In My Opinion: Japanese Mathematics Education: What Makes It Work?

Japan's stature as an economic and political power worldwide has caused growing interest in the country's culture and. more specifically, its system of educating its youth. International comparisons of mathematics achievement highlight Japanese students' unquestioned superiority in mathematical performance. Factors that contribute to the relatively high performance include the nature of Japanese schools, the professional stature of teachers, the homogeneity of the school population, the high parental expectations for the educational success of their children, the abundance of jukus (special cram schools), and heavy reliance on entrance and qualifying examinations.