Routledge Education Reform in Japan: A Case of Immobilist Politics (Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies)

The Japanese education system, while widely praised in western countries, is subject to heavy criticism within Japan. Education Reform in Japan analyses this criticism, and explains why proposed reforms have failed. The author shows how the Japanese policy-making process can become paralysed when there is disagreement, and argues that this `immobilism' can affect other areas of Japanese policy-making. Review `This is a thoroughly researched and solid piece of work... it is well argued and gives a clear picture of the issues and problems together with some fascinating detail... This book deserves to be studied not only by those interested in Japanese education but also by students of the Japanese political system.' - Sir Hugh Cortazzi, Proceedings of the Japan Society `The author's conceptual framework is original and is presented in a logical, straightforward and remarkably lucid manner. The data with which he supports his views in each chapter are informative, well-balanced and recent.' - American Political Science Review `...anyone seriously interested in Japanese society and its institutions needs to carefully read this excellent book.' - Monumenta Nipponica `A remarkably lucid, skeletal review of Japan's postwar educational history.' - Journal of Asian Studies `It is a book that does deserve to be widely read...' Richard Tames, Times Educational Supplement `... It is a book that does deserve to be widely read...' Richard Tames, Times Educational Supplement `This is a thoroughly researched and solid piece of work... it is well argued and gives a clear picture of the issues and problems together with some fascinating detail... This book deserves to be studied not only by those interested in Japanese education but also by students of the Japanese political system.' - Sir Hugh Cortazzi, Proceedings of the Japan Society `... a scholarly and well-written book.' - Times Higher Education Supplement