Learning from Success: Observations from Japanese Students’ Math Achievements
Around the world, math is one of the subjects that makes many students nervous. Some people think they do not have the math “gene” and that no matter how much they try, they will never “get it.” At the same time, they may think that some people, or even whole groups, are naturally good at math.
According to Nippon.com (2025), “Japan’s students performed strongly in the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study…Singapore topped the rankings for math and science…with Taiwan and South Korea also placing highly.” Instead of thinking these students were just born smart, we can look at some reasons for their success.
Practice Helps
Many students who say they are bad at math also spend very little time practicing it. They hardly open their math books and are surprised when they get low scores. Students who do well usually practice math every day and finish their homework carefully.
In Japan, children as young as ten often go to tutorial centers like Kumon. They sit quietly and work through pages of math exercises. The teacher helps only when the child is really stuck. This kind of practice builds confidence and skill.
Math also builds step by step. If you miss some basic ideas, you may feel “not smart enough.” But with a good teacher, you can learn the missing steps. Weakness in math is often not a lack of ability but simply missing knowledge.
Help from Mentors
Having guidance from someone who has faced similar challenges makes a big difference. In India, a village called Patwa Toli shows this clearly. Before 1992, no one from the village had entered the famous Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Then a young man, Jeetendra Kumar, succeeded. His success inspired others in the village to study hard and aim high.
Since then, Patwa Toli has become known as the “IIT village.” It has produced more than 300 students who entered the IITs and many others who joined other technology schools. This success was not because of special genes. Students also started a free coaching center in the village, giving younger students guidance, practice, and support. Hard work, guidance, and chance together made this possible.
Never Give Up
In Japan, students often encourage each other when they struggle. They say “Gambarimashō,” which means “Let’s keep going” or “Let’s not give up.” A poor score in math is not a permanent label. It is a signal: find the weak areas and work harder next time.
This idea is similar to what Angela Duckworth writes in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance:
“At various points, in big ways and small, we get knocked down. If we stay down, grit loses. If we get up, grit wins.”
Persistence, or grit, is a key part of success, not only in Japan but anywhere.
Lessons for Students Everywhere
No matter where you live, you can learn from these examples. If you understand the basics, practice regularly, and accept mistakes as part of learning, you will get better in math. Students in Singapore, Japan, and other top countries show that success is not magic. It comes from steady effort, practice, and believing you can improve.
The lesson is clear: skill comes from effort. When effort is combined with not giving up, it can take you further than you think.
Written by Everett Ofori