Eight scholars explore the roles that Japanese schools play in the broader social and cultural context of Japan's response to global change. Chapters are grouped in sections on policy and national reform, educational inequalities and marginalized groups, and forces affecting the future of Japanese education. Some specific topics examined include teacher perspectives on the college entrance examination, and the education of minorities such as Burakumin and Zainichi Koreans. Material originated as papers presented at an April 2006 symposium held at the University of California-Berkeley. The papers have been revised based on discussions at the symposium and on commentary from the invited audience of scholars; they have also been updated to reflect the latest educational policy issues. Gordon is professor at the University of California-Santa Cruz. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)