In this study, we review the trends and issues of EBPM. Based on the argument that previous discussion on this topic has not been in harmony, we reviewed the evidence from two perspectives and EBPM from three. The findings of the study are as follows. In Japan, higher education is more easily influenced by policy than primary and secondary education. In addition, higher education research has developed by being closely related to policy. Therefore, EBPM is a particularly important topic in the field of higher education, and more policy-focused research is expected to be accumulated in the future. Finally, this paper presents issues that need to be addressed in higher education research.