The purpose of this study is to present a profile of the Japanese educational system by comparing and contrasting it with the U.S. system. This profile provides the educational and social contexts within which the two educational systems function, so that the differences in standards and outcomes may be understood better and replicated. The objective of this comparison is not to advocate the replication of the Japanese educational system and practices, but to promote a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both systems. An overview of the Japanese system is presented including a brief historical background, cultural foundation, formal educational structure, teacher characteristics, school finance, equality of opportunity, and issues facing the system. Comparisons are made between the U.S. and Japanese educational systems in terms of purpose of education, time devoted to learning, curriculum standards and implementation, motivation for educational achievement, classroom organization, parental roles in education, teaching as a profession, and school expenditures and resources. Finally, policy implications of the Japanese educational system for the U.S. system are discussed. A list of references and three appendices also are included: (1) required weekly class periods in each subject in elementary schools in Japan; (2) required weekly class periods in each subject in lower secondary schools in Japan; and (3) general education subjects in Japanese upper secondary schools and the number of credits for each subject. (DB)