Home> FY2005 White Paper on Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology > Foreword

Foreword

		Kenji Kosaka Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

I am sure that many people are interested in the recent developments in education, science and technology, sports and culture.

In response to this interest, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) annually publishes a White Paper on Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The White Paper provides an introduction to recent trends and efforts being made by MEXT in a variety of sectors.

Human resources are truly precious in a country like Japan that does not possess natural resources. Education, therefore, is an important issue for national government as it holds the key to our nation's future. As we move forward, it is imperative that in society as a whole, including schools, families, and communities, we protect and nurture robust human resources, rich in humanity, who will lead us toward a new era.

In order that we can construct a society in which children can realize their hopes and dreams, and open up a path to the future, MEXT is promoting educational reforms designed to enhance human drive and ability. In January this year, MEXT compiled the Essential Action Plans for Educational Reform. The Action Plans were completed based on the basic concept of “providing an enriched education for all children,” with the aim of “developing strong, emotionally enriched people who can participate in the international community,” and prioritizing measures to that end.

In addition, in order to improve the educational functions of communities and families, various measures are being implemented, including efforts to promote the creation of safe and secure spaces for children in the community, and support for home education. Moreover, efforts are being promoted to protect and foster children through collaboration between schools and families and communities, including the creation of a School Management Council System, and ensuring children's safety.

The White Paper this year introduces these aforementioned developments in detail, in order to gain the understanding and cooperation of the people of Japan as we carry out these various efforts.

Amidst rapid change in global environment and socio-economy, including progress of globalization, declining birthrates and aging society, and declining populations, it is essential that we actively promote policies that aim to realize a “education and culture-oriented nation,” and a “nation based on creativity in science and technology,” looking ahead not merely to the near future, but over the next one hundred years in order to ensure that Japan can sustain its development into the future.

I will continue to make the utmost efforts to both implement educational reforms, and promote science and technology, academic learning, sports, culture and the arts.

I hope that this White Paper will be widely utilized by the people of Japan, and will help them deepen their understanding of our general policies on education, culture, sports, science and technology.

Kenji Kosaka
Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

March 2006