Japanese Government Policies in Education, Science, Sports and Culture 2000[Part 1 Chapter 3 Section 4 1]

As mentioned in Chapter 1 , the standards of current school curricula are being improved as a part of on-going educational reform. The objectives of the current revision of standards are as follows:

(1) To foster a rich personality, socialization, and awareness as a Japanese in the global community. (2) To cultivate abilities to learn and think on one's own. (3) To establish sound bases of knowledge and skills in the context of the education that aims to develop individual talent rather than learning by rote, and to enhance education that aims to develop individuality. (4) To enable each school to take their own individual initiative in creating education.

The purpose of these objectives is to overcome the problems that children and school education presently face. As such, the experiencing of superior arts and culture that enriches minds should be an effective and necessary educational tool to cultivate rich individuality. In addition, self-awareness is a necessary element in order to function as an effective member of the international community. Therefore, the first step towards cultivating Japanese people who can live in international society is to ensure that children understand Japanese tradition, beginning with local traditions and cultures. Arts and culture are expressions of individuality, and creating an educational environment for children to freely engage in artistic expression should be an important element of education that encourages individuality. The promotion of children's cultural activities shares the goal of educational reform to achieve the ideal school education.

At the same time, in order to discover new talent to expand the base of Japanese culture among the next generation, it is of the utmost importance for children to become familiar with and interested in culture from an early stage of their lives.

As explained above, the promotion of children's cultural activities is important from both the perspectives of educational reform and of the promotion of culture in the mid- to long-term. This is an issue of national significance, and as such, the government is striving to promote cultural activities for children in coordination with the educational reform currently underway.

Interests of Performing Artists

According to "Status of Activities of Performing Artists and their Lives: Results of the Year 2000 Survey," 58% of surveyed performing artists listed "Performances which contribute to the revitalization of local cities and towns" as the most important element to consider in future activities. In addition, 43% listed "Programs which, based on the experience of performing artists, deepen children and young people's interests" as "programs of interest which utilize performing artists' experience and skills." These results show that, while the educational effects of arts and culture, including stage plays, are highly appreciated, performing artists themselves are interested in educational activities in local communities.


	Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > Japanese Government Policies in Education, Science, Sports and Culture 2000 > Part 1 Chapter 3 Section 4 1