Chapter 2. Towards the Enrichment and Spread of Culture
� 7 A Copyright System for a Changing Society
2. For Copyright Protection
It has been said that the cultural level of a country can be measured by the effectiveness of its copyright system and by the consciousness level of its citizens regarding copyright. As mentioned above, Japanese copyright law has undergone constant revision; however, the public's understanding of copyright is essential to effective copyright protection. Although the Japanese public's understanding of the concept of copyright seems to be increasing year by year, further efforts are required to gain a more thorough understanding and an extensive public awareness of copyright.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs holds yearly lecture meetings nationwide for librarians, prefectural officials and the general public. In cooperation with the Copyright Research and Information Center (a corporation involved in copyright system research and dissemination of copyright awareness), the Agency also publishes and distributes videotapes and pamphlets that illustrate the copyright system. Furthermore, with a view to promoting international harmonization with regard to copyright systems, the Agency has plans to hold seminars and to invite trainees for the purpose of improving the copyright systems in Asian countries (cf. 3 (2) of this section).
