Japan Times: Japan's Universities Floundering at Reform and Revitalization

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/eo20120123ts.html

excerpt:

On Nov. 21, 2011, the Government Revitalization Unit (GRU) took up the issue of reform of Japan's university system. Five themes were presented by GRU members: [quality, greater access, falling academic achievement and standards, clear vision for the future, academic vs. real world gap in learning].

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/eo20120123ts.html

Japan Times: Top University in Japan Plans to Shift Undergraduate Enrollment to Fall

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120218f1.html

excerpt:

The University of Tokyo's move [to shift undergraduate enrollment from spring to autumn] would have a far broader and deeper effect on Japanese society and force authorities to amend long-established practices, notably the season when companies recruit graduates and the timing of various national examinations, such as those medical students take in February to qualify for a medical license.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120218f1.html