More than 1 year have passed since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Japan. During this period, we witnessed the nationwide temporary closure of schools, the postponement of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the declaration of a state of emergency, and restrictions on cultural, arts, and sports events, and we continue to face various difficulties in our daily lives due to COVID-19 even today. The government of Japan will continue to work together to fight COVID-19 by smoothly promoting vaccination and aiming to hold Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games with safety and security.
 
　The MEXT White Paper for FY 2020 focuses on 3 themes, “The Efforts of the MEXT in the Wake of COVID-19”, “Aiming to Build “Japanese-Style School Education in Reiwa”, and “Support for Young Researchers to Improve Their Research Capabilities”, as special features.
 
　Promotion of education, science and technology innovation, sports, culture and the arts undertaken by MEXT is at the core of the initiatives that will pave the way for the future of Japan, and these initiatives must continue to be implemented even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special Feature 1, “The Efforts of the MEXT in the Wake of COVID-19”, introduces MEXT’s initiatives to “guarantee learning” of children, support for research and development that will contribute to measures against COVID-19 and future infectious diseases, and support for sports, cultural and art activities that have been significantly impacted.
 
　As social changes accelerate and become more complex and unpredictable, such as the global spread of COVID-19 and the advent of the Society 5.0 era, each child should recognize their skills and potential, respect others as valuable beings, overcome various social changes and create a rich life while working together with diverse people, and nurture qualities and competencies that will enable them to become creators of a sustainable society. Special Feature 2, “Aiming to Build “Japanese-Style School Education in Reiwa”, mainly introduces the recommendation compiled by the Central Council for Education on the directionality and specific measures for reforms in the elementary and secondary education that is required to be aimed at from the perspective of the ever-changing social situation.

 Furthermore, to strengthen Japan’s research capabilities, it is necessary to support young researchers who play an important role at research sites and will lead science, technology and innovation in the future. Special Feature 3, “Support for Young Researchers to Improve Their Research Capabilities”, covers the overall picture of support for young researchers in Japan, including the current situation surrounding young researchers, the main measures being implemented to support young researchers, and the prospects of support for young researchers.
 
　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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