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In session11 of the series program “Let’s talk about Pax Japonica”, Miss Nakano and I talked about the current situation of innovation and education in Japan. As both of us have experienced the university education abroad, we shared our views about the difference between Japanese education and overseas education as follows.

1. Equality in education

Japan ranks highly in providing equal educational opportunities for student, regardless of socioeconomic status. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD), Japan ranks as one of the highest in education equity. In Japan, only 9 percent of the variation in student performance results from students’ socioeconomic background. In comparison, the average variation in the OECD is 14%,while the average variation in the U.S. is 17%.

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• Test-based education

At the age 12, the standardized test-based education system of Japan that starts in the junior high school years may weaken the initiative, creativity and critical thinking of students. In the classroom most students are shy to share their views or speak English with confidence.

As we all know that Innovation is the core competence of a country, there is a general consensus that education is a pre-condition for innovation.

So what is the biggest issue in Japanese to overcome?

How to realize the integration of sciences and arts?

Does government play an important role in driving innovation?

For more details of our discussion please check the latest YouTube program below and share your comments with us!

For more details of our discussion please check the latest YouTube program below and share your comments with us!(46) Innovation and education in Japan (Series “Let’sTalk about Pax Japonica Together”. Session 11) – YouTube