Secondary Education

Secondary education in Japan is divided into lower secondary (ages 12-15) and upper secondary (ages 15-18). While lower secondary school is compulsory, over 98% of students continue to three-year upper secondary schools, which are academically rigorous. Students study a standardized national curriculum that includes Japanese language, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and English.

At the end of upper secondary school, students take highly competitive university entrance examinations. These exams are crucial for determining admission to universities, with students often spending additional years in preparatory schools (yobikō) to improve their scores. Besides the academic track, Japan also offers specialized vocational upper secondary schools that provide career-focused training in fields like technology, business, and agriculture.

Higher Education

Japan's higher education system includes universities, junior colleges, and colleges of technology. The country is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, which are consistently ranked among Asia's top universities.

University education typically follows a four-year bachelor's degree model, with two-year master's and three-year doctoral programs available for advanced study. While Japanese universities are known for rigorous research, particularly in engineering and technology, the educational approach often emphasizes theoretical knowledge over practical application. A unique aspect of Japanese higher education is the relative ease of degree programs compared to the extreme difficulty of entrance examinations, with many companies valuing the university brand name over specific academic performance.