THE EDUCATIONAL POLICY ESTABLISHED DURING THE ALLIED OCCUPATION
1. The Democratization of Education: Phase I
The 1890 Imperial Rescript on Education (Ky(iku-Chokugo) set the ideological basis for the post Sino-Japanese War, by stressing moral education based on Confucian and Shint( values. "Ethics" (sh(shiu) was the instrument through which nationalism and traditions were implemented. In the pre-Meiji era (i.e. that of Togugawa) the Chinese model of Confucianism had fashioned "academies". With the Meiji Restoration, the first European-style university (daijakh() was created, viz. Tokyo University--still today the major school of tertiary education in Japan.
Post World War I caused panic and social confusion in Japan as it did in many nations. The Leftist movement and the Kant( earthquake of 1923 added to the uncertainty in the minds of the Japanese people. It was precisely during this period, however, that "Taish( democracy" and liberalism came to light and that a mind-set which enhanced nationalism and education was acquired. The Extraordinary Education Council, established in 1917, emphasized higher education, while secondary and primary education flourished, and the foundation for compulsory education was laid.
Meanwhile, as the nation built up its economic basis and increasingly set its sights on international trade (which meant selling rather than buying--except for the raw materials of which Japan is poor), secondary and vocational education took off, reflecting the social demand. In this environment, the elitism of the Meiji Era gradually gave way to a nascent democratization of education. Higher education was given an impetus by the University Order and the Higher School Order recommended by the Extraordinary Education Council. Imperial universities (state-owned) were now supplemented with private universities and colleges.
The school admission and final examination system that pervaded Japan since the modern...