Public Education in Japan: Academic Ability, Cost, and Democracy

2018/06/26

This book provides sociological insights into the functions of public education that were not fully explored in my 2014 publication, "Why is Japan's Public Expenditure on Education Low? Re-examining the Public Role of Education" (Keiso Shobo). While the previous book was unexpectedly well-received, its high price as a hardcover academic text made it difficult to access. This new volume, however, is a Shinsho (paperback) aimed at university students and the general public, incorporating both fundamental and cutting-edge knowledge. My hope is that it will encourage each reader to reflect on the public nature of education.

As international comparative data makes clear, Japan's public education expenditure rate is among the lowest in the OECD, whether measured by government fiscal spending or by GDP. While Japan's total education spending, including private costs, is at the OECD average, this average is only maintained through the heavy financial burden placed on households. Private costs are particularly high for pre-school and higher education.

However, this issue is not widely recognized among the Japanese public. While there is a discourse that education is a noble and vital endeavor, the percentage of Japanese people who favor increasing public education spending is low by international standards. Those who receive an education certainly benefit from it, but the spread of education also benefits society as a whole. This latter point is often overlooked. Furthermore, educational researchers have not done enough to empirically demonstrate these public benefits.

This book attempts to demonstrate the significance of education from a social scientific and empirical perspective, introducing cutting-edge research from the United States and elsewhere. I am, of course, aware of Japan's dire fiscal situation and do not intend to support simplistic arguments for free education. In fact, it may lead to an increased tax burden on citizens. Therefore, any increase in public education spending requires social consensus based on an understanding of its public significance. The challenge lies in how we present that evidence and justification.

Japanese schools have faced intense social criticism—perhaps a reflection of high expectations. However, bashing schools and teachers will not solve the problems. From an international comparative perspective, Japanese education is performing well in some areas. We must recognize that many issues are rooted in the labor market and family structures rather than in education itself.

Public Education in Japan: Academic Ability, Cost, and Democracy

Wataru Nakazawa (Author)

Chuokoron-Shinsha

280 pages, 880 yen (excluding tax)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.