This document chronicles major developments in post World War II Japanese educational policy. The focus is mainly on the way in which world events, social structure, religion, cultural values, and official policy initiatives influenced Japanese educational practices. Developments covered in the first period, from 1868 to 1945, began with the reforms of the Meiji period. The influence of World War II and the occupation of Japan are reviewed. Educational policies which followed World War II and the accompanying occupation of Japan, including goals of democratization, demilitarization, and decentralization of government power are described. The post-occupation period, from 1950 to 1960, saw the re-creation of a centralized education ministry, a closer integration of school boards into the local governmental structure, the expansion of educational opportunities, and the reinstitutionalization of moral education. These reforms are seen as further supporting the democratization of Japanese society. The expansion of education during the 1960's and 1970's stresses how the interests of industry and the wide consensus on the need for future economic development influenced educational policy. A major focus is the spread and improvement of higher education. Reforms which took place between 1978 and the present, the shrinking of the school age population, the increase in school drop-outs, the refusal of education syndrome, and the emergence of an international youth culture are described. An extensive bibliography is included. (JDH)