Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN EDUCATION,SCIENCE AND CULTURE1991 > Part Chapter7 4

PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture

It can be said that the active performance of Japanese athletes in international athletic games stimulates the Japanese people's interest in and motivation for sports activities, and contributes to the spread and promotion of people's sports activities, and thus to the formation of a sound, rich and energetic society.

In recent years, however, the international standards of competitive sports have been greatly improved, while the competitiveness of Japanese athletes has been in relative decline. Consequently, it has become increasingly difficult for Japanese athletes to gain excellence in the Olympic Games or other international events.

In view of these circumstances, in fiscal 1991, the Ministry continues to provide subsidies to the Japan Amateur Sports Association and the Japanese Olympic Committee and other sports organizations for their programs for increasing the competitiveness of Japanese athletes.

The Ministry started in fiscal 1990 to hold a National Summit Meeting of Sports Coaches, with a view to provident sports coaches, researchers in sports sciences and medicine, and prefectural administrative officials in charge of sports and physical education with an opportunity for discussion and exchange of information.

Further, the Ministry is preparing for the creation of a National Center of Sports Science which is intended to conduct research in sports science and medicine, to provide athletes with opportunities for scientific training, and thus to contribute to the promotion of the international competitiveness of Japanese athletes.

The Ministry has also provided necessary support for planning and hosting international athletic meetings, including the 18th Olympic Winter Games to be held at Nagano City in 1998.