Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 9 Section 1 1

Spiritual affluence has become increasingly important to the Japanese people in recent years. This is reflected in a growing motivation toward cultural activities in all facets of society. Moreover, efforts to increase understanding of Japanese culture in other countries have become extremely important to Japan's development in the international community.

Over the years concern has been expressed that Japan has given first priority to the absorption of foreign culture. If Japan is to contribute to the creation of new culture in the international community, we must work to build a culture-communicating society in which individuals, communities, and nations are focused on the creation of a rich and distinctive culture through cultural interaction.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs is studying approaches to the development of a comprehensive policy for the promotion of culture from new perspectives. This task is being carried out by the Advisory Committee for Promoting Cultural Policy, which consists of experts in various fields. On June 27, 1994, the committee submitted a report titled "Promoting Cultural Policy for the Twenty-first Century," which includes specific recommendations concerning such issues as the expansion of the culture budget and the development of organizational systems, the establishment of organizations to promote culture at the local level, the expansion of human-resource development in cultural and artistic fields and the promotion of coordination and support for the many people working in artistic and cultural activities, the revitalization of creative artistic activities, the expansion of opportunities for the appreciation of art, and Japan's international cultural contribution. The Agency will actively implement a variety of measures to promote culture in line with these recommendations.