Discussed are aspects of sex-role development in Japanese adolescents and some related problems, such as self-concept and socialization processes. Various studies on Japanese adolescents have revealed substantial sex differences in self-esteem, which is significantly low in girls. In addition to differences in self-esteem, greater discrepancy between females' sex-role, self-concept, and perceived social sex-role norms are repeatedly documented in several studies using different measures. Most studies on child-rearing patterns indicate that parental attitudes and behavior toward their child differ according to the sex of the child; girls are frequently trained to conform with traditional sex role expectations. Sex-differentiated treatment involves parental aspiration for education, expectation toward child's future life, assignment of housework, and 'juku' schooling for sons and daughters. Additional studies indicate that parents' behavior is not necessarily consistent with their opinions on sex-role, and children's attitude toward parents' sex-differentiated behavior differs comsiderably between boys and girls. Among other findings, it is noted that educational institutions and social settings also play important roles in exacting adjustment to traditional sex-role stereotypes. Textbooks, curricula, and other aspects of elementary and secondary education have recently been criticized for sex bias, a phenomenon which is found also in higher education. (RH)