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- I'm an American teaching at a university in Tokyo.
- I've noticed it's more difficult to get into college in Japan because of the strict testing.
- Colleges in Japan also don't prioritize sports like they do in the US.
My two-decade journey through the world of education has taken me from the challenging corridors of the Baltimore City Public School System to the cultural dynamism of the JET Program in Japan. I've witnessed firsthand the nuances that set education in the United States and Japan apart, especially with colleges and universities.
I've been fortunate to teach at Morgan State University, Art Center College of Design in Baltimore, and I'm now an assistant professor at Temple University Japan in Tokyo.
Here's how college differs in both countries from my perspective as a teacher.
From my experience, getting into college is more difficult in Japan
Choosing a college or university is a pivotal decision for any high-school student. In the United States, the path to higher education often involves a comprehensive approach. SAT scores, grades, and extracurricular activities shape the narrative. It's a system designed to identify potential — whether one's destination is a public university or a prestigious private college.
In Japan, the road to academia takes a different turn. As the parent of a second-year high-school student, this is something I'm grappling with firsthand. Students here are bound by a singular choice; they can only apply to one public university for admission. Yet, private universities are fair game.
This process begins with the Center Shiken, a fiercely competitive national entrance exam. It's considered a literal "make or break" moment for high-school students. Held in January, this rigorous test is the first gateway to their chosen school. For those aspiring to excel, attending cram schools known as "juku" is the norm and is considered a rigorous commitment to exam preparation.
Students who conquer the Center Shiken must still leap another hurdle: a specialized exam for their desired university. For those who stumble along the way, the road to academic success can take a different route, forcing them into private universities.
I've noticed sports aren't as big on college campuses in Japan
In the US, college sports reign supreme; they're a booming business and a source of national pride. With NCAA basketball and football as its flag-bearers, sports represent an integral part of the American cultural fabric. Bowl games and March Madness captivate the nation.
Across the Pacific in Japan, the fervor for college sports beats to a quieter rhythm. While sports such as baseball, American football, soccer, rugby, and volleyball enjoy popularity among students, they lack the glitz and glamour of their American counterparts.
Crowds at Japanese college events seldom swell to the size of those in the United States. These gatherings rarely grace the airwaves. College athletes in Japan remain in the shadows. Their journey to professional sports is more inside baseball than public conversation.
But Japan does boast one collegiate sporting gem: the Hakone Ekiden. It's a two-day relay-marathon race that has amazed spectators since 1920. This iconic event covers about 217 kilometers, split into 10 stages, with each runner covering a specific leg of the race.
The Hakone Ekiden is more than just a test of speed and endurance; it embodies the spirit of fierce intercollegiate rivalry. Millions of viewers tune in each January to witness this cultural and sporting tradition — a beacon of competition and teamwork.
I've found there typically aren't dorms on college campuses in Japan
In the United States, dormitories foster a spirited campus community. Students experience the camaraderie of communal living, with dining halls serving as hubs of connection and nourishment. It's the quintessential college experience.
In Japan, the dormitory narrative takes a different twist. Dorms here can be located a considerable distance from campus — sometimes requiring a lengthy commute to class. Many dorms are akin to small apartments that offer only the bare essentials. But for those with more financial resources, renting an apartment closer to campus becomes a viable option — albeit with varying amenities.
Dining halls aren't the norm in Japan
While American campuses boast dining halls as well as fast-food kiosks, the Japanese experience differs. Some campuses feature dining halls that are also open to the public with traditional foods and healthier options. Students can also eat at restaurants or opt for convenience stores, known as "combini," for sustenance. Many combini offer a surprising variety of meal options, proving to be an essential facet of the student experience.
My journey, spanning from the resilient streets of Baltimore to the vibrant heart of Tokyo, has underscored the richness and diversity of the global educational landscape. These disparities in systems and traditions — whether in admissions, college sports, or campus life —are a testament to the dynamic nature of education.