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Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE, SPORTS AND CULTURE 1996 > Foreword

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Foreword

As we approach the twenty-first century, the role of education, science, sports, and culture has taken on increasing importance, both to impart greater creativity and vitality to society and to enable individuals to enjoy fulfilling lives. The Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture (MESSC) is endeavoring to fulfill its mandate as the ministry responsible for educational administration, not only by implementing policy measures but also by constantly reviewing policies and actively undertaking reforms in response to the changing times.

A report on Government policies in education, science, sports, and culture has been published annually since fiscal 1988 to inform the public of all aspects of educational policy. Part 1 of the 1996 edition, a special feature titled "Priorities and Prospects for a Lifelong Learning Society: Increasing Diversification and Sophistication," focuses on the creation of a lifelong learning society. Building a society in which people can freely learn whatever they wish, whenever they wish, throughout their lives--a society that emphasizes not academic credentials but the accurate evaluation of all learning achievements--is extremely important in order to redress the ill effects of today's excessive emphasis on academic credentials, respond to people's growing wish to learn for personal fulfillment, and help them cope with social and economic change. In addition to explaining the measures MESSC is taking to promote lifelong learning, the special feature analyzes people's learning activities at present and discusses the challenges and prospects of a lifelong learning society.

Part 2 of the report examines key aspects of policies being implemented by MESSC in specific fields of education, science, sports, and culture.

It is my hope that this report will enhance understanding of the Government's policies concerning education, science, sports, and culture. Takashi Kosugi Minister of Education, Sicence, Sports and Culture

Dcember 1996


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