Japan’s educational system is admired around the world for its comprehensive approach, unlike the specialized approach that has grown more popular in several countries around the world. Beyond academic learning, Japanese schools stress the teaching of life skills and fostering discipline, with an added emphasis on morals and ethics.
This system is indisputably effective based on the country’s literacy rate of 99.9%, as reported in a 2019 survey.
Apart from its very high literacy rate, Japan consistently has high rankings in international standardized tests and surveys. According to the Program for International Student Assessment, Japanese students rank second in mathematics and first in science and reading in standardized test scores.
From an early age until they reach 16, which marks the end of compulsory education, students receive an education in language and in STEAM (or Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), as well as in coding, and robotics.
For all Japanese students, a typical school day lasts at least six hours and involves a lot of homework and numerous after-school activities.
Although some critics contend that the Japanese system's homogeneity may inhibit independent thinking, there is no denying its remarkable effectiveness. The country’s education system has clearly contributed to the formation of a stable society, innovative industries, and a powerful economy.
