Japanese Education Reform: Nakasone's Legacy (Sheffield Centre for Japanese Studies Routledge Series)

The Japanese education system has attracted increasing attention over the past 20 years, largely due to the belief that it has been central to Japan's economic growth. Many have felt, however that the system is stunted by an inability, or perhaps even on an incapacity, to change. This study challenges these contentions. It examines the reform policies implemented by Prime Minister Nakasone during the 1980s and argues that, not only has the system changed considerably as a result of Nakasone's work, but that it continues to do so. It analyses the key areas of the education reform debate, in particular internationalism, government control of education, increased liberalization and various social problems, and considers the degree to which response to them have been successful. This book will be of great interest to all those interested in the Japanese educational system. "The Japanese education system has attracted increasing attention over the past twenty years, largely due to the belief that it has been central to Japan's economic growth. However, many have felt that the system is stunted by an inability, or perhaps even an incapacity, to change. This study challenges these contentions. It examines the reform policies initiated by Prime Minister Nakasone during the 1980s and argues that, not only has the system changed considerably as a result of Nakasone's work, but it continues to do so." "Christopher P. Hood analyses the key areas of the education reform debate, in particular internationalism, government control of education, increased liberalisation and various social problems, and considers the degree to which responses to them have been successful. Basing his research on a wide range of sources including interviews with Nakasone himself, he finds that reforms are being implemented according to Nakasone's agenda, although they have taken time to come about. He argues that this may in time lead to their proving more successful than previous attempts at reform." "Japanese Education Reform considers the major changes that have occurred and provides a fuller understanding of Nakasone, his ideologies and the 'new Japanese' who will be produced by the reformed system. It is essential reading for all students and scholars interested in the history of educational reform and its implications for Japanese society."--BOOK JACKET The Japanese education system has attracted increasing attention over the past twenty years, largely due to the belief that it has been central to Japan's economic growth. Many have felt, however that the system is stunted by an inability, or perhaps even on an incapacity, to change. This study challenges these contentions. It examines the reform policies initiated by Prime Minister Nakasone during the 1980s and argues that, not only has the system changed considerably as a result of Nakasone's work, but it continues to do so. It analyses the key areas of the education reform debate, in particular internationalism, government control of education, increased liberalization and various social problems, and considers the degree to which response to them have been successful. This book will be of great interest to all those interested in the Japanese educational system This title analyses the key areas of the education reform debate, including internationalism, government control of education, increased liberalization and various social problems. To understand the Nakasone education reforms fully it is necessary to understand the reforms in their historical context and also to understand what the role of education is. Christopher P. Hood. Series Numbering From Publisher's List In Later Volume. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [200]-217) And Index.