Final answer:
True. Japan does have a higher high school graduation rate than the United States, influenced by its early establishment of a universal education system and ongoing cultural emphasis on education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a larger share of young people graduate from high school in Japan than in the United States is true. Japan has historically emphasized education, establishing a public school system as early as 1872. By 1900, school attendance was nearly universal for boys and girls were quickly catching up. The education system focused on both science and the Confucian classics, reflecting the country's dedication to a combination of traditional and modern learning. Even today, Japan maintains a high educational standard, which is reflected in its high school graduation rates.
In contrast, the United States has a different educational landscape where about two-thirds of high school graduates continue to college, while others join the workforce right away. When comparing graduation rates, we must consider the educational policies, cultural values, and socio-economic factors shaping the education systems in both countries.