Japanese Government Policies in Education, Science, Sports and Culture 2000[Part 1 Chapter 3 Section 1]

Against the backdrop of the situation surrounding Japanese culture described in Chapter 1 , the Japanese government is implementing those policies and measures described in Chapter 2 . As seen in the Chapter 2 , the role of the government has grown in recent years, due to the following reasons which are likely to remain valid in the future.

(1) In order to develop a richer society for the 21^st century, the Japanese people need spiritual fulfillment, and the Japanese government must play certain roles in answering these demands. (2) Japan, which has become an economic giant by exporting products and achieving high economic growth, needs to be able to contribute to the world through culture as well as through exports and to become a cultural center for the international community. (3) As with any other country, Japan is obliged to continue and develop its traditional culture amid significant societal changes, and to contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the diversity of cultures around the world. (4) In order to cultivate educated citizens who are able to think and judge on their own and who will form the basis of our democratic nation, the government needs to provide opportunities especially for young people to experience art and culture. (5) In order to transform Japanese society into one that appreciates individuality and uniqueness of ideas, the society at the same time must become more appreciative of arts and culture that in turn are the exact products of individuality and uniqueness of ideas.

Against this background, the Agency for Cultural Affairs announced the formulation of the "Master Plan for Promoting Culture-Toward Actualizing a Culturally-Oriented Nation-" in March 1998. As indicated in the master plan, the Agency for Cultural Affairs considers the basic role of cultural policies to be the promotion of creative culture against the backdrop of traditional culture, thereby contributing to the actualization of a spiritually rich society and contributing to the advancement of the culture of the human race through actively providing the information concerning that society. In this way, we would like to work to achieve a culturally-oriented nation where culture is shared by Japanese people and is represented in the international community.

In this chapter, measures for the actualization of a culturally oriented nation are categorized under the following headings: revitalization of creative activity in the arts and the development of talents; promotion of diverse cultures; fostering sensitive children; promotion of international cultural exchange; and the establishment of a comprehensive system of cultural promotion. Basic thinking and immediate tasks are set forth for each category.


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