Japan's university admissions system is transparent and equitable. We have mainly general admission, admission office style admission, and recommendations by designated schools. The exams for subjects depend on the university and major. In general, public universities generally require seven subjects from five subject areas, and private universities require three subjects. I'm satisfied with the system, but I'm concerned about the trend some universities are aiming at institutions like job training schools rather than placing liberal arts at the core of their education. Also, such a trend lowers the barrier to getting into prestigious, not elite, universities.

Before answering your questions, let me explain the differences between prestigious and elite universities. Prestigious universities are usually all-through private schools from elementary or middle  to high school, or sometimes not all-through but just have middle and high school. High scores are not as required as at elite universities. On the other hand, elite universities consist of many public and some private universities. Prestigious universities try to prioritize liberal arts. That's why those universities are losing popularity. Students are interested in gaining skills or certification.

Most prestigious universities prioritize liberal arts so their curricula will widen their intellectual breadth, unlike elite universities. The problem is universities that are neither prestigious nor elite. Without learning liberal arts, we are not cultured. I define "being cultured" as "being educated in all fields." The correct answer is sometimes more than one and changes depending on the situation and time. Expanding job skills while neglecting culture is similar to science lacking ethics. Without culture, it's difficult for them to live colorfully.