foreword

　Approximately 6 months have passed since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Japan. I want to express my deepest condolences to people who lost their lives due to COVID-19 and their bereaved families, and my heartfelt sympathy to those still suffering from the disease. Also, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to everyone who continues to lead their lives amid various restrictions put on social and economic activities to prevent the spread of the infection. The Japanese Government will continue to work together and make every effort to respond to COVID-19, especially to “guarantee learning” for children.
　
　The opening section of the FY 2019 MEXT White Paper discusses the “Current Situation of University Entrance Examination Reform”. The “Common Test for University Admissions”, which will begin in FY 2020, and the deliberations of the “Study Council on University Entrance Examinations”, which I established in light of a series of events that took place.
　
　Furthermore, 2 themes, “ICT Utilization for Education Towards Realization of GIGA School Program” and “History and Legacy of Rugby World Cup, Japan 2019”, are discussed as special features.
　
　For children living in the Society 5.0 era, effective utilization of advanced technologies, with ICT as the platform, is required in education. Special Feature 1, “ICT Utilization for Education Towards Realization of GIGA School Program” focuses on the development of an ICT environment in schools, being carried out as the platform for ICT utilization for education under the supplementary budget project for FY 2019“Realization of GIGA School Program”, and introduces the past trends and their overview, as well as the outline of the supplementary budget project for FY 2020 in the wake of COVID-19.
　
　In FY 2019, the Rugby World Cup, Japan 2019, was held, which attracted significant worldwide attention. Special Feature 2, “History and Legacy of Rugby World Cup, Japan 2019”, introduces the outline and results of the tournament, initiatives by MEXT to generate enthusiasm, and initiatives of local governments, and reflects on the success of the Japanese national team which was the first Asian team to reach the final eight.
　
　The Japanese Government has boldly envisioned an economic society in anticipation of the 100-year life and advent of “Society 5.0”, and further raised the flag of “Promotion of Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens” and made it its primary mission to carry out “Human Resources Development Revolution” and realize a “revolution in productivity” to change Japan into a country with abundant opportunities for everyone. MEXT is responsible for education rebuilding, sports, and the promotion of culture, which play a central role in “Human Resources Development Revolution” and “revolution in productivity”. As we welcome the new era of “Reiwa”, we will again do our utmost to promote policies based on the permanent national policy.
　
　The understanding and cooperation of the people are indispensable for promoting the MEXT administration. We hope this White Paper is extensively used to help deepen the understanding of the people.

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