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

Institutional development within higher education is being promoted in accordance with what is called the "Higher Education Plan." Proposals for development of the post-1993 era of student (18 year old) population decline were delineated in the report of the University Council submitted in May 1991.

Along with the rise in Japan's international standing, the rapid pace of the technological revolution and other social and economic developments, the importance of graduate education has risen due to the demands for educating talented and excellent researchers and other professionals with highly specialized knowledge and technical skills. It follows that upgrading and enhancing the nation's graduate schools has become a major policy issue.

From this standpoint, the University Council has made various proposals on how graduate education should be developed, and based on these proposals, necessary amendments were made in the system of graduate schools in July of 1991. Also in 1992, in terms of funding, 1)improvements in and creation of new graduate departments and majors principally in frontier and interdisciplinary fields of study in accordance with recent academic development trends and social needs; 2)along with carrying out priority improvements in education and research systems (with emphasis on graduate schools,) the Ministry implemented measures for increasing the level of sophistication of research and education such as increasing the unit cost per student and professor and new measures for special funding to promote higher level research fields and improving frontier research facilities at graduate schools as well as enhancing both the Fellowship Program for Young Japanese Researchers (operated by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) and Japan Scholarship Foundation programs for improving conditions for graduate students.

In addition, attempts to deal with the smoother awarding of degrees as well as revisions and measures related to educational content and methods at all graduate schools are being seen such as: 1)implementation of evening graduate schools and a system for providing both day and evening classes; 2)making entrance qualifications for graduate school more flexible and; 3)allowing outstanding students to graduate early. Hereafter through the positive application of a further renewed system and the introduction of self-monitoring/self evaluation systems, the development of active research and education programs is expected.

(1) The development of national universities is being promoted with respect to the current financial situation and according to deliberations of the University Council. Improvements are being carried out with priority given to the most urgent issues. In addition to active promotion of enriching the funding for education and research these include: 1)adjusting to the demands of current university reform such as overall curriculum improvements at each university; 2)priority improvements in graduate schools; 3)improvement of the organization whereby it can adopt training systems for personnel in fields where social demand is high such as enhancement of nurses training and other fields; 4)increasing the number of university places to cope with the rise in the 18 year old population and the numbers of college applicants; 5)promotion of scientific research; 6)acceptance of international students, coping with the demand for lifelong learning and cooperating with local communities. In the implementation of these development plans, reorganization and restructuring of the existing systems is encouraged.

(2) Local public universities are conducting educational and research activities to meet the progressively diverse and advanced demands of communities, and private universities are conducting activities based upon their founding philosophy and principles. The Ministry has endeavored to help local public and private universities develop through the use of subsidies and other means.

(3) On the basis of proposals made by the consultative committee, the Ministry is taking necessary steps for the enrichment of medical and dental education. For the training of medical technicians, the Ministry has been promoting the establishment of universities, colleges and junior colleges with a view towards securing a sufficient numbers of technicians possessing a wide range of knowledge and advanced technical skills. The Ministry will continue to endeavor to support this kind of training while considering societal demands.

(4) As to training personnel in science and engineering to support the nations' science and technology; along with formulating promotional policies focusing on qualitative and quantitative improvements, the Ministry will be particularly encouraging the training of personnel in accordance with the need for education and research in frontier technology fields giving priority to graduate schools.

(5) For colleges of technology, the Ministry is promoting the updating and reorganization of existing courses and the establishment of new courses in order to train technicians in fields where social demand is high. Also in accordance with the reports of the University Council, the Ministry has made necessary revisions in the system for establishing advanced courses and departments outside of the fields of engineering and mercantile marine.

(6) Special training schools, as practical institutions of vocational and technological education, offer learning opportunities corresponding to diversified needs. Taking into account the important roles special training schools play, the Ministry is implementing various measures for their enhancement.

(7) In regard to facilities and equipment at national universities and other institutions; in order to solve the problem of superannuated and overcrowded facilities and improve the education and research environment, the Ministry has conducted restoration and renovation works including special activities for improving facilities starting in 1992. Also the Ministry is actively promoting the establishment of New Universities, important basic research facilities, international exchange facilities, and renovation, relocation or integration of university campuses.