Kuniyoshi Obara (小原 國芳, Obara Kuniyoshi, April 8, 1887 – December 13, 1977) was an

influential Japanese education reformer and publisher.[1] Obara left a strong mark in education
philosophy and on the theories of liberal education, art education and vocational education.

He proposed various reforms which sought to improve the quality of education in Japan,
such as the expansion of free education, the rationalization of the curriculum, the expansion
of teacher training, the expansion of vocational education, and the expansion of women's
education.

He propose free education, Rationalization

of the Curriculum, Expansion
of Teacher Training, Expansion of Vocational Education,
Expansion of Women’s Education.

4. Expansion of Vocational Education

Kuniyoshi Obara was also a proponent of vocational education, which

sought to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to
succeed in the modern world. He argued that traditional education did not
provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the
modern world. He proposed the expansion of vocational education as a
way of giving students the skills and knowledge they needed to succeed.
For example, Obara established the Tokyo Technical School, which
provided vocational training in various subjects (Obara, 2019). This
allowed students to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in
the modern world and better prepare for their future. This was an
important step in improving the quality of education in Japan, as it
allowed students to gain the skills and knowledge they needed to succeed
in the modern world.

Experience:

Vocational education, often referred to as career and technical education (CTE), is a form of
education that focuses on providing individuals with practical skills, knowledge, and training
for specific careers or trades. It is designed to prepare students for employment in various
industries and professions, as well as to meet the specific demands of the labor market. Here
are some key aspects of vocational education:

2. Practical Skill Development: Vocational education programs emphasize hands-on

training and skill development in specific trades or professions. Students learn
practical skills that are directly applicable to their chosen careers.
3. Diverse Range of Fields: Vocational education covers a wide range of fields, including
but not limited to automotive technology, healthcare, construction, culinary arts,
information technology, cosmetology, and more. These programs are tailored to meet
the needs of different industries.
 4. Career-Focused Curriculum: The curriculum in vocational education programs is often
designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure that students are learning
the skills and knowledge required by employers in the field.
5. Certification and Licensure: Many vocational programs offer certifications, licenses, or
industry-recognized credentials upon completion. These credentials can enhance a
student's employability and career prospects.
6. Apprenticeships: Some vocational education programs incorporate apprenticeships,
where students work under the guidance of experienced professionals to gain
practical experience while continuing their education.
7. High School and Postsecondary Options: Vocational education is available at both the
high school and postsecondary levels. High school students can explore CTE
programs as part of their secondary education, while postsecondary institutions offer
vocational training and certification programs.
8. Flexibility: Vocational education provides an alternative pathway for individuals who
may not be pursuing traditional four-year college degrees but still want to gain
valuable skills and enter the workforce.
9. Meeting Workforce Demands: Vocational education plays a crucial role in addressing
labor market needs by supplying skilled workers to industries that have a demand for
specific technical skills.
10. Lifelong Learning: Vocational education is not limited to a specific age group. It can
also serve as a means for adults to retrain or acquire new skills for career changes or
advancement.
11. Continuous Evolution: Vocational education programs continually evolve to adapt to
changes in technology and industry demands, ensuring that graduates remain
relevant and competitive in the job market.

In many countries, vocational education is seen as an important component of the education

system, providing opportunities for individuals to develop practical skills and secure
employment in various fields. It is often viewed as an integral part of addressing workforce
development and economic growth.