History of Japan education system

 The Japanese have been under the influence of the Chinese Civilization for centuries. This situation is clearly evident in writing systems, belief styles, painting and handicrafts. Another of the societies under the influence of the Japanese was the Koreans.

Founding of the Empire of Japan It dates back to the 6th century. The first legal regulations regarding society in Japan are based on the 17-article constitution of Prince Sohotoku in the 6th century and the Tahio Constitution, which was put into effect in 701. These constitutions, dominated by Confucianism, formed the basis of Japanese law until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Japanese educational institutions are systematized in terms of organization and program with the Taiho Constitution. In this regulation, an education system that addresses only the noble classes was envisaged and it was aimed to train civil servants for the state. Accordingly, it was envisaged that the children of high-ranking civil servants should receive a 9-year education, and that the "Book of the Good Son", one of the classics of Confucius, would be found in every home and read continuously for ordinary people's children.

The period from the 12th to the 16th centuries is described as the Middle Ages of the Japanese. In this period of civil wars and turmoil, around 1300 educational institutions were closed because there were not enough students. On the other hand, those who did not close were focused on war training in accordance with the understanding of the period. This has given rise to powerful warriors (samurai) who willingly die for the honor of their family and ancestors. In this period, which was not very bright in terms of Japanese education history, the first textbooks started to be published (first half of the 14th century), calligraphy (calligraphy), morality, literature and history lessons were given in addition to martial arts lessons.

The period between 1600 and 1868 has been described as the period in which Japan passed from the Middle Ages to the New Age, as stability and peace were achieved. In this period, ensuring the political integrity, the development of the money economy, the progress of the culture and education level of the society are shown as examples of the developments that determine the new age. During this period (Takugawa Shoguns 1604-1807) power was held by a warrior class called samurai. This class, which took power at the end of a civil war, dominated the whole country even though it constituted 5% of the population. The main purpose of the education given in schools called "Bakufu" is to train warriors and administrators for the state. For this reason, an elite education is mentioned for this period. The education service given to the ordinary people was undertaken by the schools called "terekoya", which means the house of the temple children. Over time, these schools turned into private public schools that were supported and sought after by merchants and artisans, even peasants and farmers, who broke away from the temple and the Buddhist organization. Thus, the first foundations of private education institutions were laid in Japan. By the end of this period, it is stated that 45% of boys and 10% of girls attend these schools across the country.

The foundations of contemporary Japanese education were laid by the Meici administration, which started in 1868 and put an end to the feudal system and made innovative arrangements. Although the foundations of these regulations were during the Takugawa Shoguns, the modernization in education accelerated with the "Meici Oath" issued by the emperor in 1868. In this period, modern education developed further with the establishment of public and private schools. In the Basic Education Law adopted in 1872; “Learning is the key to success in life and no one can afford to neglect learning. After that, basic education will be taken to large sections of the public. Further education is left to each individual's own abilities and possibilities. Families who do not send their girls or boys to school will be deemed to have neglected their duties”, reflecting the view of the period towards education. With this law, the Japanese Education System; Primary education (primary school), secondary education (secondary school) and higher education (university) were collected in three groups and many innovations were made by taking the western civilization as an example. Towards the end of the 19th century, the schooling rate reached 100%.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the demand for education continued to grow rapidly, but there were no opportunities to meet this demand. For this reason, besides the schools supported by the state, the education service provided by institutions affiliated to local administrations and private institutions has been increased. Vocational schools have been established by state and local governments in order to meet the need for qualified personnel, especially for the Japanese industry. These schools, which primary school graduates can attend, played a very important role in the development of Japan in the 20th century.

Towards the end of World War II, the Japanese Ministry of National Education came to a strong position and decided as the state representative what the people should read, learn and believe. During World War II, all schools in the country came under the control of the army.