In both England and Japan, art education was viewed as having nothing to do with self-expression, but was considered to be an efficient means for industrial development. In England, it was designed to train the eyes and hands of artisans. The art critic Ruskin has often been referred to in the context of the transition to self-expression in the…

Focusing on dress codes, this article aims at providing a better understanding of current practices of youth socialization in Japanese schools and of cultural consequences of post-scarcity on schools. Since the late 1980s, there has been a national trend among Japanese secondary schools granting students more freedom of individual expression…

Argues that the pedagogy of self-expression is conceptually confused and internally inconsistent, insensitive to class and cultural differences within American society, and a symptom of the malady of postmodern emptiness. The author uses fieldwork vignettes to introduce a Japanese approach to dealing with children's expressions of feelings.…

Defines the trend of using educational media in early childhood education in Japan, discussing the popularization of new media and considerations needed. Describes the ways in which television and computers are utilized and the status quo of each kind of technology. Concludes that communication abilities and self-expression are promoted more…

This report addresses the relationship between education and creativity in Japan, with a focus on four issues. First, the definition and measurement of creativity is discussed. Approaches to the measurement of creativity are presented and criticized, and different meanings of creativity (i.e., originality, deviation from the group,…

Presents a concise overview of early childhood music education in Japan. Japanese early childhood education stresses the natural development of childhood, as well as cultivation of expressive activities. Discusses teaching methods, creative activities, and educational guidelines (MJP)

Describes art education in elementary schools in Japan and the content of their art textbooks. Maintains that the challenges of developing skills, making choices, and learning about the artistic heritage that are offered to Japanese children also should be offered to U.S. children. (KM)