior is appropriate, is rewarded with candy or toys.