Japanese children snub science

 A new survey shows Japanese children sinking in academic scores and those seeking science careers placing last in international rankings, shocking a nation long proud of its technological prowess.

Japanese 15-years-olds ranked 10th in mathematics in the latest OECD test, down from sixth in 2003 and the top slot in 2000.

Japan also fell to sixth in science, after coming in second in the previous two surveys.

The survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development also found that 7.8 percent of Japanese students expected a science-related career at age 30, by far the lowest among the 57 nations and territories polled.

Education Minister Kisaburo Tokai said the results were "regrettable" and said Japan faced a "big problem" as science was losing popularity.

The study was the top story in Japan's major daily newspapers Wednesday, with editorials sounding alarm bells.

"Taiwan, which participated in the test for the first time, topped the ranking in mathematical performance and other Asian countries also fared well," said the Nikkei Economic daily's editorial.

"Our society should have a greater sense of crisis. If this continues, it would lead to a decline of Japan's global status," it said.

The best-selling Yomiuri Shimbun agreed that officials witnessing the declining interest in science "lack the sense of crisis it should engender".

"Concerns arise over the future of the nation as a scientific and technological powerhouse," it said, blaming the poorer results on more liberal education policies.

Since 2002, Japan has cut back on class hours and material by some 30 percent to encourage individual thinking and give more breathing space to students famous for studying long hours in cram sessions.

Amid public criticism over the lax education policy, a government panel is now moving towards raising class hours again.

In the OECD survey, young Finns held onto first place in science, followed by students in Hong Kong, Canada and Taiwan.