The Japanese take education very seriously. They see economic success and social wellbeing as intimately tied-up with such provision. Perhaps no other country can equal the level of commitment of the Japanese to education. This book explores the development of such attitudes, the history of Japan's response to them, and the modern debates and initiatives as government and people wrestle with contemporary changes and prepare for a tomorrow which they see as making education even more central to a country's health. Those outside Japan who wish to understand its economic success will find much to give them thought within these pages.