Japanese children face entrance examinations for prestigious nursery and elementary schools -- and begin rehearsing for them at special "cram schools" by age one.

• At some of Tokyo's 150 nursery-level cram schools, children begin practicing paper tests -- based on pictures and verbal instructions -- and the three Rs at the age of two.

• The schools teach such "subjects" as skipping, how to talk politely about home life, swimming, abacus and English.

• Four cram lessons a month -- which aim at entry into private schools -- cost about $380, and many children attend several classes.

• But because of the emphasis on lessons, some teach children to play and enjoy the company of other children.

Parents must be involved and fathers are encouraged to play "correctly" with their children. Taking a walk with a child or playing Frisbee are considered suitable. Play on the computer with a child is frowned upon

Once the child has been successfully crammed and finally admitted to kindergarten, the fees can run to $10,000 for two years. At some kindergartens, only one in four applicants are accepted.