Knowing the great impact education has on a nation, the author decided to investigate the education systems in America and Japan. The aim of the study was to answer how educational systems or practices in Japan and America differ, and how Japanese practices might improve those of American educators and administrators. Besides many similarities, there are striking contrasts between American and Japanese views and visions of education, and they point to quite different directions and paths of reform in the two nations. While Americans are busy constructing common standards and benchmarks, developing and using more standardized tests for all students, and moving toward standards-based school reform, the Japanese seem to desire just the opposite--deconstructing uniform standards, moving away from the pressures of national exams, and focusing more on the interests and potential of each student, a goal that has often been ignored in Japanese culture and schools. The study suggests that Japan's education system enables teachers to motivate student learning through a well-rounded national curriculum, closely integrated through all subjects, that engages students and builds strong classroom relationships. In addition, a narrower curricular focus fosters a deeper understanding for students. Whole-class instruction helps Japanese schools motivate their students by emphasizing effort over ability, engaging students, building strong classroom relationships, and unifying students under a common goal. (Contains 45 notes.)