Government Structure
Status of Education
This map shows the Literacy Rate of the world populations, with Japan falling into the 99-100%. This demonstrates their achievement of priorities one and two.
Economic Geography: Measures of Economic Development. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from http://www.harpercollege.edu/mhealy/g101ilec/intro/eco/ecomea/ecomeafr.htm
This image demonstrates the continuous implementation of new programs into the Japanese education system. Programs that are meant to improve education standards and achieve priority number 2 of the UN global education initiatives.
Clavel, T. (2014, December 28). The year in education: After all the talk, can Japan walk the walk in 2015? | The Japan Times. Retrieved March 23, 2015, from http://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2014/12/28/issues/the-year-in-education-after-all-the-talk-can-japan-walk-the-walk-in-2015/#.VRfFkjvF8rM
The Status of Education
Education is seen as the base needed to change the world. By educating the young we are ensuring that the next generation to inherit the responsibility of the world is prepared to see to the survival of the Earth as well as their own well-being. It is for this reason that the powers of the world, including Japan, work together under the influence of the United Nations to ensure that education is one of their foremost priorities. The United Nations has made it an effort to recognize education as a part of their goals to achieve in the near future, and as a part of achieving that goal they have made three priorities that need to be fulfilled in order for the goal of universal primary education to be achieved: priority one is to see every child in school, priority two is to improve the quality of learning, and priority three is to foster global citizenship. In this article we will look at the country of Japan specifically, to see what they are doing to fulfill these expectations.
In the early periods of Japan education was something that was available to those of a certain social class. Although the lower classes had access to it, it was not seen as a requirement of them. It was not until the Meiji Period beginning in the late nineteenth century that education reform made education available and a priority for those of all social classes. This availability covered the basic primary, while still requiring compensation from the families. They made education compulsory and yet individuals still had to pay for their children to attend. With the introduction of several reforms and laws the education system continued to evolve with the idea of teaching moral and loyal students. This continued up until the Second World War when Japan began to change their system to fit the needs of the war. They began teaching ultra loyalist ideas, and focused on preparing students for their future role in the military country (THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM).
After the war the education system was once again reformed, however at this point it held influence from other western countries and cultures. The system after the war took time to develop but eventually they were left with a system that allowed for public education through the high school grades, also known as the 6-3-3-4 system. This system sees that children has six years in primary school, 3 years in middle school, 3 years in high school, and a final four years in university or trade school. By the 1980’s the percentage of enrollment in upper secondary school (high school) was up to 94.1%, with the percentages still rising as time has passed (Education in Japan: Past and Present). This rise in the compulsory education percentage is justification that Japan is well on its way, even right at, achieving the first UN priority of seeing every child in school.
The second priority in education is to see that the quality of learning has been in improved in the country to the point that children attend school regularly and leave with the basic skills of literacy and numeracy (Priorities). This priority goes hand in hand with the first. By achieving the first priority, Japan has already shown that they are capable of doing what is needed to improve their education system and keep the students engaged in the schools. By looking at their educative history it is clear to see that they have been making changes, all of which they made in an effort to better the standards for their people, continually throughout their history. Changes that to this day have can increasingly positive impact on their students as they strive to keep them engaged in the classroom. As of 2002 Japan has reached the 99% in literacy rates throughout the country (Japan Education Stats). Between this and the enrollment rates it is safe to say that Japan is achieving priority two of ensuring that the quality of education leaves all students with more than the basic skills needed in life.
The final priority is that of fostering global citizenship, thus allowing its students the skills needed to understand and work in the global setting. This is the priority that has taken the longest to work toward. It was not until the late 19th century, when Japan finally opened its doors to the outside world, after extensive pressure from outside powers, that they even became aware of other global cultures and societies (THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM). Once the gate were opened and through the presence of the Allied powers after the Second World War Japan has finally been given the chance to foster positive global citizenship. As time has continued Japan has opened itself to more and more outside influence and globalization; while they have been strong in maintaining their own culture, they are giving their students the skills needed to work in the global market and industry.
Japan has done a magnificent job of working toward achieving the global education initiatives set forth by the United Nations in their goals. They have continually worked toward these goals and have even accepted outside help to do so when the need called for it. They have increased the compulsory enrollment and attendance to record highs, and achieved literacy rates in the 99th percentile. Japan has also opened its self to achieving global citizenship with the introduction of new programs that ensure that the students are exposed to the outside expectations and beliefs, while still maintaining their own. They are a strong educative nation, which deserves recognition for the strides they have made with their education system. Even in this modern age, they are working to ensure that the education they are giving their students is preparing them for the world that they live in, and working past the obstacles that are in their way.
References
Education in Japan: Past and Present. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.nier.go.jp/English/educationjapan/pdf/201103EJPP.pdf
Japan Education Stats. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/profiles/Japan/Education
Priorities. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.globaleducationfirst.org/priorities.html
THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.usjp.org/jpeducation_en/jpEdSystem_en.html
Education is seen as the base needed to change the world. By educating the young we are ensuring that the next generation to inherit the responsibility of the world is prepared to see to the survival of the Earth as well as their own well-being. It is for this reason that the powers of the world, including Japan, work together under the influence of the United Nations to ensure that education is one of their foremost priorities. The United Nations has made it an effort to recognize education as a part of their goals to achieve in the near future, and as a part of achieving that goal they have made three priorities that need to be fulfilled in order for the goal of universal primary education to be achieved: priority one is to see every child in school, priority two is to improve the quality of learning, and priority three is to foster global citizenship. In this article we will look at the country of Japan specifically, to see what they are doing to fulfill these expectations.
In the early periods of Japan education was something that was available to those of a certain social class. Although the lower classes had access to it, it was not seen as a requirement of them. It was not until the Meiji Period beginning in the late nineteenth century that education reform made education available and a priority for those of all social classes. This availability covered the basic primary, while still requiring compensation from the families. They made education compulsory and yet individuals still had to pay for their children to attend. With the introduction of several reforms and laws the education system continued to evolve with the idea of teaching moral and loyal students. This continued up until the Second World War when Japan began to change their system to fit the needs of the war. They began teaching ultra loyalist ideas, and focused on preparing students for their future role in the military country (THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM).
After the war the education system was once again reformed, however at this point it held influence from other western countries and cultures. The system after the war took time to develop but eventually they were left with a system that allowed for public education through the high school grades, also known as the 6-3-3-4 system. This system sees that children has six years in primary school, 3 years in middle school, 3 years in high school, and a final four years in university or trade school. By the 1980’s the percentage of enrollment in upper secondary school (high school) was up to 94.1%, with the percentages still rising as time has passed (Education in Japan: Past and Present). This rise in the compulsory education percentage is justification that Japan is well on its way, even right at, achieving the first UN priority of seeing every child in school.
The second priority in education is to see that the quality of learning has been in improved in the country to the point that children attend school regularly and leave with the basic skills of literacy and numeracy (Priorities). This priority goes hand in hand with the first. By achieving the first priority, Japan has already shown that they are capable of doing what is needed to improve their education system and keep the students engaged in the schools. By looking at their educative history it is clear to see that they have been making changes, all of which they made in an effort to better the standards for their people, continually throughout their history. Changes that to this day have can increasingly positive impact on their students as they strive to keep them engaged in the classroom. As of 2002 Japan has reached the 99% in literacy rates throughout the country (Japan Education Stats). Between this and the enrollment rates it is safe to say that Japan is achieving priority two of ensuring that the quality of education leaves all students with more than the basic skills needed in life.
The final priority is that of fostering global citizenship, thus allowing its students the skills needed to understand and work in the global setting. This is the priority that has taken the longest to work toward. It was not until the late 19th century, when Japan finally opened its doors to the outside world, after extensive pressure from outside powers, that they even became aware of other global cultures and societies (THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM). Once the gate were opened and through the presence of the Allied powers after the Second World War Japan has finally been given the chance to foster positive global citizenship. As time has continued Japan has opened itself to more and more outside influence and globalization; while they have been strong in maintaining their own culture, they are giving their students the skills needed to work in the global market and industry.
Japan has done a magnificent job of working toward achieving the global education initiatives set forth by the United Nations in their goals. They have continually worked toward these goals and have even accepted outside help to do so when the need called for it. They have increased the compulsory enrollment and attendance to record highs, and achieved literacy rates in the 99th percentile. Japan has also opened its self to achieving global citizenship with the introduction of new programs that ensure that the students are exposed to the outside expectations and beliefs, while still maintaining their own. They are a strong educative nation, which deserves recognition for the strides they have made with their education system. Even in this modern age, they are working to ensure that the education they are giving their students is preparing them for the world that they live in, and working past the obstacles that are in their way.
References
Education in Japan: Past and Present. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.nier.go.jp/English/educationjapan/pdf/201103EJPP.pdf
Japan Education Stats. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/profiles/Japan/Education
Priorities. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.globaleducationfirst.org/priorities.html
THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2015, from
http://www.usjp.org/jpeducation_en/jpEdSystem_en.html
Oil production and Oil consumption
Record:
Oil Production: According to the CIA World Factbook, Japan has a production rate of 135,500 barrels per day of crude oil, and a rate of 3.862 million barrels per day of refined petroleum. Also according to the US Energy Information Administration Japan has an estimated net of 44 million barrels of oil in reserve.
Oil Consumption: Japan Consumes much more oil than it produces. With refined petroleum consumption at 4.464 million barrels per day, and a 4,531 barrels per day consumption rate as of 2013.
The Numbers
Crude oil - production: 135,500 bbl/day (2012 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 3.472 million bbl/day (2010 est.) (bbl/day = barrels of oil per day)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 44.12 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 3.862 million bbl/day (2010 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 4.464 million bbl/day (2011 est.)
What does this mean for Japan?
Japan is a country with the third largest consumer of oil in the world. Over the years it has grown to proportions so large that they are now requiring more resources to be brought in than they can physically produce for themselves. In regards to producing oil Japan is not even in the top 20 of producers. According to the Index Mundi, their consumption of oil has only increased throughout the years, where they are now consuming 4 times the amount of crude oil than they produce. They also recently cut out nuclear power from their resources, and have the highest importation rates of liquified natural gas in the world. Japan is certainly consuming much more than it is able to produce in every sector. Their consumption of oil is a reflection of the economic and industrial status. The industry in Japan includes some of the largest names in car manufacturers, as wells as in technology manufactures. It would seem that over all Japan is a balanced country for although they do not produce enough for what they consume, they are able to afford and maintain their way of life, through importations, and other natural resources.
Things to think about:
Here are some questions to consider when thinking of Japan's oil production, consumption, and other natural resources.
Japan is very dependent on oil and oil products, what strides are they taking to shift from oil to more sustainable means of energy?
What other natural resources is Japan importing and exporting?
Is there something else they can rely upon if an oil crisis should occur?
Oil Production: According to the CIA World Factbook, Japan has a production rate of 135,500 barrels per day of crude oil, and a rate of 3.862 million barrels per day of refined petroleum. Also according to the US Energy Information Administration Japan has an estimated net of 44 million barrels of oil in reserve.
Oil Consumption: Japan Consumes much more oil than it produces. With refined petroleum consumption at 4.464 million barrels per day, and a 4,531 barrels per day consumption rate as of 2013.
The Numbers
Crude oil - production: 135,500 bbl/day (2012 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 3.472 million bbl/day (2010 est.) (bbl/day = barrels of oil per day)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 44.12 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 3.862 million bbl/day (2010 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 4.464 million bbl/day (2011 est.)
What does this mean for Japan?
Japan is a country with the third largest consumer of oil in the world. Over the years it has grown to proportions so large that they are now requiring more resources to be brought in than they can physically produce for themselves. In regards to producing oil Japan is not even in the top 20 of producers. According to the Index Mundi, their consumption of oil has only increased throughout the years, where they are now consuming 4 times the amount of crude oil than they produce. They also recently cut out nuclear power from their resources, and have the highest importation rates of liquified natural gas in the world. Japan is certainly consuming much more than it is able to produce in every sector. Their consumption of oil is a reflection of the economic and industrial status. The industry in Japan includes some of the largest names in car manufacturers, as wells as in technology manufactures. It would seem that over all Japan is a balanced country for although they do not produce enough for what they consume, they are able to afford and maintain their way of life, through importations, and other natural resources.
Things to think about:
Here are some questions to consider when thinking of Japan's oil production, consumption, and other natural resources.
Japan is very dependent on oil and oil products, what strides are they taking to shift from oil to more sustainable means of energy?
What other natural resources is Japan importing and exporting?
Is there something else they can rely upon if an oil crisis should occur?
Economic Systems
PART 1: Goods and Services of Japan
Questions to consider about the Product goods and services of Japan.
- What will be produced with your country's resources?
- How will these goods be produced?
- Who will use these goods?
- Will these goods be exported?
Japan Produces a number of goods. Their products range from agriculture to industry. In the agricultural sector they produce: rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs and fish. The majority of the goods that that they are producing food wise is all used within the country for their own needs. Although they are able to produce so much in the means of foods, they still have to import meat and wheat products, as what they are able to produce in their environment is not enough to sustain their populations needs. This means that the majority of all food goods produced in Japan is produced by farms and agricultural workers, and used by the populations present.
Japan also produces industrial items and innovations. Japan is home to some of the largest and most popular motor vehicle companies in the world. As well as home to manufacturers of high performing technologies. Altogether they are some of the most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods in the world. These goods are produced through factories, and companies who employee innovators as well as laborers to ensure that they are able to meet production quotas and keep the demand of their products met. The goods produced by the industry and service sectors are then exported to various locations around the world where they are then used by millions worldwide, as well as within their own country. It is through these products that the Japanese economy is able to thrive on a global scale.
PART 2: Economic Systems
A brief summary of the economic system of the country: Identifying and explaining the type of economic system.
The Japanese economic system seems to be one of market economy as well as a command economy. In other words it is a mixed economy with focus and input being made by both the government as well as by private industries. The Japanese government serves as an adviser in the economy, as it consults with private industries and businesses when they are making economic decisions. This stems from the beginning of the Japanese economic reform, when the government bought properties and industries and then sold them for reduced prices. While the government has a some say in the economic choices of the large companies and conglomerates that control the flow, in the end the choice are still made by the companies.
Analysis of three key economic indicators in regards to the Japanese country.
By looking at the percentage of poverty, and unemployment, as well as the distribution of the labor force in regards to what occupations they fulfill we are able to learn quiet a lot about the economic system of Japan, and its how it impacts the country. Japan has one of the largest and most powerful economies in the world. It is ranked within the top ten of economies, and is host to several huge industries that sustain their economy and provide the rest of the world with valued items, including motor vehicles and technology. According the the World Factbook, Japan's labor force is separated into three sections: agriculture: 3.9%, industry: 26.2%, and service: 69.8% (2010 est.) with the total labor force being 65.62 million (2013 est.). When looking at the service sector and the percentage of unemployed individuals in Japan, we see that only 4.1% of the population is unemployed as of 2013. With such large industries and having such a strong role in global technology it demonstrates that much of the population is put to work in the service industry doing the labor needed to make the industrial side of the economy possible. However, although much of the population is seen working in the service industry it is also seen that 16% of the population is below the poverty level. This demonstrates that although much of the population is at work, the work they do is not sustainable the the cost of living in Japan, and the needs of the individuals, as they do not earn enough to be seen as above the line.
When compared to other countries around the world, Japan is very similar to the other major world economic powers. They have a strength that allows them their stance, and they effectively use their population to ensure that they remain a power, even if it means less for a major portion of the population. This is a system that the Japanese have been building throughout history refining it as need be, and utilizing it to create the economic system they currently have.
Identify the GDP - per capita for the country: $38,633.7 per capita (USD)
The GDP per capita is the Gross Domestic Product divided by the number of people in the country. It is simply the total income of Japan divided equally among the people. Although many sources say slightly varying numbers for the GDP, this number is coming from the records of the World Bank as of 2014.