Background and Policies behind Globalization and Japanese Universities Education Reform

Abstract

In the past, Japan’s business development policy was focused on being well-rounded, meaning that employees did not have to have any special skills, but they are just required to have general knowledge and discipline. The education system produced graduates for the labor market to support this policy. These labor receive on the job training (OJT) from the companies and remain in the same company until retirement, i.e. life-time employment. As the market became more internationally competitive, Japanese companies realized this well-rounded policy was not effective. Companies began to abolish the life-time employment system. This system was only for those who are essential to the company. Furthermore, the business sector relied on the universities again due to the following reasons:

1. End of the exponential economic growth in Japan.

2. Higher competition between the economies of the world.

3. Higher competition in technology.

The education system was reformed to meet the needs of the businesses. There was a shift from universities providing education to support the OJT provided by companies to producing graduates who can immediately contribute to the economy. These businesses have high influence on the government to reform the education system, especially at the university level. Businesses want the system to career-based, have more varieties, and more graduates in the area of science and technology. Changes in the economy strongly influenced the education system and was the main driving force pushing towards reform.