Its education systems plan to cut back school hours and days by 30 per cent, deemphasize basics and promote electives to enhance problem solving, creativity, initiative and innovation.
The reform was sparked by Japan's foundering economy during the past decade. And by pliant, regimented and disciplined workers unable to respond to rapidly changing international needs.
Japan's higher-education system, by contrast, has been touchy-feely for decades--prompting wealthy familes to send their children to America's colleges and universities for quality educations.
Americans resistant to beefing up their education systems obviously will use Japan's cutbacks as an excuse to resist increased school taxes.
Children in both countries will end up as poorly educated losers. Shame. (4 MARCH 2001)
