What is one good point Japan's system has which Britain doesn't have?

May 16,2013
One thing pupils and teachers are agreed on: they are all under pressure from the government to succeed.  Education in British schools has often been about encouraging pupils' original thought.  But since 1980s different governments have said it's more important to have core, compulsory subjects which pupils are strictly tested on all through their school years. Schools are judged according to how their pupils perform.
Many teachers say they can't educate pupils so much as "teach to the tests" or use a "spoon-feeding food to a baby.
For discussion or research:
1. What is one good point Japan's system has which Britain doesn't have?
2. What do you think is one good point the British system has which Japan doesn't have?
3.
Do you think English should be a compulsory subject in Japanese schools?
Why(not)
4. Which is the best way to assess the progress of pupils and students (tests, or what else)?
gto