This paper examines the characteristics of high school and college as life stages of young people in Japan and the United States and suggests some of the ways in which these experiences mesh with the demands of the occupational structure. The paper first contrasts the differences in the Japanese and American student experience during their high school education, particularly as it applies to the levels of parental and peer control and influence. Next, the paper examines the college experience within Japan and the United States in its transitional role from high school to entry into society. Finally discussed is the permanency, timeliness, and control of one's life choices involving occupational success as experienced in both societies. Overall, Japanese society provides greater guidance and control over life choices, whereas in the United States adult control is mostly absent after high school allowing for greater individual decision making. This freedom to make independent choices so freely, however, can cause disruptive and even catastrophic events in the individual and society; whereas in Japan, the college experience results in a smoother transition into society which often is not very costly in terms of either personal or social stability. The United States allows for corrections of wrong choices early in life; Japan is less forgiving. (GLR)