I wrote:

>>> 2. Apparently, he has praised the UK's educational system. In
>>> what ways, exactly, does he consider it superior to the Japanese
>>> system (again, particularly with reference to primary education)? 

Jim Breen replied:

>> From what I read it was encouraging competition between schools,
>> league tables, etc. etc. Oh, yes, and "vouchers". 

To which "if" retorted:

> Ugh, the Japanese are welcome to borrow those reforms,
> as long as they promise not to bring them back when they've 
> finished with them.

My sentiments entirely, but (in my case) that's more a matter of 
knee-jerk reaction than of well-informed opinion. As one who hasn't 
lived in the UK for years, I have only a fairly hazy notion of what is 
involved in league tables and vouchers. Of course, I can no doubt google 
something up, but I'd love to hear from anyone with more hands-on knowledge.

In particular, if someone can spell out exactly why Japanese parents 
and/or teachers should worry about such reforms, that would be very 
helpful. And if there are any theoretical or actual benefits that they 
might entail (presumably those who enact these reforms have *some* 
rationale to support their actions!), well, I'd be happy to hear about 
those too.

John
http://rarebooksinjapan.com