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In each of the existing forty-seven prefectures, at least one secondary school must be established and maintained. Private individuals may also establish secondary schools in conformity with the regulations.

The course of study occupies five years, with an optional supplementary course not to exceed twelve months.

The following table shows the curriculum of the secondary schools and the number of hours weekly for instruction:

It will be seen from the above table that the curricula are uniform throughout all the secondary schools in Japan, differing in this respect from those in America and Europe, where the course of study is diverse. The instruction in Chinese consists solely of the classics; composition and conversation in modern Chinese not being taught at all, though a great deal of time is devoted to modern sciences. In comparing our secondary schools with those of other counties, it may be said that the Japanese are much like the modern secondary schools in Europe.

Candidates for admission to secondary schools must be over twelve years of age, and must have completed the second year’s course of the higher primary school, so that children who pass on to secondary schools are those who have finished an elementary course covering six years.

As a general rule, text-books used in secondary schools must be those examined and approved by the Minister of Education.

In general, the number of pupils in one secondary school shall not exceed 400, though the number may under special circumstances be increased to 600. One class must not contain more than 50 pupils. Some of the pupils lodge in the school, while others live outside. The number of teachers must be at the rate of at least two per class for a school containing not more than five classes. For every additional class above five,