Japan
Last updated December 1, 2025
Composite GEFRI Score
Advanced readiness
Japan reaches an advanced readiness tier (94th percentile worldwide). Most dimensions perform above global norms, and the system has clear capacity to scale future-oriented initiatives. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 94th
- Global rank
- #11
- Regional rank
- #4
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Japan shows strong future-readiness momentum, with clear strengths in School Access and Gender Parity (94, 94th percentile), Governance (82, 92nd percentile), Innovation (77, 97th percentile), and Infrastructure (74, 90th percentile).
Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation.
Strong R&D funding and a sizable research workforce keep the innovation pipeline active, moving new solutions into education. Policy and regulatory teams coordinate effectively, keeping reforms aligned and providing the stability needed for long-term educational planning. Gender parity across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.
Regionally, Japan leads most clearly in School Access and Gender Parity, sitting well above the peer average.
Areas with room to grow: Human Capital (55, 67th percentile). These dimensions sit close to global norms and could accelerate quickly with targeted investment.
Note: Several indicators use imputed values. Policymakers and planners should validate results further before committing to major initiatives.
Key insights
- Ranks in the 94th percentile worldwide, placing the system among high performers.
- Places 11th worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 4th within East Asia & Pacific.
- Scores range from Access & Parity (93.8) to Human Capital (55.5), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Leads regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.
Regional peers: East Asia & Pacific
Composite GEFRI score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Korea, Rep. | 79.60 |
| 3 | 2 | Singapore | 78.63 |
| 5 | 3 | Hong Kong SAR, China | 77.86 |
| 11 | 4 | Japan | 76.54 |
| 14 | 5 | Australia | 76.14 |
| 19 | 6 | New Zealand | 73.28 |
| — | — | Northern Mariana IslandsMicrostate | 61.56 |
| 48 | 7 | Brunei Darussalam | 61.48 |
| 49 | 8 | Thailand | 61.30 |
| — | — | New CaledoniaMicrostate | 61.09 |
| 52 | 9 | Indonesia | 60.44 |
| — | — | NauruMicrostate | 59.95 |
| — | — | GuamMicrostate | 59.92 |
| — | — | PalauMicrostate | 59.64 |
| — | — | American SamoaMicrostate | 59.42 |
| — | — | French PolynesiaMicrostate | 59.20 |
| 59 | 10 | Macao SAR, China | 58.71 |
| 63 | 11 | Viet Nam | 57.39 |
| 69 | 12 | Fiji | 56.40 |
| 70 | 13 | Mongolia | 56.30 |
| 71 | 14 | Malaysia | 56.21 |
| 73 | 15 | China | 55.14 |
| 82 | 16 | Philippines | 52.74 |
| — | — | TuvaluFCSMicrostate | 51.67 |
| — | — | SamoaMicrostate | 50.98 |
| — | — | TongaMicrostate | 49.06 |
| — | — | KiribatiFCSMicrostate | 46.78 |
| — | — | Marshall IslandsFCSMicrostate | 46.17 |
| 107 | 17 | Timor-LesteFCS | 44.20 |
| — | — | Micronesia, Fed. Sts.FCSMicrostate | 42.51 |
| 112 | 18 | Vanuatu | 41.00 |
| 122 | 19 | Korea, Dem. People's Rep. | 36.64 |
| 126 | 20 | Cambodia | 35.43 |
| 129 | 21 | MyanmarFCS | 33.80 |
| 134 | 22 | Solomon IslandsFCS | 32.22 |
| 138 | 23 | Lao PDR | 31.38 |
| 145 | 24 | Papua New GuineaFCS | 28.17 |