When Japan opened herself to the world in 1868, one of the government's high priority was catching up with Western standards in science and education. The Japanese education system was reformed mainly according to the German and French model which experts regarded as most suitable and advantageous.
After the second world war, the Americans reformed the Japanese education system after their own which consists of six years of elementary school, each three years of junior and senior high school and four years of university or two years of junior college.
Compulsory education includes elementary school and junior high school. Over 90% of all students also graduate from high school and over 40% from university or junior college. At universities the percentage of male students is higher than that of female students while the opposite is the case at junior colleges. The number of graduate university students is relatively low.
The Japanese school year starts in April and consists of three terms, separated by short holidays in spring and winter, and a one month long summer break.
A characteristic of the Japanese school system are entrance exams, and with them a high competitiveness among students. Most high schools, universities, as well as a few private junior high schools and elementary schools require applicants to write entrance exams. In order to pass entrance exams to the best institutions, many students attend special preparation schools (juku) besides regular classes, or for one to two years between high school and university (yobiko).
The most prestigious universities are the national University of Tokyo and University of Kyoto, followed by the best private universities.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2150.html
Growing demand for contemporary Southeast Asian art
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 24 August 2007 2022 hrs
SINGAPORE : The market for contemporary Southeast Asian art is growing rapidly.
One Singapore gallery says prices for well-known art works have gone up by about 150 percent over the last three years.
The bulk of the buyers are from Asia.
Malaysian artist Ahmad Zakii Anwar has gained popularity over the last decade due to his artwork.
Collectors of his artwork come from all over the world.
But a majority of them are Asians from places such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.
Just this year, one of his paintings went under the hammer for US$43,000 - a personal world record for the artist.
Irene Lee, Director, Singapore Tyler Print Institute, said, "Some works that were sold for 3, 4 thousand dollars could now be auctioned for easily US$25,000 to US$30,000. So I think that's a very impressive progress in the last 2-3 years."
She added, "It's an influence of how Asian contemporary art has captured a lot of imagination and interest from collectors around the world."
But numbers mean little to Johor-based Mr Zakii who turned professional about 15 years ago.
The 51-year-old former graphic artist said he is more inspired by the process of making art.
He said, "I'm not a collector. I'm not a dealer. The only thing I can do is make good art. To make the best art that I can, that I possibly can. And if that art moves the market, moves the standard of Southeast Asian contemporary art, then I'm happy with that."
Mr Zakii is currently holding a solo exhibition of his works at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute.
He is the first Malaysian artist to be invited for the institute's Visiting Artists Programme.
The exhibition runs till September 8. - CNA/ms
SINGAPORE : The market for contemporary Southeast Asian art is growing rapidly.
One Singapore gallery says prices for well-known art works have gone up by about 150 percent over the last three years.
The bulk of the buyers are from Asia.
Malaysian artist Ahmad Zakii Anwar has gained popularity over the last decade due to his artwork.
Collectors of his artwork come from all over the world.
But a majority of them are Asians from places such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.
Just this year, one of his paintings went under the hammer for US$43,000 - a personal world record for the artist.
Irene Lee, Director, Singapore Tyler Print Institute, said, "Some works that were sold for 3, 4 thousand dollars could now be auctioned for easily US$25,000 to US$30,000. So I think that's a very impressive progress in the last 2-3 years."
She added, "It's an influence of how Asian contemporary art has captured a lot of imagination and interest from collectors around the world."
But numbers mean little to Johor-based Mr Zakii who turned professional about 15 years ago.
The 51-year-old former graphic artist said he is more inspired by the process of making art.
He said, "I'm not a collector. I'm not a dealer. The only thing I can do is make good art. To make the best art that I can, that I possibly can. And if that art moves the market, moves the standard of Southeast Asian contemporary art, then I'm happy with that."
Mr Zakii is currently holding a solo exhibition of his works at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute.
He is the first Malaysian artist to be invited for the institute's Visiting Artists Programme.
The exhibition runs till September 8. - CNA/ms
Enjoy Japanese Calligraphy (SHODO)
Two Japanese "kawaii" cute girls wearing "yukata" are enjoying "shodo" (Japanese calligraphy) and have their own special T-shirt and "uchiwa" (Japanese paper fan) on which her piece is printed.
To Japan with Love
To Japan With Love
“To Japan with love” is an exhibition of over 30 Japan-inspired artworks by local artists that officially opens this Saturday 14 July at the Thistle Hall Community Centre’s gallery, 293 Cuba Street and runs until 21st July.
The artworks include Japanese modern art, calligraphy, ikebana, photography, sculpture and more. Many are created by local members of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association, which is organising the exhibition as a way of promoting Japan-New Zealand exchanges.
“To Japan with love” will be open daily for viewing and will also feature an artists’ day on Saturday 21 July from 10am, which will include demonstrations of ikebana, bonsai, calligraphy, origami & Japanese music.
For more information please contact artistwithinyou@gmail.com
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0707/S00157.htm
“To Japan with love” is an exhibition of over 30 Japan-inspired artworks by local artists that officially opens this Saturday 14 July at the Thistle Hall Community Centre’s gallery, 293 Cuba Street and runs until 21st July.
The artworks include Japanese modern art, calligraphy, ikebana, photography, sculpture and more. Many are created by local members of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association, which is organising the exhibition as a way of promoting Japan-New Zealand exchanges.
“To Japan with love” will be open daily for viewing and will also feature an artists’ day on Saturday 21 July from 10am, which will include demonstrations of ikebana, bonsai, calligraphy, origami & Japanese music.
For more information please contact artistwithinyou@gmail.com
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0707/S00157.htm
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