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  With the above situation in mind, it is necessary for the whole society to think of what should be included in "Rich Humanity", which it is hoped every student should acquire, in order to promote the cultivation of "Richness in Mind" in children who will lead the next generation.

  The ideal for the future of school education is described in the first report of the Central Council for Education issued in 1996 titled "The Model for Japanese Education from the prospective of the 21st Century". The report states that "children in the future need the basic abilities and skills by which they can discover problems on their own, learn, think of their own free will, take an initiative in decision making, act upon their own free will, solve problems, regardless of how society might change". Also important is "Rich Humanity", which contains a sense of self-discipline, an ability to collaborate with others, sympathy for others and the emotional sensitivity to be inspired or to be moved. It goes without saying that health and physical strength are essential. We have named these qualities "Zest for Living."

  A report of the Central Council for Education issued in 1998 titled "To Cultivate Children's Sound Minds that Develop A New Era" defines the "Rich Humanity" as the core of the "Zest for Living" as follows: (1) the sensitivity to be inspired by beauty and nature; (2) a conscientious mind to value justice and fairness; (3) a fundamental sense of ethics to cherish life and to respect human rights; (4) willingness to make a social contribution and consideration for others; (5) independence, self-restraint, and responsibility; (6) tolerance of living together with others and of the heterogeneity. The report calls for various plans and efforts by the whole society: a participation of homes, local communities, and schools, in order to assist children in the steady development of these abilities and qualities. We consider the cultivation of these attributes to be the aim of education for fostering "Richness in Mind" in this Chapter.