Japanese Education in a Global Age ― Sociological Reflections and Future Directions

This book highlights recent education research on Japan based on sociological and other related approaches to historical developments and accomplishments. Written primarily by members of the Japan Society of Educational Sociology, it brings to light concerns and viewpoints that have grown out of the Japanese educational context. By focusing on uniquely Japanese educational research phenomena, the book offers international readers new insights and contributes to the international debate on education. It may help sociologists and social scientists outside Japan gain a deeper understanding of ongoing changes in education in Japan as well as its historical and structural contexts.

Akiyoshi Yonezawa is a Professor and Director of The Office of Institutional Research at Tohoku University, Japan. He is the co-editor of Springer’s book series Higher Education in Asia: Quality, Excellence and Governance, and a Member of Editorial Advisory Board of the journal Higher Education published by Springer.

Yuto Kitamura is an Associate Professor of Graduate School of Education at The University of Tokyo, Japan. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a PhD in education. His research interests are comparative education and sociology of education.

Beverley Yamamoto is a Professor of Critical Studies in Education for Transformation at the Graduate School of Human Sciences at Osaka University. She is the Director of Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Programme and Deputy Director of the university’s International College. She gained her PhD from the University of Sheffield and is on the Editorial Board of the journal Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power.

Tomoko Tokunaga is a Lecturer at the Faculty of International Communication at Gunma Prefectural Women’s University. She was a Project Assistant Professor at the International Center at Keio University prior to her current position. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.