Education

History

Throughout most of history, a formal education was only for those who were elite or wealthy enough to afford it. Furthermore the range of subjects was more limited as subjects like mathematics and science were not as prolifically researched as they currently are. Primarily it was education is subjects of history, law, and language that were taught, along with perhaps some aspects of culture like traditional arts. A religious education was given to those under the tutelage of a priest at a shrine, namely priests in training and shrine maidens. For those with greater ambition than their current peasant status in life could study in so far as they were able, and take a civil service exam and possibly open up options to move up in society. After the Meiji restoration, a push was made to spread education to the masses. This started with the first public schools being built in cities, and while they still cost at first, it was much cheaper and more accessible. As these schools quickly spread to even rural areas in the coming decades, these schools began to be paid for through taxes so that every child would be able to access public education.

Levels

Elementary School- 1st-5th Grade, Ages 6-12
Middle School - 6th-8th Grade, Ages 12-15
High School - 9th-12th Grade, Ages 15-18

Military Tradition

One of the priorities of the education is to provide a military style discipline in the students. A strict and standardized education process will similar to military training, instill a common mindset and orderliness among the students. In the military, a strict understanding of hierarchy, duty, formality, and success is necessary to its overall success. The philosophy is why shouldn't that logic apply to the common person and society as a whole, and that that mindset should be instilled at an early age.

Subjects

• Mathematics
• Writing, Reading, and Grammar
• History and Geography (Specific emphasis on Japanese History)
• Science
• Civil Education (How the government works, how to be a good Japanese citizen, etc.)

Extracurriculars

Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on multiple fields of excellence, including more cultural ones. Because of this, all students are required to be a part of an after-school club of some sort. There is no set of standardized clubs that a school will offer, and what clubs are available depends highly of the size and budget of the school, and the practicality of their location depending on how much space the school has inside or out to work with. Regardless, he is a list of common clubs, though this is not extensive:

• Kendo
• Kyudo
• Specific Board Game (Mahjong, Shogi, Go, etc.)
• Martial Arts
• Baseball
• Student Council
• Painting
• Ceramics
• Calligraphy
• Poetry
• Literature
• Theater
• Music
• Gardening
• Core Subject (Math, Science, Language, etc.)

Uniforms

Public school uniforms, in line with the military style regimentation philosophy, adopted a dress code military inspired uniforms for the students.
Male - Intended to represent a simpler black version of an army uniform

Female - Intended to represent a simple white/navy version of a navy sailor's uniform

Building

School buildings vary in size depending on the population they represent. A small rural school might be a single floor wooden structure with a few classrooms. A city school will likely be a larger 2 or even 3 story structure with many classes.

Higher Education

Most Japanese Universities are old and exclusive institutions with long histories and prestigious reputations. While the advent of public education, and population increase has increased University enrollment, its is still a very small percentage of Japanese who actually have degrees, the vast majority of which are bachelor's level. Roughly 175,000, or about .04% within Sosuko proper earn a degree of some sort every year. It is a small elite of either wealthy, or highly intelligent individuals who are able to gain entry into these establishments. A basic intelligence test is required to even qualify for potential entry. Entry is easier for well connected and wealthy individuals, as being referred to the college by an individual of merit is worth increased consideration. Wealthy people are typically able to pay upfront without the need for a scholarship paid by someone else, or an obligation to government or military service through their education program. This means it is easy for them to overcome that hurdle. However there are institutions and individuals who have an interest in providing less financially well off individuals who have high intellectual aptitude with scholarships to help them take advantage of their full potential. Lastly, the government has a program where in exchange for a certain length of service in some manner, you can be eligible for a scholarship. This path attracts dedicated Japanese who are willing to both work and go to school at the same time in order to get ahead. While many Universities are still privately owned, they are subject to a lot of regulation and influence just like public Universities.
Students traveling overseas to study at esteemed universities abroad is also a common alternative to domestic education.

Specific Universities

While far from an exhaustive list, these universities are the most important ones:
Tokyo Imperial University -The largest University in the nation, Tokyo Imperial University is right in the midst of the capital city, and is known to be where the most elite of elite, and many high level politicians and administrators graduate from. This university specializes in a multitude of different degrees, but is also difficult to gain entry to compared to other Universities.
Tokyo War Academy - The oldest learning institution in Japan, noble elites who wanted high level positions in the military would be educated here in the ways of war. In modern times it is open to those who wish to start their military career as an officer. The University also has a more diverse set of curriculum than just directly military related courses.