The Japanese believe that proper development of diligence, harmony, organization, disciplined study and work habits are fundamental in achieving a higher degree of individual success. .
Japan has a national curriculum that all elementary and secondary schools must follow. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (Monbusho) is in charge of the content of the curriculum, hiring of teachers, textbooks, and finances. .
Education before elementary school is available through preschool, kindergarten, and day-care centers. These schools are non-compulsory and accept children from under one up until five years of age. They are non-academic with emphasis on independent instruction thru play. Individual guidance provided for the development of the child's intellectual and social skills. .
All Japanese students between the age of six and fifteen years old are required to complete elementary (grades 1-6) and lower secondary school (grades 7-9). All students wear uniforms and follow strict rules regarding their appearance. Homeroom teachers teach all subjects except science and music. Teachers stay with their students for at least two years with the curriculum at this level of schooling covering Japanese language, math, social studies, science, art, music, physical education, and moral education. The Japanese believe that good character traits are as important as academic skills, so moral education classes are taught. During this time, students are taught health and safety, discipline, courtesy, understanding and confidence, public manners and to be aware of the world around them. Moral education continues through secondary school. Classes are organized in small groups to promote group unity and spirit by avoiding the differences in ability and reducing one to one competition. There is no tracking or variety of classes. All students in the same grade learn the same subjects with strong emphasis on reading and writing.
