(4)Japan's Participation in UNESCO

Perhaps the single most influential organization in enabling Japan to recover from the defeat and rebuild its position intentionally in the spheres of education, science, and culture has been the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (LTNESCO).

In November 1945, representatives from 44 countries gathered in London, where scenes of the wartime devastation were still vivid, and drafted and adopted the Organization's charter. The establishment of UNESCO in November 1946 as the organ of the United Nations responsible for international activities in the areas of education, science, and culture caught the imagination of many Japanese people. UNESCO seemed to provide a model for Japan in its efforts to be reborn as a peace-loving and cultured nation. Consequently, great expectations were placed upon Japan's affiliation with UNESCO as a means of reestablishing Japan in international society.

Movements to promote Japan's membership in UNESCO began among private citizens and soon cooperative associations of UNESCO supporters were formed across. the country. The first nationwide meeting of the Japan UNESCO movement was held in November 1947. As the movement gained strength, a Diet Members' Union for UNESCO was formed to lobby for Japan's affiliation. The Education Reform Committee (Kyoiku Sasshin Iinkai), the Science Council of Japan as well as many other groups supported Japan's entrance into the Organization. With this ground swell of support both from the people and the government, Japan was accepted into membership in UNESCO 10 July, 1951, prior to the formal termination of the Occupation.

The Law concerning Participation in UNESCO was promulgated in June, 1952, and with the enforcement of this Law the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO was established as an agency of the Ministry of Education in August of that year. This Commission provides advice and handles planning, communication, and studies concerning UNESCO activities in Japan. With this Commission as its center the structure of UNESCO in Japan encompasses the national government, local public bodies, educational institutes, and private organizations.

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