Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > Japanese Government Policies in Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology 2002 >Chapter3 Section1.1

  The entire social environment, surrounding of children has been rapidly changing along with the falling rate of birth and the progress of urbanization. Phenomenal changes in society are: less opportunities and places for actual life experiences, deterioration of the educational ability of homes and the local communities, changes in communication methods and the over-flooding of information due to the spread of information-communication equipment, and more virtual reality experience opportunities. Under these circumstances, violence, bullying, and non-attendance at school of children still remain a great concern for the future. The trend of apathy is becoming more apparent among children with lack of dreams for the future combined with no sense of purpose or willingness. With an understanding of the current state of children and their thoughts, it is necessary to cultivate "Richness in Mind" in the children, who will be the main players in the next generation.