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FAQ · Education 32

Answers in each category are based on Japan Issue's knowledge base of public sources; each answer shows its source.

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What are the FAQ answers based on?

Answers in each category are based on the Japan Issue knowledge base, which draws on public sources such as Wikipedia. Each answer shows its source.

How long is compulsory education in Japan and who manages it?

Education is compulsory at the elementary and lower secondary levels for a total of nine years. The system is managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.

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How long is compulsory education in Japan?

The provided text does not specify the exact duration of compulsory education. It only mentions that lower secondary school covers years seven through nine and that upper-secondary school is not compulsory.

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What kind of education can high school age students receive in Japan's colleges of technology?

High school age students at colleges of technology acquire trade and technical skills through work-based learning, apprenticeships, and work placement programs. These schools allow students to gain job skills without the intense pressure of the university admissions process. Many students attend specifically to get professional certifications.

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When does the academic year start in Japan and how is it structured?

The academic year in Japan begins in April. At the primary and secondary level, the school year consists of two or three terms separated by short holidays and a six-week summer break. Universities typically have two semesters, with the second starting in September or October.

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Do ALTs get paid during school holidays in Japan?

Some ALTs have set, paid holidays during the spring, summer, and winter school vacations. However, some ALTs are not paid between semesters or for national holidays and do not receive paid vacation leave. Most JET Programme ALTs are required to work through the school holidays.

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What is the difference between public and private schools in Japan regarding cost and enrollment?

Approximately 8% of junior high students attend private junior high schools. Private primary schools are considerably more expensive, with an average annual cost of ¥1,295,156 compared to ¥450,340 for public schools. While public high schools do not collect tuition fees, private and national high schools are free in certain prefectures including Tokyo.

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How much are tuition fees for high schools and higher education in Japan?

Public high schools have not collected tuition fees since 2010, and private or national high schools are free in certain prefectures like Tokyo. For higher education, the average costs including tuition, fees, and living expenses were ¥1.4 million per year in 1986. Some students manage these costs by working part-time or taking out government-supported loans.

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What are international schools in Japan and how are they classified?

International schools in Japan are schools where classes are generally taught in English. Many are classified as kakushu gakko or miscellaneous schools rather than officially accredited ichijoko. This means attending these schools does not fulfill Japan's compulsory education requirements.

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How has the nature of university admissions in Japan changed over time?

During the 1960s and 1970s, university admissions became intensely selective and competitive due to rapid economic growth. This intense competition for university places led to significant stress among students by the 1980s. In response, the government implemented reforms to reduce the academic burden and promote more holistic education.

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What universities are mentioned in relation to automotive safety research?

Wayne State University's Automotive Safety Research Group is testing ways to improve seat belt effectiveness and general vehicle safety apparatuses. Additionally, Wayne State's Bioengineering Center is involved in this research.

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Does Japan have policies to support international students?

Current educational policies focus on internationalising higher education through initiatives such as accepting more international students. This is being done as the nation has a rapidly ageing and shrinking population.

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How can students afford higher education in Japan?

Some students work part-time or take out loans. These loans can be obtained through the government-supported Japan Scholarship Association, local governments, non-profit corporations, and other institutions.

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What types of institutions provide higher education in Japan and what degrees do they offer?

Higher education in Japan is strictly provided by universities and junior colleges. Universities offer four-year training leading to a bachelor's degree, and some provide six-year programs leading to a professional degree.

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What kind of vocational education is available in Japanese upper-secondary schools?

Upper-secondary schools offer technical and vocational courses for students expecting to find employment after graduation. For students with disabilities, training emphasizes vocational education to help them become as independent as possible within society. The specific training varies considerably depending on the student's disability.

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Does the Japanese postal mark have any historical significance regarding literacy?

The simple Japanese postal mark predates mass literacy in the nation. It is still used to this day.

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How do Japanese students perform in international education evaluations?

Japanese students consistently achieve high rankings in reading, mathematics, and sciences according to OECD evaluations. In the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment, Japan ranked eighth globally. This performance is supported by a relatively high expenditure per student.

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Do Japanese weekend schools offer preschool or kindergarten programs?

Yes, some weekend schools also serve high school and preschool/kindergarten. These schools are primarily designed to help children of Japanese residents residing in foreign countries re-adapt to the Japanese educational system. Students are generally taught using the age-appropriate Japanese curriculum specified by MEXT.

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What are the risks associated with the misuse of physical restraint in special education settings?

The misuse of physical restraint in special education settings has resulted in severe injury, trauma to students, and a lack of education. It can be dangerous in unexpected ways and has resulted in many deaths. Restraining someone against their will is generally a crime unless it is explicitly sanctioned by law.

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Are there any digital libraries available for viewing rare Japanese cultural materials?

The Kyoto University Digital Library offers image files of rare materials related to the culture of Japan. These rare materials exhibitions can be accessed through their digital platform.

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How has private tutoring and private education functioned in Korean history?

During the Joseon dynasty, private tutoring and village schools known as seodang were primary means of receiving an education. Private academies called seowon also emerged as rural retreats and centers of learning. These methods were often used to prepare students for competitive examinations as a means of social mobility.

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What kind of residency status do students have in Japan?

Foreigners who come to Japan as students are registered under a student visa, which provides them with student residency status. Most of these students typically return to their home country after one valid period of three to four years. Very few students choose to extend their visa.

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What are guest houses in Japan like?

Guest houses in Japan are places to stay that often have convenient locations in cities or nearby suburbs. They may offer shared dormitory-style accommodation and usually do not provide meals. Most guest houses also have a curfew.

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How much does it cost to attend primary school in Japan?

The average annual cost for private primary school attendance was ¥1,295,156 per student as of 2013. This is roughly thrice the ¥450,340 cost for a public school.

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Does japan-issue.com provide resources for Korean language education?

The site references a book titled A history of the Korean language by Ki-Moon Lee and S. Robert Ramsey. This resource was published by Cambridge University Press in 2011.

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Does NHK E offer language learning programs?

NHK E includes language courses as part of its structure, which is generally based on various educational programming. These programs are often made as cultural programs close to variety shows. For example, in Today's Menu, language courses and hobby programs are featured.

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Does japan-issue.com provide information regarding research institutes or science and technology in Japan?

The site includes information regarding the Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI). It also features content on advanced road technologies in Japan from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

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When was Japanese curry first used in school meals?

Japanese curry was used in school meals for the first time in 1948. The popularity of the dish among children increased after the introduction of Vermont Curry in 1963, which added a mild sweetness to the meal.

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Are school buses considered safe for transporting students?

School buses allow for the mass transportation of students and are designed to protect children with padding and structural integrity. Although they are considered safe for mass transit, this does not guarantee that students will be injury-free if an impact occurs. Some debates exist regarding seat belts, as they are sometimes believed to make recovering from a roll or tip harder for passengers.

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How does the quality of medical treatment in Japan compare to the United States?

Japanese outcomes for high-level medical treatment of physical health are generally competitive with those of the US. Surgical outcomes tend to be better in Japan for most cancers, while overall survival tends to be longer in the US due to more aggressive chemotherapy use in late-stage cancers. Additionally, data shows that annual mortality for patients undergoing dialysis is lower in Japan compared to the US.

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How was the modern Japanese law school and higher education system established?

The Meiji government adopted a model influenced by Western countries like Great Britain, the United States, and France, but ultimately shifted to a strictly German-oriented model. Prussia served as the largest inspiration because its universities were considered innovative and its bureaucracy was dominated by law school graduates. This Prussian prototype served as the fundamental basis for the Japanese model to suit its national needs.

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How common is it for students in Japan to study engineering?

A significant number of Japanese people aged 25 to 34 hold degrees in science and engineering. In 1990, engineering was one of the popular fields, enrolling 19% of all undergraduate students.

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How has the number of junior high school teachers in Japan changed over time?

The number of junior high school teachers has changed little over the decades. There were 257,605 junior high school teachers in 1996, and there were 247,485 in 2023.

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