In recent years academic and government circles in many foreign countries have focused more attention on education in Japan. This report is a translation of a publication intended to inform the general public of educational standards in this country as compared with other selected countries--the U.S., U.K., France, the Federal Republic of Germany and the U.S.S.R. Both quantitative and qualitative aspects of education are considered in this comparative study. Educational expansion, educational methods and contents, conditions for teachers, facilities and other physical conditions and educational expenditures are discussed. Consideration is given to both the reaction of education to the rapid social changes of the 1960's and to the central problems of education which are likely to occur in the future. (SHM)