7 - Higher Education Policy in Japan

Abstract

This chapter discusses the higher education policy in Japan. One of the unique features of Japan's higher educational system is its dual structure—a small public sector controlled by central and local governments, and an enormous market-driven private sector. One-fourth of the total student population enrolls in public higher education, forcing the majority of students to attend the more costly, but generally educationally disadvantaged and crowded, private universities. Another feature of Japan's higher education is its hierarchical structure. A few universities enjoy high esteem and their graduates attain the more prestigious positions in society. Other types of institutions are distinguished in the status order, ranging from middle-class universities to junior colleges. At present, higher education in Japan is confronted with various important issues relating to changes in Japanese society at large, such as internationalization, an aging of the population, the diversification of lifestyles, and the dissemination of information technology. In the context of these changes, higher education is considered to play an important role in society.