... of them passed The total number holding valid certificates was around 190,000 craftsmen and 22,000 technicians in March 1 986 (Yosetsu 1 986 a, 1 986 b) 1 38 How the Japanes learn to work SKILL-TESTING ... only to ensure that they are aware of the legal framework in which they work, are respectful of their ancestors’ work in accumulating the knowledge which has provided them with the practical tools ... off -the- job training, Japanese firms would come rather badly out of any international comparison Where they seem to be distinctive is in the way they motivate the efforts of individuals to learn...