Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 1 Section 1 2

Educational administration targets a variety of intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical activities. It has a profound bearing on the day-to-day lives of all people, and many of the benefits achieved are manifested only over a long time span. Basic policy in this area must therefore be formulated in councils and other forums with the participation of people from many walks of life, taking into account a broad perspective and a long-term outlook. One characteristic of educational administration is its evolution through studies of various factors, including the following aspects.

Sweeping educational reforms were studied by the National Council on Educational Reform (1984-87), which examined issues affecting the entire spectrum of educational administration from a long-term perspective. Its report has played an extremely important role in setting the basic tone of contemporary educational administration. The Central Council for Education, the Lifelong Learning Council, and the University Council have produced reports on specific aspects of educational reform, while reports on science, culture, and sports have been submitted by the Science Council, the Council for the Protection of Cultural Properties, the Health and Physical Education Council, and other groups. In addition, a variety of reports have been produced by conferences on such themes as the reform of upper secondary education and the implementation of cultural policy.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture also participates actively in the formulation of government plans to be implemented cooperatively by multiple ministries and agencies. These include the Five-Year Plan for Improving the Quality of Life, the Basic Policy for Science and Technology, and the Action Plan for International Cultural Exchange.