There are but a few special schools in which girls may be admitted. Among the gov schools, the Tokio Academy of Music and among the private schools the Women's College at Mejiro are the only places where women can attend.
Confucianism taught a sublime doctrine which made the people esteem transcendent philosophy and little attention, if at all. 7ro paid to what corresponds to modern utilitarian' ism. Besides, under the old regime it was caw sidered that farming, trade and industry needed nothing but experience and that business men would not gain much by study. But with the change of the times and the of Japan in the commerce and industry of the world, the establishment of technical education became essential and the department began to encourage it by founding the system of snpple mentary technical schools, apprentices' schools, by teaching subjects which have reference to industry in the elementary schools, and also by establishing other higher technical schools. In 1894, the Law of Granting State Aid to Tech nical Schools was enacted, and 150,000 yen was annually paid out of the state treasury for this purpose. It was subsequently increased and now it amounts to 297,661 yen. Measures have been taken to train teachers for these schools. In 1899, the Ordinance for Technical Schools was issued. Its purport is to provide education essential for those who pursue agriculture, com merce and industry. In all Fu, Ken, as well as in Hokkaido (all administrative districts)' tech nical schools may be established and the Min ister of Education can order any of them to found a technical school or schools according as the condition of the locality requires them. Any Gun, city, town or village may also establish technical schools if the locality requires them, and if at the same time they do not impede the progress of elementary school education. A chamber of commerce or private individual may also found technical schools. A technical school whether public or whose equipment and course of instruction is considered by the Minister to be efficient is entitled to receive a subsidy out of the national treasury for the period of three years to the amount not exceeding the sum which the original founder appropriates toward its maintenance. This term of subsidy may be renewed.
Supplementary Technical Schools.— Ac
cording to the provisions of Supplementary Technical School Act of 1902, these schools provide such knowledge as is most useful for those who wish to engage in any branch of trades and industries, and at the same eral education is also continued to supplement what they already have learned previously. The entrance qualifications consist in having some rudiments of general education which are equal or above the ordinary elementary school stand ard, and in being not younger than 12 years of age. The length of the courses is also fixed so as to suit the local convenience.
Apprentices' The apprentices' schools admit pupils who are not younger than 22, and who also have general education equal ing the ordinary elementary school standard. The course of study extends from six months to four years and a good deaf of freedom is allowed in fixing the term and the school hours. The present regulation was issued in 1904.
Industrial These schools are the principal organs of industrial education as fixed by the Provisions for Industrial Schools issued in 1899. Children 14 or older who have re ceived the two years' course of the higher ele mentary schools, or upward, may be admitted. The course of study extends over three years and it may be lengthened by one year. Prepar atory courses may also be added and bqys of 12 years of age or upward who have passed the sixth year of the ordinary elementary school are taken. Special courses are also organized for the benefit of pupils who cannot follow regular courses and who wish to learn special subjects.
Agricultural The agricultural schools are established in accordance with the Provisions for Agricultural Schools issued in 1899. They are of two kinds, those of A and B grades. A grade schools admit only those who have passed a higher elementary school of two years' course or who have equal or higher at tainments. The courses of study run for three years and they may be lengthened by one year. In the B grade, boys of 12 years or older, and who have graduated from the ordinary elemen tary schools or have similar or higher attain ments, can apply for admittance. The course of study extends over three years. In the for mer grade school, preparatory courses may also be added. Special courses may be established in both.