Economic Analysis of Higher Education in Japan

Abstract

　 With a view to acquiring a sense of the direction of future research in the area of economic analysis of higher education in Japan, this paper takes up four topics, comparing research carried out in Japan with research carried out overseas. Firstly, most research work uses economic theories and models, but recently there have been examples of research work in which non-economic factors such as particular characteristics of universities, or a sociological approach have been introduced. Secondly, marketization theories of higher education have been stressed by a number of economic scholars who are active in the higher education field, though in Japan counter-arguments and skepticism regarding marketization are very deeprooted. There is a need for research that gives deliberate consideration to the special characteristics of higher education. Thirdly, there is a tendency for research to be elaborated and differentiated in respect of particular issues. There is a need for research that adopts a broader temporal and spatial perspective. Finally, it is important to accumulate more evidence-based researches which both criticize and contribute to higher education policy.