This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of data on Japanese private schools prepared for the Investigation Committee on Policies for the Promotion of Private Schools. General statistics are presented to show that private schools have played a very significant educational role in Japan. The number of private institutions of higher education have always accounted for about half of the total. Private schools must abide by minimum standards, but otherwise they are autonomous. Some financial support is given them to make up deficiencies. Donations to private schools are tax-exempt. Private schools may be established as corporations instead of foundations as was the case previously. Teachers are required to be certified in accordance with the School Education Law of 1947. The Private School Law of 1949 allowed the spending of public money for private school. There are more girls than boys in private junior colleges. There are few private elementary and secondary schools in Japan. Student fees in private universities are about six times what they are in public schools. Inferior schools should be reorganized or abolished, and establishment of private institutions should be made more difficult. (Author/GDB)