Crossroads in Japanese education

Japan's education system, characterised by its intense competitiveness, is at a crossroads with advocates of reform set to eliminate its good aspects along with those they want to reform. However, it is unlikely that reform will help students develop the characteristics necessary in an increasingly competitive society. Meanwhile, an elite educational system encourages egotism and undermines those wishing to improve their children's educational development. Education can only improve if the efforts of reformers are supported by both schools and teachers.