In every land we believe the hope of the nations lies largely in the training of little children. Christianity in Japan has laid hold upon this and has set the pace in the establishing of kindergartens.... Although education in Japan is compulsory, it is a fact that it is beyond the reach of the poorest people. This anomalous situation is caused by the charges for tuition and books imposed upon all scholars. These charges are so high as to be prohibitive for the very poor, and the result shows in the absence of their children from school. In this lies a direct invitation for missionary effort. [Sidenote: Opinions of a leading Japanese.] These words from a Christian observer and student of missions find an echo in the remark of a leading Japanese, himself a non-Christian, to one of the team of workers of the Men and Religion Movement:--“I am convinced that Japan must become Christian or she will never become a great nation.” [Sidenote: Educational awakening in China.] [Sidenote: Where shall the teachers be trained?] So much is being said and published about the wonderful developments in China and the new system of education that is taking the place of the old, time-honored memorizing of the “Four Books” and the “Five Classics,” that we need not here go into the subject in detail. But we must stop to query:--Where is China to procure the hundreds and thousands of teachers who are needed to train not only the children at present but the teachers of future generations of children? For many long years she must look largely to missionary schools to prepare her future educators. From a report on the Educational Work of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions we quote the following: The wisdom of the West in matters of courses of study, together with methods of teaching, discipline, etc., are brought directly from our best institutions and freely offered upon the altar of Chinese regeneration. The results of these years have also proven that these best things are adapted to the young Chinese minds, and that they appreciate them when they once come to know them. The products of these years show that our Christian schools have been getting hold of some excellent material, and that there is such true worth and high possibility that all effort to develop these bright minds and sincere hearts is well worth while, and that in doing so a great service is rendered to China.... A number of young women of fine type have been educated in the schools for girls, who are proving themselves apt to teach and work for their own people in the conduct of boarding and day schools and women’s classes. [Sidenote: Indian grants to mission schools.]