Rationale of the action plan
In order to facilitate the comprehensive and systematic implementation of measures for the promotion of education, the government formulated a Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education covering basic principles, required measures and other necessary items. This plan was established pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 1, Article 17 of the Basic Act on Education (revised in 2006). In view of the rapid social changes that can be expected in the future, education plays an important role in enabling people to lead happy, rich lives and helping the country to grow and to contribute at the international level.
Concept of lifelong learning
In an ageing society facing rapid changes, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals to develop personally and improve themselves not only through school education but also through lifelong learning. The concept of lifelong learning motivates individuals to participate in society, acquire knowledge and develop the skills necessary in life and work.
Main challenges
- Educational functions of families and local communities are weakening, the motivation to learn is declining, academic performance is falling and problematic behaviour is increasing.
- Japan will become a knowledge-based society: with the further development of science and technology, the ability of innovations to create new social and economic values will become even more significant.
- Education for Sustainable Development will become more and more important.
- With further changes in the working environment, it will become more important to develop individuals’ vocational abilities, to provide secure employment and to establish social systems that allow retirees or dropouts to be employed again.
- Because communication through the internet or mobile phones will continue to increase, it will become necessary to address their harmful effects. New styles of social participation will emerge and expand.
Main targets and measures
The action plan covers all educational sectors, including non-formal and informal learning opportunities. There are four basic directions of education measures that should be implemented within the following five years:
- Creation of a society-wide commitment to improving education with a focus on developing partnerships and cooperation between schools, families and local residents; fostering the educational abilities of families; creating an environment for lifelong learning
- Development of people’s basic ability to be independent citizens and members of society with a focus on children’s ability to think logically/critically and their motivation to learn; social awareness and physical health; the quality of teachers; schools’ organizational strengths; early childhood education and education addressing special needs
- Development of human resources with a focus on reliable undergraduate education; education/research centres and graduate school education; internationalization and education/research activities of universities; cooperation among national, public and private universities
- Provision of safety and security for children and creation of an environment for high-quality education with a focus on creating a secure education environment to support high-quality education; providing education and research activities at private schools; and providing equal learning opportunities
Particular feature of the action plan
Basic direction 1 of the action plan refers to the ‘Creation of an environment for lifelong learning’, which includes the following measures:
- Promoting the learning activities of citizens and utilizing local libraries and museums: the government is promoting the function of libraries as regional intelligence centres. The government assists with programmes for children and local citizens that enable them to see and learn about artworks and cultural assets in their region.
- Creating regional learning centres: the government is promoting the improvement of social education facilities, such as community halls, as regional centres where citizens can find solutions to local educational needs and avail themselves of learning opportunities.
- The government is implementing wide publicity activities to raise public understanding about the significance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). In particular, the government is promoting efforts to increase UNESCO Associated Schools as centres of promotion for ESD in Japan.
- The government is promoting human-rights education in order to respond to important social issues, such as gender equality, work-life balance, consumer issues, financial matters, laws, energy issues, etc.
- Improving the sports environment for local citizens: the goal is that at least 50% of adults exercise once a week or more.
- Returning to further education: the government encourages universities, junior colleges, specialized training colleges, etc. to provide learning opportunities for general citizens. The government assists with academia-industry collaboration. The government assists in improving the learning environment for distance learners at the Open University of Japan.
Relevant documents that the strategy refers to:
- Japan. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. 2006. Basic Act on Education
Stakeholders involved in the development of the plan:
Stakeholders responsible for implementation of the strategy:
- National Government
- Local Governments (Municipal and Prefectural Governments)
Further readings and web links:
- Japan. 1990. Law concerning the Establishment of Implementation System and Other Measures for the Promotion of Lifelong Learning
Issuing Body
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
