Japan and Its Standardized Test-Based Education System

For some positives in Japanese education, one need look no further than the local kindergarten or the local elementary school. For everything other than English education, they are doing a good to great job of educating the children of Japan. Classes are creative, teachers are caring, on the whole, and students are happy and learning.

Were the whole education system to be like this from kindergarten to the end of university, the Japanese people would be happier, healthier and more productive, both in GDP and creative terms.

Unfortunately, this all ends at age 12. Those are the years that exam hell starts and from which students never really recover. The standardized test-based education system of Japan that starts in the junior high school years kills any kind of initiative, creativity and especially thinking outside of the box. Unfortunately, these last three are what Japan especially needs in the 21st century; perhaps Japan`s most challenging 100 years yet.

For many years now, Japan has employed this test-based education system and passing the all important tests is what educators and students, not to mention parents, are focused on. The result of all this test-taking and stress, is a nation of order takers who have trouble making decisions, let alone stating an opinion.

Don't believe me? When you next meet a Japanese, just for fun, ask them their opinion on something. If they are able to give an opinion, then do this: Ask them why? Why do they feel that way? In many cases, they will be stumped.

In spite of this standardized test hell that most Japanese find themselves in during their school years, a few would-be Michelangelos manage to slip through. Most, however, have their creative thoughts stripped from them or numbed into oblivion.

Recently, one of my bright Japanese students returned from North America to once again study at his old university in Japan. He was shocked at the passivity of the students. He hadn't realized how passive, non-responsive and void of opinions Japanese university students were.

He said that in America, he studied with students from all over the world and he enjoyed hearing and expressing his opinion with others. He couldn't understand how the students of Japan were so passive and quiet. He expressed the desire to go back to America as soon as possible to study there. Many Japanese who have lived abroad have said the same thing.

In the news, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has been dubbed "loopy" by the American press, especially due to his lack of decision-making on the Okinawa base issue. Once he made a decision, he then turned around and reneged on it, and apologized to Okinawans for his backslide. But this lack of decision-making ability is not restricted to the general populace; it occurs in all ranks of Japanese society. Hatoyama, of course, is a product of this education system.

It is not only the students who are having a difficult time; the teachers are too. Many have to take time off work due to stress, while others create a life of drudgery for their pupils. Many Japanese seem to have lost their love for education and learning once they enroll in junior high school. Indeed, too much test-taking may result in shallow learning and a negative feeling toward school.

For the future, Japan needs to ask itself: Are we creating the people we need to solve the problems of the future? If the answer is no, then this is a recipe for disaster.

Japan needs creative thinkers, people who can think outside of the box to solve the problems of immigration, an aging population, unemployment, off-shore employment, trade, and, of course, the environment. However, perhaps the most pressing problem is the psychological health of the citizens.

For this latter, and the other problems mentioned above, I think there are valuable lessons to be learned in kindergarten.

Kevin Burns, formerly from Vancouver, has lived in Japan for over 20 years and owns a small chain of English schools in Japan, and teaches English at a Japanese university. He owns "How to Teach English in Japan," a website all about teaching in this very exotic and interesting part of the world.
Teaching English in Japan

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Best Time To Go To Japan - 5 Tips

When is the best time to go to Japan? Well, that depends in part upon what your interests, needs, likes and dislikes are.

When you are traveling on business to Japan, you may not have much of a choice when it comes to when you make the trip: the timing of your trip will likely be dictated by the details of your business situation. However, when traveling for pleasure as a tourist, you may have a lot more leeway as to when you decide to go.

Essentially, the decision for when to make your Japanese trip will depend upon factors like seasonal changes in the weather and the annual schedule of Japanese festivals and holidays - as well as what your interests are.

If you are looking for the best time to go to Japan, here are 5 tips that can help you decide:

1. To avoid the heat:

The hottest months in Japan are July and August. It is not only the heat, but also the high levels of humidity, that makes many visitors to Japan who are used to more temperate climates a bit uncomfortable during these hot summer months. Avoid going to Japan during these two months if you do not relish hot weather.

2. To avoid the rain:

Early June through mid-July mark Japan's rainy season. If you are not a lover of rain, avoid this time of the year for travel to Japan.

3. To experience outdoor festivals:

Some of the best festivals in Japan take place during the summer. In particular, Tanabata and Obon take place in early July (or in early August in some areas). So, if you want to enjoy some of Japan's most lively festivals and don't mind the rain or heat (see above), July or August can be great times to visit.

4. To save money:

If your goal is to save as much money as possible on airfare, the least-expensive times to travel to Japan are September-November and February-March.

5. To view the cherry blossoms:

Cherry blossom viewing is one of the favorite pastimes of Japanese and many foreign tourists alike. They make for extremely beautiful and picturesque scenes. To see them in the height of bloom, visit in March or April (depending upon the area of the country).

Consider these 5 tips for the best times to go to Japan, depending upon your preferences.

Traveling to Japan for pleasure or business? Make the most of your trip with tips and recommendations from: Travel Trips For Japan.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Japan - Understanding the Land

Japan is a country that is comprised of over 3,000 islands. It is a modern day juxtaposition of things that seem to be a contradiction in everything we know. This, then, can be both one of its strengths and a weakness. The history and culture of Japan dates back to approximately 30,000BC but is one of the most technologically advanced cultures in the world today. But this isn't to say that it doesn't have a weakness or poverty issue.

Japan's political affiliation is one that is known as a constitutional monarchy. While still ruled by an Emperor, his power is extremely limited. The actual power is held by Japan's Prime Minister and, subsequently, the elected members of his Diet. The country's sovereignty is vested within Japan's people. Japan continues to maintain its close economic, military, and political ties with its main key ally, the United States. It has many other strong political ties such as being a standing member of the United Nations since 1956 has also been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a total of 18 years.

A weakness of Japan has been a major pollution problem due to its rapid economic growth that immediately followed World War II. By 1970, environmental plans were put into place to combat the effects. Because of this, Japan has been at the core of developing some of the most environmentally friendly technologies available the world over. Japan is also working constantly to improve conditions for the climate, ranking the world's 30th best in the Environmental Sustainability Index. The technology that Japan creates isn't simply limited to environmental technologies, either. Japan boasts the second largest economy in the world, second only to the United States, and third in purchasing power.

One of Japan's major strengths is in the science and technology field. As one of the world leaders in scientific research, it has been accredited with amazing discoveries in the fields of technology, machinery, and biomedical research. It also is the world's largest automotive producer and possesses more than half of the industrial robots used for manufacturing. With all of these great things, though, Japan is facing a rapidly aging population that doesn't have the younger demographic to support it. This is one of the key hot button issues often being debated on how to keep the population from rapid decline. This is also where the poverty lies in Japan. Most of the citizens that are in poverty are of the older generation.

Sebastian has been traveling around South East Asia for some time and has put together a number of blogs on the subject. If your interested in Japan then check out http://www.japancares.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Top Ten Things to Do in Japan

Japan is one of the countries that have the best of both worlds. It's advanced in terms of technology, and yet, it has been able to retain its greatest heritage - its culture. Indeed, Japan has done an amazing feat as it can manage to stay as one of the world's leading economic powers while still being able to hold on to the roots of its past. And, as such, it has become one of the most interesting places to visit - a rich blend of history and technology.

1.) Watch the cherry blossoms fall

There's no symbol of Japan more famous than the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Indeed, the cherry blossom, with beauty so intense but so fleeting, is something that you have got to see if you ever visit Japan. They bloom during the months of April and May, and by the end of these months, they fall to the ground like a dreamy curtain of pink and white. There's no other sight quite like it.

2.) Release your inner child

Japan is one of the few countries in the world with its own Disney Land. And, of course, because the Japanese are sticklers for culture, their Disney Land is built with a distinctly Japanese influence. It sets it apart from all other such theme parks in the world.

3.) Indulge the shopaholic in you

Tokoyo is one of the world's biggest shopping capitals. Ginza is a huge market where you can find anything you need, from the latest gadgets and gizmos to the latest manga release of your favorite anime series. In the morning, you can even see it transformed into the world's largest fish market. Indeed, Ginza is one place that you'd be sorry to miss.

4.) Sip some tea

Essentially, the Japanese are people who prefer everything to be clean and serene, that's why they love such peaceful activities as drinking, or rather, sipping tea. While you're in Japan, you should at least experience authentic Japanese tea. Or better yet, you can participate in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, a festival held both in Kyoto and Tokyo.

5.) Play in the snow

In some parts of the year, particularly in winter, Japan gets coated in a blanket of pristine white snow. During this time of the year, it would do you well to have some fun in Japan's steep ski slopes. You can even partake in the Snow Festival where ice parties take place for a whole seven days and where you can see beautiful ice sculptures.

6.) Relax in the hot springs

And, if your muscles need to loosen up a bit, why don't you give yourself a treat by visiting one of the many hot springs. These can be found in most parts of Japan, especially in Okinawa. The relaxing steam is sure to make you feel like you've shed a very heavy load.

7.) Become a samurai

Japan is quite famous for its noble Samurai who follow the Bushido code, and the swords or their 'katana,' though light and flexible, are sharp and deadly. You can buy your own katana for your collection's sake, but mind you, a lot of effort and time are put into these swords, so they won't be cheap. Some sellers are even picky as to who they're going to sell their swords to - that's how special these deadly weapons are.

8.) Watch giants clash

A sport like no other, sumo wrestling is one of the most interesting things that you will see in Japan. Sumo Wrestling is Japan's national sport, and it draws large crowds from all over. You can even place your bets to make watching it more exciting.

9.) Do some sightseeing

There are tons of things to see in Japan. It is, after all, rich in architecture and landscapes. You can take pictures of the famous Imperial Palace if you're into architecture or the famous Mt. Fuji if you're into nature.

10.) Bask in the Nightlife

And, of course, what better way to end the day than to experience Tokyo's nightlife. There's no other place in the world where 'glow-in-the-dark' is a fashion statement. Indeed, a great place to let loose and just be yourself.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv]. Visit [http://www.destinationguide.tv/japan] to view or share Japan travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv/japan].

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Japan As the Gateway to the New World Order

Japan was literally reduced to ashes at the end of the Second World War. Japanese people scavenged for anything to sustain themselves in those dark days following surrender. A piece of bark from a rotten tree or a limpid carrot root must have passed as a great meal.

Each exhausting day must have been just as bleak as the previous one. The infrastructure, what remained of it, was in total disarray. The country was in chaos. Panic was ensuing after news spread of the devastation that the atomic bomb had wrought on the peoples of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The losers (Japan) could not decide whether to embrace their conquerors or fight to the bloody death. It was only a painfully humiliating radio broadcast (at the urging of General McCarthur) by the Emperor Hirohito in which he admitted he was not divine that allowed the Allies to bring a horrific world event to a definable end.

One constant explains the miraculous economic recovery that Japan - a resource-poor island nation of 130,000,000 people - was to experience in the post-war years. That constant was its people and their strict adherence to rules, conformity, perseverance sacrifice, and a Confucian respect for the elderly.

Let us fast-forward to the Year 2006. Japan has regained some of its resiliency. The arrogant swagger of the early 80s has returned in some quarters after the economic malaise of the late 90s. An Internet Technology (IT) boom has arisen in an eerily similar manner to the one in the U.S. a few years' back. Large companies are restructuring and discovering new business paradigms and marketing models. New trends in retailing are emerging.

In Japan's aging society, youth rule the roost. The ubiquitous cellular phone is even more popular than cigarettes and booze. Old-fashioned, archaic company structures have given way to promotion by merit. Language of respect has all but disappeared except in stuffy, unwieldy organizations that represent the old Japan.

Let me address the negative side of Japan? Public manners are becoming atrocious in some circles. Elders are often ignored or disrespected. Murders, kidnappings, extortions and a host of other crimes that were almost unheard of (outside political and gangster circles in Japan until the mid-1980s) are surging at an alarming rate. These sore points are slowly being addressed.

Significantly, young people have no sense of urgency and no sense of direction. Money and the pursuit of it have weakened the Japanese underbelly. Grown, employed children often live at home until well into their thirties or forever. Supported by mom and dad, they stay put under the pretext that it is too expensive to live independently.

The terror and hardship of war mean nothing to these new-age drifters. They are showered with gifts, with money, with toys, with contraptions. They are the first generation of children spoiled by prosperity and they harbor no sense of community responsibility.

As bad a picture as I just painted, Japan is ready to be the center of a marketing boom. The technology, the infrastructure, and the trappings of modern life are all firmly planted. A new, prosperous lifestyle is emerging here that is fitting for the advanced society Japan has become. This is a great place to live and to work in the next generation, as the world shifts from the West to the East.

A savvy entrepreneur or netrepreneur should definitely be looking to the Orient and to modern Japan as the gateway to emerging markets.

If you want to take advantage of niche opportunities in Japan, subscribe to the Japan Business Insider Newsletter and use the 4000+ directory of English -language websites for Japan. To learn more, go to http://www.successinjapan.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Here's Your Shortcut to Teaching English in Japan

If you plan to enter Japan for anything other than sightseeing, like foreign-language teaching, or a long-term assignment to a Japanese company, you need a specified work visa.

To apply for a Japan work Visa you must contact a Japanese embassy or a consulate in your home country.

The following documents must be submitted regardless of the purpose of your visit:

* A Valid passport

*Two recent passport photos (from the last 6 months)

*The application forms, available at the Japanese embassy or consulate.

*Documents certifying the purpose of the visit.

You will probably need a Japanese cell phone in Japan. The reason is that the cellular network in Japan is different than in other countries. So the cell phone from your home country won't work in Japan. You should check with your local supplier before landing in Japan, because some 3G cell phones will be compatible with the Japanese system. But in most cases you'll find that it's necessary to Rent a Japanese cell phone. This can be done very easily through the internet - they will send the phone to you, or at Narita Tokyo airport booths.

Japan's culture is very unique.

I suggest you get ready for your time in Japan by getting to know a little bit about the Japanese etiquette. Knowing some background about Japan culture really will make you feel less confused when being in the company of Japanese people.

Avoid the most common, funny and embarrassing mistakes westerners do in Japan:

*Always address Japanese people by attaching 'san' to their last name.

* Even though bowing is a very important part of Japan culture, you are not expected to bow. The reason is that bowing is a very complex system which takes into account social status and age of the person you bow to. If you bow with an inappropriate inclination you might be insulting your fellow Japanese unintentionally.

*Never turn your back to someone in higher position than you.

*Never Stare into another person's eyes. The Japanese avoid eye contact to give others some privacy.

*Before entering a Japanese house and certain restaurants, you must remove your shoes. Slippers are the footwear for inside the house.

I hope you enjoyed this page about getting Ready to Teach in Japan.

For more info check out Tokyo Information And Getting Ready.

TokyoTopGuide makes sure you learn the secrets of Getting Ready for Japan which will reduce costly mistakes. Discover the ultimate Things To Do in Japan.

Copyright: You may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Japan Casinos

Japanese people love gambling and all kinds of games of chance, and although Japan casinos are not plentiful due to governmental regulation, gambling is very popular with Japanese and foreigners alike. The Japanese have a long history of gambling, often involving traditional games that are not known outside its borders, and furthermore, they love to bet on sporting events such as horseracing and baseball. Consequently, current political moves to liberalize the Japan casino industry are likely to place Japan at the forefront of the Asian gambling market.

One of the most popular games of chance in Japan is called pachinko, a game like pinball, which is played by millions of Japanese in "pachinko parlors" all through the country. Pachinko machines offer lucky winners the chance to exchange their tokens for goods or money on the premises, and trillions of yen are spent every year on this most popular of pastimes. Indeed, it is estimated that more money is generated by this game than several of Japan's top car manufacturers combined.

Due to tight government legislation prohibiting casinos as such, Japan casinos are currently obliged to operate online, an industry which is fast growing into one of Asia's biggest, and also on cruise ships and boats operating in international waters, thus circumventing the restrictions on land-based gambling. There are moves afoot to change the rules on gambling to allow Japan casinos to be established throughout the country, offering not just basic gambling facilities, but also operating as entertainment and retail malls in their own right. This will generate extra revenue and provide customers with a more satisfying leisure experience. Furthermore, many proponents of casino reform in Japan feel that liberalizing the rules on gambling would make the country even more attractive to tourists, especially considering the number of casinos operating in other countries in the Far East.

In addition to traditional forms of gambling, Japanese people love to wager on sporting events, and in particular on horse racing; big races can regularly attract huge crowds, sometimes in excess of 100,000. The Japanese also gamble on cycling and other sports such as soccer, and in addition, there is a government lottery that offers maximum prizes of around a billion yen. Consequently, there is already a thriving gambling scene in Japan, and with the anticipated changes in the rules, it is surely not long before Japan casinos find themselves at the forefront of the Asian gambling industry.

This article is the property of Japan Casinos

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.