This essay is based on the author's presentation at the Wachman Fund's 2003 history institute, "Teaching Japan." An overview of Japan's educational system and common misconceptions about Japanese schools are presented. American resistance to comparative education ins general is also discussed. By setting aside traditional biases against comparative education, the author advocates that policymakers and educators can learn much about Japanese education that may be applicable to U.S. schools, including: (1) collaborative fostering of professional development; (2) balancing academic and on-academic work assignments; (3) differences in textbooks and how they are used; and (4) moral education.