The ebb and flow of Japanese educational reform

Abstract

Through analysis of Japanese educational reform this paper draws attention to key historical and cultural aspects of Japan's modern educational system. Links are drawn to the influence socio-political transformations have had on the Japanese educational systems within three periods of radical reform beginning with the Meiji restoration in 1871, moving onto the Occupation led reforms after the Second World War and concluding with a analysis of contemporary neo-liberal reforms. The paper argues that one of most important aspects to emerge from the antecedence of contemporary Japanese education is the manner in which reform impacts on educators who have been directed to perform and conduct themselves in ways that fundamentally alter traditional
Japanese work/cultural practices. The paper aims to introduce Japanese educational reform to a new readership while also providing a source of analysis directed towards the impact of global educational reform outside Western contexts.