[Vigilanteman]

In Japan, mandatory education ends at age 14. By then, your average Japanese kid has learned to read, write and do math better than your average American high school graduate.

Of course, most of them stay for high school until age 18. But it isn't mandatory. A kid can actually go to work and find a job at age 14 if they choose.

[freedomfiter2]

Many Amish and Mennonites end their formal education at 14 in the US as well. I know many of them and most have a better education than the average 12 year government school graduate.

[1010RD]

Plus they can all speak fluent Japanese.

PS Wikipedia shows 15 years not 14.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_leaving_age