overview of the ministry of education, culture, sports ... · 2 , , , contents 4 organization of...

http://www.mext.go.jp/

Overview of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology� 2

CONTENTS 4 Organization of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology （MEXT）

Chronology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology （MEXT）

Introduction of the Bureaus

6 Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau ● EDUCATION

8 Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau ● EDUCATION

12 Higher Education Bureau ● EDUCATION

14 Science and Technology Policy Bureau ● SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

16 Research Promotion Bureau ● SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

18 Research and Development Bureau ● SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

20 Japan Sports Agency ● SPORTS

22 Agency for Cultural Affairs ● CULTURE

24 Minister's Secretariat ／ Director-General for International Affairs

25 Department of Facilities Planning and Administration

26 Glossary

30 Statistics

34 Introduction of Related Independent Administrative Institutions

35 Map and Directory

This brochure is available on the following website：http://www.mext.go.jp/en/about/pablication/index.htm

� Ministry�of�Education,�Culture,�Sports,�Science�and�Technology 3

E D U C A T I O N教　育

C U LT U R E文　　化

S P O R T Sスポーツ

S C I E N C E &T E C H N O L O G Y科学技術・学術


Chronology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology （MEXT）1871 Ministry of Education established1872 Promulgation of the school system1947 The Basic Act on Education, School Education Law, enacted1949 Scientific Technical Administration Committee established1950 Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties enacted; Protection of Cultural Properties Committee established （external

bureau of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports Science and Technology）

1956 Science and Technology Agency established （external bureau of the Prime Minister’s Office）1959 Council for Science and Technology Policy established1961 Sports Promotion Law enacted1964 Tokyo Olympics held1968 Agency for Cultural Affairs established （merging of the Protection of Cultural Properties Committee and the Ministry of

Education Cultural Affairs Bureau）

1972 Sapporo Olympics held1984 National Council on Education Reform established （to 1987）1995 Science and Technology Basic Law enacted1996 First Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated （to FY2000）1998 Nagano Olympics held2000 Basic Plan for the Promotion of Sports formulated （to FY2011）

Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau

Science and Technology Policy Bureau

Director-General for International Affairs

Deputy Ministers （2）

Minister's Secretariat

Personnel Division Policy Planning and Coordination Division

Elementary and Secondary Education Planning Division

Financial Affairs Division

School Curriculum Division

Student Affairs Division

Early Childhood Education Division

Special Needs Education Division

International Education Division

Textbook Division

Health Education and Shokuiku Division

Educational Personnel Division

School Management Support Division

Higher Education Policy Planning Division

University Promotion Division

Technical Education Division

Medical Education Division

Student Support and Exchange Division

National University Corporation Support

Division

Policy Division

Planning and Evaluation Division

Knowledge Infrastructure Policy Division

Research and Development Infrastructure Division

University-Industry Collaboration and Regional

R&D Division

Private Education Institution Administration Division

Private Education Institution Aid Division

Private Education Institution Management Division

Management and Coordination Division

Lifelong Learning Promotion Division

Facilities Planning Division

Budget and Accounts Division

Education Media and Information Policy Division

Local Facilities Aid Division

Policy Division Social Education Division

Youth Education Division

National Facilities Division

International Affairs Division

Gender Equality Learning Division

Coordination and Community Affairs Division

Technical Affairs Division

Department of Facilities Planning and Administration

Higher Education Bureau

Private Education Institution Department

Minister

State Ministers（2）

Parliamentary Vice-Ministers （2）

（Administrative） Vice Minister


2001 MEXT established （merging of the Ministry of Education, Science Sports and Culture and the Science and Technology Agency as a result of the reorganization of central government ministries and agencies） Fundamental Law for the Promotion of Culture and the Arts enactedSecond Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated （to FY2005）

2002 First Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts formulated （to FY2006）Five-day week system implemented for schools

2006 Third Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated （to FY2010）Revision of the Basic Act on Education enacted

2007 Second Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts formulated （to FY2010）2008 First Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education formulated （to FY2012）2011 Third Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts formulated （to FY2015）

Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated （to FY2015）Basic Act on Sport enacted

2012 Sport Basic Plan formulated2013 Second Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education formulated （to FY2017）2015 Fourth Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts formulated （to FY2020）

Japan Sports Agency established （external bureau of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology）2016 Fifth Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated （to FY2020）

Organization of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology （MEXT）（as of September 1, 2016）

MEXT Staff Members Ministry Japan Sports

AgencyAgency for

Cultural Affairs

2,090 1,739 121 230

Research Promotion Bureau Research and Development Bureau

Japan Sports Agency

Promotion Policy Division

Basic Research Promotion Division

Scientific Research Institutes Division

Scientific Research Aid Division

Life Sciences Division

Information Division

Materials Science and Nanotechnology Development Division

Research and Development Policy Division

Earthquake and Disaster-Reduction Research Division

Ocean and Earth Division

Environment and Energy Division

Space Development and Utilization Division

Atomic Energy Division

Nuclear Liability Division

Policy Division

National Institute for Educational Policy

Research

The Japan Academy

Sports for Health Division

National Institute of Science and Technology

Policy

The Headquarters for Earthquake Research

Promotion

Japanese National Commission for

UNESCO

Competitive Sports Division


Olympic and Paralympic Games Division

Community Development Division

Sport Organizations Support and Private-Sector

Cooperation Division

Organs under MEXT jurisdiction

Special Institutions

Commissioner’s Secretariat

Cultural Affairs Department

Cultural Properties Department

Special Institutions

Agency for Cultural Affairs

Policy Planning and Coordination Division

Arts and Culture Division

Traditional Culture Division

The Japan Art Academy

Copyright Division

Japanese Language Division

Fine Arts Division


Religious Affairs Division

Monuments and Sites Division

Architecture and Other Structures

Division


Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau

Creating a society in which people of all ages, from children to adults, can learn and apply their newfound skills anytime, anywhere

MEXT examines the basic direction of education policy by planning and drafting basic educational policies, works to promote education in which schools, families and communities collaborate, enhances specialized training colleges, libraries and museums, etc. addresses child poverty, facilitates education and learning for gender equality, advances the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in school education, and promotes sound development of youth.

Promotion of Educational Reform

Education must aim to create a rich and fulfilling life for everyone and a secure society with continuous growth. Investment in education must be enhanced as a national strategy, as it is an investment in our future. In order to realize this, MEXT examines policies to secure educational finances and works to gain public understanding of the effects and necessity of educational investment.

In June 2013, a Cabinet decision was made on a vision for future educational policy based on the Basic Act on Education, and the Second Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education was adopted.

The Second Basic Plan shows an educational vision based on the three principles of ‘Independence’, ‘Collaboration’, and ‘Creativity’ and sets four basic policy directions such as developing social competencies for survival. In April 2016, after MEXT consulted the Central Council for Education※ about developing the Third Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education scheduled to kick off in FY2018, the Council began discussions on the Third Basic Plan.

Based on the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education, MEXT promotes educational reform with reference to proposals and discussions by the Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding※ as well as reports and discussions by the Central Council for Education.

A member of the local community teaching children about growing vegetables during a Living Environment Studies class

（Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture/Kiyosu City Council for Promoting School, Family, and Community Partnerships）

Realizing Education in which Schools, Families and Communities join together in Collaboration and Cooperation

● PromotingcollaborationandcooperationbetweencommunitiesandschoolsWorking in light of the Plan for the Creation of “Next

Generation Schools and Communities”※ （January, 25, 2016）, MEXT implements “Community Cooperation Activities for Learning and Education” that involve the entire community in fostering children who are the torch bearers of our future. These activities are designed to encourage a diverse range of community members to participate in collaboration and cooperation between schools and communities for community development through education, local studies, Chiiki Mirai Juku

（community-based learning support for junior and senior high school students requiring learning assistance）, After-school Classes for Children and Saturday educational activities, and more.

EDUC AT IONPolicy Planning and Coordination Division



Social Education Division





� E D U C A T I O N● Improvingeducational functionsathome throughstrongtieswiththecommunityMEXT supports voluntary initiatives in local communities so

that parents can receive information and take classes on home education and have a place to go for consultation. MEXT is working to establish ways to help households that are difficult to reach but in need of home educational assistance. It is doing this through household visits by home education support teams comprised of community members, as well as the national

“Early to Bed, Early to Rise, and Don’t Forget Your Breakfast” campaign※ in collaboration with civic groups to improve children’s basic lifestyles. This campaign aims to increase public awareness on the importance of basic lifestyles.

Providing a Diversity of Lifelong Learning Opportunities

In order to enhance lifelong learning opportunities, it is necessary to secure various learning opportunities through school education, social education and home education. MEXT works to enhance the curriculum provided by the Open University of Japan which offers people a university education at home, advance Specialized Training Colleges※ which provide practical vocational education, and enhance community learning sites such as libraries, museums and citizens’ public halls. MEXT also advances measures to provide all children with the opportunity to receive a high quality education including those living in poverty.

In addition, MEXT administers the Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination※ that is designed to make higher education opportunities widely available to the public, assists young people, women and adults aiming to enhance their career development skills, and looks into ways to provide them with childcare support. In addition, MEXT promotes private certification examinations, etc. that help people put the skills they have learned to use.

Steady Promotion of ICT in Education

The utilization of Information Communication Technology （ICT） in schools stimulates children’s interest in learning and helps to create classes that are easy for children to follow. In addition to traditional classroom learning, ICT helps realizes children’s voluntary, interactive, and in-depth learning （active learning） by providing education suited to every individual’s strengths and potential, in addition to facilitating collaborative education, in which children teach and learn from each other. MEXT promotes ICT in education under the plan to accelerate ICT （developed July 29, 2016） with a focus on utilizing ICT in the Courses of Study and special needs education, improving teachers’ ability to use ICT for instructional purposes, developing children’s information literacy, and promoting utilization of ICT for school administrative works, and enhancing information ethics education.

Children using a tablet for class activities

Promoting Sound Development of Youth

MEXT promotes various experience-based learning activities including international exchanges to foster richness in humanity and a spirit of cooperativeness that are needed to survive in today’s society. In addition, the “National Institution for Youth Education” which has 28 youth education facilities nationwide provides experience-based learning activities and supports private entities engaged in youth education.

MEXT also advances youth protection measures by collaborating with related agencies and organizations to prevent youth involvement in crime by exposure to illegal and harmful information online.

MEXT supports efforts to establish an environment that promotes children’s independent reading activities based on the May 2013 Cabinet decision, “The Third Basic Plan to Promote Children’s Reading.” MEXT also supports enhancing public awareness on the importance of reading centered on Children’s Reading Day, annually observed on April 23rd.

In response to the revision to the Public Offices Election Act, MEXT also examines ways to help students develop the skills citizens need and promotes voter education.

Children’s Reading Day poster

※Further explanations included on 26 page（Glossary）

Policy Planning and Coordination Division



Social Education Division





Elementary and Secondary Education BureauPlanning Educational Enhancements from Preschool through Elementary, Lower and Upper Secondary school or Equivalent school to foster high-level academics and normative consciousness

MEXT strives to develop education that gives all children a competency, which focuses on the overall balance among academic ability, richness in humanity and health and a sound body, and promotes fostering global individuals who will lead society in the future. MEXT also works to maintain and enhance the national educational level by improving teacher quality and constructing the necessary teaching frameworks for educators.

Cultivating a “Competency （Ikiru chikara）” ※

MEXT established the National Curriculum Standards as a broad standard for each school to organize school curriculums to ensure a fixed standard of education throughout the country.

The current National Curriculum Standards revised in 2008 and 2009 aim to nurture in children “competency”. This revision enhances educational contents and increases the number of classes in order that children acquire fundamental knowledge and skills, foster the ability to think, make decisions and express themselves to solve problems by using acquired knowledge and skills, cultivate motivations to learn, and foster good study habits.

In order to enable the smooth implementation of the Courses of Study, MEXT also establishes and ensures administrative systems, educational facilities, and the quality and quantity of textbooks.

Moreover, the National Curriculum Standards were partially changed and the former morals class was positioned as special subject: Morality. MEXT is promoting various measures to drastically improve and enrich moral education.

In FY2007, MEXT implemented the National Assessment of Academic Ability in mathematics, Japanese and science

（which was added in FY2012 and FY2015） for students in the sixth year of elementary school and the third year of lower secondary school. The results are being utilized to promote measures to improve educational policies and classroom teaching nationwide.

The National Curriculum Standards have been under deliberation by the Central Council for Education since November 2014. The council is discussing revisions to the National Curriculum Standards suitable for a new era with the aim of realizing a “curriculum open to society.” In addition to

identifying competencies that will be required in the future, the council works on implementing proactive, interactive, and deep learning （improving classes from the perspective of active learning）, reassessing subjects, and enhancing curriculum management as well as learning assessment.

Improving the Quality and Ability of Teachers

The quality and ability of school educators has a significant effect on the enhancement of children’s education and must therefore be improved.

Teachers must take pride in their vital task of helping to create a society and nation full of vitality, while devoting themselves to high professional aspirations. In today’s complicated and diverse environment, teachers must possess the technical and practical skills to correspond to a variety of issues including improving school classes in terms of incorporating active learning, enhancing English education with globalization in mind, dealing with school bullying, and enhancing special needs education.

EDUC AT IONElementary and Secondary Education Planning Division

Financial Affairs Division

School Curriculum Division

Student Affairs Division

Early Childhood Education Division

Special Needs Education Division

International Education Division

Textbook Division

Health Education and Shokuiku Division

Educational Personnel Division

School Management Support Division


� E D U C A T I O NMEXT aims to steadily advance unified reforms to train,

employ and develop teachers to acquire the necessary technical and practical teaching skills. MEXT supports the development of professional skills throughout a teacher’s career by reexamining teacher training relating to new educational issues, reviews measures to secure outstanding teachers, enhances current training programs, and supports management training and measures to enhance teaching graduate schools.

Constructing Necessary Teaching Frameworks for Educators

Every Japanese citizen is guaranteed an equal opportunity to receive compulsory education. In order to maintain standard compulsory education, the law stipulates important factors within the school educational environment including the number of students per class and teacher placement. Moreover, as elementary, lower and upper secondary public school teachers are regarded as public servants, the government shoulders one-third of school teachers’ salaries based on the National Treasury’s Share for Compulsory Education Expenditure System.

Through this system, MEXT promotes the reform and enhancement of teacher training systems for school education including compulsory education while comprehensively assessing the efficacy of its policies with a diversity of purposes and means of education in mind.

In addition, there are various problems that teachers have difficulty in dealing with on their own in today’s school, as the environment surrounding children has become more complicated and diverse, and the social demand for improving the quality of school education has been increasing. Therefore, based on the “team gakkou （School as a Team）” idea, by appointing staff with diverse expertise, adding to teachers already placed in each school, and establishing organizations where the teachers and staff share a wide variety of work, we are aiming to improve the educational function of school, and to realize education that corresponds to the needs of each child.

Tuition Support for High School Students

MEXT provides financial support to reduce educational costs so that all aspiring high school students can securely receive an education regardless of their financial situation. These financial supports include High School Tuition Support Fund System that covers tuition fee and High School Supplemental Scholarship System for lower-income households that grants other related expenses.

Assisting School Management

MEXT promotes the development of schools in partnership with the community, which utilizes the strengths of guardians and the community through Community Schools※ （School Management Council System） and school evaluations. It also implements initiatives designed to reduce long working hours for teachers and ensures that they have more time to spend with students.

Dealing with Problem Behavior such as Bullying, Prohibiting Physical Punishment, and Promoting Career Education

●DealingwithproblembehaviorMEXT encourages the early detection of and response

to problem behavior such as bullying by promoting moral education, sufficient hands-on experience activities, preventive measures, counseling systems, and collaboration between related organizations.● ProhibitingPhysicalPunishment

The School Education Law strictly prohibits physical punishment. MEXT works to spread thorough awareness of prohibiting physical punishment by carrying out fact finding surveys on physical punishment and to highlight the differences between disciplinary action and physical punishment using specific case studies.● PromotingCareerEducationandDevelopment

MEXT promotes career education to foster the necessary skills for children to lead independent lives. Knowledge of entrepreneurial experience and reviving regional communities have come to be regarded as important perspectives.



E D U C A T I O NPromoting Special Needs Education

Special needs education for students with disabilities aims to fully develop students’ capabilities, independence and social participation upon consideration of the educational needs of every individual. In order to build an inclusive education system as proposed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, MEXT promotes special needs education by providing students with appropriate guidance, educational materials, assistive devices, and necessary support in diverse places including classes for special needs education, special support service in resource rooms※, regular classes （these are in regular schools） and schools for special needs education according to every individual’s specific disabilities.

Student using a percussion device placed under foot （partial revision of photo from research report provided by National Institute of Special Education）

Nurturing Global Individuals

With the advance of globalization, it is necessary to foster global individuals in the early stages of elementary school as well as lower and upper secondary school who excel in language, communication skills, subjectivity and understanding towards different cultures. MEXT comprehensively strives to （1）strengthen English language education, （2）establish Super Global High Schools（SGH）, （3）promote overseas study and international exchange opportunities for upper secondary school students, （4）enhance the education of Japanese children overseas, and enhance the education of Japanese children returning from overseas as well as foreign children in Japan.

Japanese students interacting with students from an overseas sister school（source: Hiroshima Board of Education）

Promoting Early Childhood Education

Early childhood is a crucial period that builds the base for lifelong character formation. As such, it is important that every young child is provided with quality preschool education. MEXT strives to; （1）upgrade educational content for kindergartens implementing the Courses of Study for Kindergartens, （2）alleviate the economic burden for guardians by phasing in free preschool education programs, and （3）enhance support for families and communities during early childhood education. Revisions to the Courses of Study for early childhood education have been under discussion by the Central Council for Education since November 2016.

Moreover, in order to respond to the various needs of regional communities, MEXT is working to facilitate the establishment of centers for early childhood education and care which comprehensively provide education and childcare to preschool children as well as childcare assistance to parents.

In addition, a new children and child-rearing support system started in April 2015, which aims to provide children and households with early childhood education and care, as well as childcare support by the community. A joint payment （facility-type payment） system has been established among centers for early childhood care, kindergartens and nursery schools; improvements have been made to the center for early childhood education and care system; and childcare assistance has been enhanced to correspond to the community’s circumstances.

Enhancing School Textbooks

School textbooks play an important role as the main learning material of subjects used in classes at school and studying at home to advance children’s learning. Textbooks do a great deal to ensure a child’s equal opportunity to receive an education. In order to maintain and improve national education standards, they must be used in elementary, lower and upper secondary schools, and special needs schools, etc.

Japan has introduced the textbook authorization system. All textbooks written and edited by private publishers are authorized in accordance with the National Curriculum Standards and Textbook Authorization Standards. Boards of education, etc. then decide which textbooks to adopt from among authorized textbooks. Moreover, Japan has adopted free supply of textbooks※ which is implemented to further disseminate free compulsory education, and has promoted special course textbooks such as enlarged textbooks so that students with disabilities can learn sufficiently.


� E D U C A T I O NPromoting a Flexible Education System Suitable for a New Era

● Promoting integrated elementary and lowersecondaryeducationSince the Act for Partial Amendment of the School

Education Act went into effect on April 1, 2016, a new type of “Compulsory Education School” has been established to promote a diverse and flexible school education system.

Compulsory Education Schools are institutions comprising grades 1 through 9 that provide consistent basic education at the elementary and lower secondary levels. Each school is staffed with a principal and faculty members who have teaching licenses for both elementary and lower secondary education.

In addition, MEXT institutionalized an integrated-type elementary and lower secondary school in order to allow independent elementary and lower secondary schools to carry out integrated education as do Compulsory Education Schools.

MEXT will provide support so that school administrators can effectively and efficiently implement measures to integrate elementary and lower secondary school education by offering support in assessing the number of necessary teachers and organizing facilities. MEXT will adopt comprehensive policies by actively gathering and analyzing information on model examples of integrated elementary and lower secondary schools.

● Securinglearningopportunitiesfor individualswhohavenotcompletedcompulsoryeducationEvening classes at public junior high schools are

established for individuals unable for various reasons to complete compulsory education. Evening classes also play a crucial role in providing foreigners who have not completed compulsory education in their countries with the opportunity to secure work. Evening classes are also expected to serve as an educational opportunity for children who were absent for a considerable part of their lower secondary education due to reasons such as refusing to attend school or abuse and who wish to reeducate themselves from the lower secondary school level.

MEXT is promoting the establishment of at least one evening scool in each prefecture. MEXT will continue to promote the establishment of Evening classes for prefectures that do not have such programs through model projects, in addition to advancing the creation of environments that support students entering and attending Evening classes.

Enriching School Health Education

In order to realize the sound growth of children both in body and in mind, it is essential to advance measures to enhance school safety, food education, school lunches and school health.

There is a pressing need to secure school safety with the various dangers faced by children today including traffic accidents during the commute to and from school, natural disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, and safety threats caused by suspicions persons. Based on the Plan to Promote School Safety decided by the Cabinet in April 2012, MEXT strives to ensure school safety by promoting collaboration among schools and the community which aims to protect children’s safety, and promote safety education so that children can act safely by themselves.

Moreover, as an increasing number of children today have adopted unhealthy eating habits resulting in many who are overweight or underweight, MEXT advances food education headed by school nutritionists to equip children with the correct knowledge of food and diet, utilizes locally produced ingredients in school lunches, promotes rice-based school lunches and thorough hygiene management.

Moreover, in order to correspond to children’s increasingly diverse and complicated health issues including food allergies and mental health, MEXT assists schools in organizing a school health system, and promotes measures that advance collaboration with the local community. MEXT also promotes health education covering tobacco and substance abuse as well as sex education so that children will maintain their health throughout their lives.

Students creating a community disaster prevention map（source: Saitama Education Council）



EDUC AT ION

Higher Education BureauPlanning promotion of higher education focusing on undergraduate and graduate schools

MEXT pursues various policies to promote higher education.MEXT grants permission for the establishment of universities, junior colleges, and colleges of technology; assures the quality of education through teacher evaluations; supports university education reform; and fosters the development of high-level professionals. At the same time, MEXT performs administration for the selection of student admission, student support, internationalization of universities and foreign student exchanges, and the invigoration of incorporated national universities. In addition, it promotes private schools through tax incentives, subsidies and administrative guidance and advice.

Improving Undergraduate and Graduate Schools

● PromotingmeasuresforfutureuniversityeducationJapan is now confronted with various domestic issues

including declining birthrates and an increasingly aging society. At the same time, the nation must also grapple with the drastic societal changes of globalization and a knowledge-based society. Against this backdrop, universities will play an extremely important and diverse role for the nation’s well-being and socio-economic development by nurturing human resources possessing a broad range of knowledge and a high level of expertise, in addition to being able to solve society’s various problems through a variety of research methods. Universities also serve as a base for the revitalization of local communities and must actively lead society in the creation and dissemination of new knowledge and values.

In order to respond to the nation’s needs, MEXT strives to ensure the execution of university reform in order to realize university education of the highest international standards while considering the proposals and deliberations made by the Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding and the Central Council for Education.●Qualityassuranceofuniversityeducation

As universities aim to foster the diverse knowledge needed to function in the 21st century, the quality of undergraduate education must first be reformed to foster students’ subjective thinking and learning. The Central Council for Education has also proposed the need for qualitative changes in university education. In order to ensure the quality of university education from admission to graduation, the council has developed and introduced three integrated policies （diploma, curriculum, and admission policies） in addition to proposing evaluation system reforms. Moreover, the final report of the Council for Reform on the System of Articulation of High School and University has addressed specific measures for making integrated changes to high school and university education as well as to selection of university entrants.

Working against this backdrop, MEXT is examining further measures and working to reform the current system and regulations, etc. At the same time, it is working to secure the budget needed to guarantee and enhance the quality of university education through various initiatives, including reforming the smooth transition from high school to university.● Enhancinggraduateeducation

MEXT strives to enrich and enhance graduate education by advancing implementation of the Program for Leading Graduate Schools. This program aims to significantly reform university education by nurturing leaders active across various fields in industry, academia and government.

● Supportingeducational reformofnational,publicandprivateuniversitiesIn order to solve policy issues in need of swift correspondence

by higher educational institutions such as strengthening the quality and functions of university education, MEXT strives to advance the development of innovative and pioneering educational research programs along with supporting measures to establish education research bases in a competitive environment whether for national, public, or private schools.● Nationaluniversity reformdealingwithsociety’sdemandsSince the incorporation of national universities in April

2004, each national university corporation has been taking advantage of being incorporated. Measures have been advanced to strengthen the functions of each university’s founding principles and characteristics. Amid today’s rapid socioeconomic changes, it is anticipated that national universities will actively contribute to further advance Japan’s growth and development.

Since the November 2013 formulation of the National

EDUC AT IONHigher Education Policy Planning Division





National University Corporation Support Division





Student-led group work in a program for leading graduate school


� E D U C A T I O NUniversity Reform Plan, MEXT has been working on enhancing the functions of national universities, making the last three years of the period for second medium-term objectives a period of accelerated reform. In June 2015, the National University Management Strategy was developed to enable national universities to serve as an engine of social evolution and boost their role in adding to our body of knowledge. With the commencement of the period for the third medium-term objectives in FY2016, MEXT continues to build on past initiatives aimed at enhancing the functions of national universities while hammering out further reforms that will give them an even more vital role to play.● Fosteringhigh-levelprofessionalsandtechnicians

Universities train advanced professionals with highly specialized knowledge and skills based on the needs of various industries. In the medical-related field, for example, MEXT works to foster outstanding medical doctors who aspire to work in regional medical care and outstanding medical researchers who work on creating future medicine, who are able to respond to society’s rapid medical needs. In the veterinary field, MEXT works to foster outstanding veterinarians who work to improve animal and public hygiene.

Professional graduate schools assume a leadership role in various areas of society, providing graduate courses

（professional degrees） which specialize in fostering highly-specialized professionals who will be active internationally. These schools have been established to train professionals in the fields of law （University Law Schools）, education

（Teaching Profession Graduate School）, accounting, business management, management of technology （MOT） and public policy.

Colleges of technology are institutions of higher education which provide specialized education with an emphasis on experimentation and practical training over a period of five years for students who have completed junior high school education. These colleges foster practical and creative technicians who represent the backbone of manufacturing.

MEXT is also working to institutionalize higher education for practical vocational training.

Scholarship Programs

Scholarship programs are important educational measures for the goals of equal educational opportunity and human resource development. They are broadly implemented by various organizations including the Japan Student Services Organization （JASSO）.

JASSO provides scholarship programs for exemplary students who have difficulty getting an education due to financial reasons. The programs offer interest-free scholarship loans and low-interest scholarship loans.

From FY2016, MEXT has extended the program to provide interest-free scholarship loans to a maximum 6,000 new applicants. Scholarship loans are increasingly shifting from low-interest scholarship loans to interest-free scholarship loans. Moreover, MEXT is working on designing a detailed system ahead of implementation of the scholarship loan system combined with an income-contingent repayment scheme, in which the amount of monthly repayment is linked to the individual’s income after graduation. MEXT is accelerating efforts to design the specifics of the system as well as develop necessary information systems, etc., all with an eye to

enhancing scholarship loan programs for university and other students.

Promoting Private Schools

Japan’s private schools carry out unique educational and research activities in the spirit of their founding and play an important role in Japanese school education. Seventy percent of university and junior college students, 30 percent of upper secondary school students and 80 percent of kindergarteners go to private schools in Japan. MEXT works to promote the stable and continuous management of private schools through measures including subsidies focused mainly on operating costs, loans through the Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private Schools of Japan, tax incentives and support for administrative guidance and improvement.

Promoting the Internationalization of Universities and Two-way Student Exchange

The world is rapidly globalizing in various aspects, and giving people the skills needed to play an active role in the international arena is becoming increasingly important. Playing a vital role in developing highly capable human resources, Japanese universities are strongly expected to work on internationalizing their education and research environments and promoting two-way student exchanges.

MEXT is moving ahead with the Top Global University Project, which is designed to support universities that are making an all-out effort to open their doors to the rest of the world through collaboration with overseas universities, as well as the Inter-University Exchange Project, which provides support to collaborative programs with universities in strategically important countries and regions while assuring the quality of higher education, and so on.

There were approximately 22,000 exchange agreements between Japanese and foreign universities in 2013. An increasing number of universities have established systematic and continuous programs by collaborating with foreign universities through credit transfer and double degree programs.

MEXT is also working to create the Asian Higher Education Community and promote interaction among students in the region through discussion and development of guidelines for ASEAN countries, Japan, China and South Korea.

As of May 2015, there were approximately 208,000 international students studying at Japanese universities, etc. while approximately 55,000 Japanese students went abroad to study in 2013.

Moreover, through the “TOBITATE！ Young Ambassador Program,” MEXT aims to double the number of Japanese students studying abroad, and the number of international students studying in Japan by the 2020 Olympics. MEXT is also working on promotion of the strategic acceptance of outstanding international students.

Higher Education Policy Planning Division





National University Corporation Support Division





Send-off party for 4th TOBITATE！ Young Ambassador Program participants


Science and Technology Policy BureauCreating Necessary Frameworks for Continuous Innovation

MEXT plans and proposes basic policies to realize continuous innovation in science and technology. MEXT implements cross-sectoral initiatives in line with its science and technology innovation policies, including conducting research and assessments on science and technology and developing human resources in science and technology, from students to leading researchers and engineers. MEXT also strategically promotes international activities in science and technology areas and collaboration among university, industry, and government; advances science and technology in regional areas; and works on improving, sharing and creating research platforms for research and development infrastructure.

Planning and Proposals for Basic Policies on Science and Technology

MEXT comprehensively promotes science and technology based on the Fifth Science and Technology Basic Plan

（FY2016-FY2020） with an aim to becoming the world’s most innovative country. Based on this plan, the Science and Technology Policy Bureau plans, formulates, and implements science, technology and innovation policies which aim to realize sustainable growth and the advancement of society. Moreover, the bureau has established the Council for Science and Technology, and examines and broadly deliberates such important policies. The council actively contributes to the implementation of the Basic Plan by looking at overall progress with the plan and providing feedback.

Research and Assessment on Science and Technology Policy

MEXT investigates and analyzes domestic and international trends in science and technology. MEXT also works on enhancing policies and plans based on objective evidence by promoting “science for re-designing science, technology and innovation policies” （SciREX）. In addition, MEXT formulates

“Guidelines for Evaluation of Research and Development in MEXT” and implements R&D evaluation according to the guidelines. MEXT also promotes the establishment and improvement of efforts on R&D evaluation. Moreover, based on the Science and Technology Basic Law, MEXT annually compiles science and technology related policies implemented by the government to prepare the annual report on the

promotion of science and technology （White Paper on Science and Technology） which is submitted to the National Diet.

Teams from different prefectures across Japan competing in the 5th Japan High School Science Championships （source：Japan Science and Technology Agency）

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYPolicy Division




University-Industry Collaboration and Regional R&D Division


� S C I E N C E & T E C H N O L O G YNurturing Human Resources in Science and Technology related Fields

As Japan has entered an age of depopulation, falling birthrates, and an aging society, the nation must foster and secure various human resources working in science and technology innovation in order for the nation to continue growing and creating new values. While expanding the range of people working in the science and technology-related fields, MEXT also works to advance fostering outstanding researchers by systematically promoting the cultivation of human resources at each educational stage during elementary, lower and upper secondary school, as well as higher education, in addition to continue fostering those who have received doctoral degrees. MEXT also encourages measures to advance the active participation in society of various individuals including young, female, foreign researchers, research assistants and professional engineers while promoting research integrity.

Strategic Promotion of International Activities in Science and Technology

MEXT promotes science and technology collaborations with various countries and with international organizations. MEXT also promotes international research initiatives for science and technology diplomacy which combines Japan’s cutting-edge science and technology with diplomacy to address global issues. Furthermore MEXT promotes the international exchange of researchers by dispatching Japanese researchers and accepting foreign researchers with the aim of building an international research network.

Gene analysis experiment on rice conducted under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development （SATREPS） project：“Rice Farming Research for Tailor-made Growing and Cultivation Technology Development” （partner country：Kenya）

Establishing a Systemic Virtuous Cycle of Human Resources, Knowledge, and Capital for Innovation

Establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of human resources, knowledge, and capital is vital to sparking the innovation that will help Japan grow and revitalize university education and research. To this end, MEXT works to promote collaborative research among government, industry and academia; assists universities in establishing university/industry collaborative research and development platforms; facilitates the creation of university-originated ventures; fosters entrepreneurship; and implements projects focusing on strategic use of intellectual properties, etc. Establishing a system of innovation that will propel “Regional Revitalization” forward is essential to creating

new products and services that highlight regional specialties as well as enhancing the value of existing industries. To this end, MEXT supports community-based efforts to create innovation in science and technology.

Enhancing Research and Development Infrastructure

In order to produce cutting-edge research outcomes, the research facilities, equipment and devices used by researchers, which are the foundation upon which their research and development （R&D） rests, must be maintained at the latest international standards. MEXT works on maintaining and upgrading large research facilities such as SPring-8 （large synchrotron radiation facility）, SACLA （X-ray free-electron laser facility）, and J-PARC （high intensity neutron beam facility）, and promoting their shared use by government, industry, and academia. In addition, MEXT promotes R&D along with the application of state-of-the-art measurement analysis technologies and equipment as well as quantum beam technologies, which are not only fundamental but instrumental to R&D in a wide range of fields.

In light of the increasing importance of quantum science and technology in creating scientific and technological innovations, the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology was launched in April 2016 to serve as a catalyst for making further advancements in the field.

MEXT is also moving ahead with a project aimed at realizing the “Universal Future Society” through leading-edge robotics-based technologies in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

SPring-8 （right）/SACLA （left）（source：RIKEN）

Artist’s rendering of the Universal Future Society （illustrated by Tenjin）

Policy Division




University-Industry Collaboration and Regional R&D Division


Research Promotion BureauPromoting Academic and Basic Research in Universities, and advancing Science and Technology corresponding to Policy Issues

MEXT advances policies to promote academic research originating from researchers’creative ideas by assisting research organizations and providing research grants.MEXT also promotes research in the fields of life sciences, information technology, nanotechnology and materials, and particle and nuclear physics. Moreover, MEXT promotes basic research aimed at practical application, while working to improve research facilities including research infrastructure and equipment and advancing their utilization in a variety of fields.

Promoting Academic and Basic Research

Academic and basic research are the foundation for opening new knowledge frontiers and the source of stimulating innovation, and contribute to the expansion of intellectual assets shared by all of humanity. MEXT works to promote academic research to generate a diversity of knowledge based on creative ideas. MEXT aims for sure measures of basic research funds supporting academic research and works to expand the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research （KAKENHI） and review the screening system, while actively implementing institutional reforms such as establishing a fund which allows multiple-year appropriations of research funds. Moreover, MEXT promotes major international research projects to facilitate brain circulation and develop necessary research infrastructures under the Large-scale Academic Frontiers Project. Outcomes of the project include research work on the neutrino using Super-Kamiokande that was led by Dr. Takaaki Kajita of the University of Tokyo, who won the Nobel Prize in physics in 2015, as well as the Science Information Network （SINET5） that makes vast research data available to researchers around Japan via a stable, high-speed information network.

Basic research also plays a crucial role in the nation’s social and economic development by stimulating innovation. MEXT promotes innovation-oriented basic research through competitive grants such as the Strategic Basic Research Programs. In addition, MEXT also works to advance research aimed at realizing innovation through the independent administrative institution for research and development, RIKEN, a comprehensive research institution for research in a diverse range of scientific disciplines.

Moreover, MEXT promotes the World Premier International Research Center Initiative （WPI） which aims to create a world-class research center with a highly visible presence in the global community, integrating various fields and attracting outstanding researchers from Japan and around the world.

Super-Kamiokande （source：Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo）

Promoting Research and Development in Life Sciences

The life sciences aim to elucidate the complex and delicate mechanism of life phenomenon carried out by living organisms. It is also a promising field that is expected to greatly contribute to enhancing the nation’s lifestyle and socio-economic development by realizing the nation’s enhancement in health and longevity, preventing infectious diseases such as novel influenza and antimicrobial resistance （AMR） as well as resolving food and environmental problems. MEXT works to advance the realization of regenerative medicine by supporting stem cell research including induced pluripotent stem cells

（iPS cells）, basic research on the prevention and treatment of cancer and lifestyle-related diseases, brain science research aimed at analyzing the brain’s functions and overcoming depression and dementia, and applied research on the

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYPromotion Policy Division








� S C I E N C E & T E C H N O L O G Ypractical application of personalized medicine and personalized prevention. Moreover, MEXT works to advance foundations of analytical equipment, databases and bio-resources which contribute to a wide variety of life science research. MEXT also formulates and administers laws and regulations which appropriately correspond to safety measures associated with life science research and life ethics issues.

Human iPS cells （source：Kyoto University Center for iPS cell Research and Application （CiRA））

Promoting Research and Development in Information Science and Technology

Information science and technology including innovative computing technology, data analysis technology and network technology are basic technologies which are the key to deriving successful results in various fields. Network and super computers are vital social infrastructures which support research activities of universities and industries. In the wake of breakthroughs in artificial intelligence （AI） and its ability to learn and act autonomously, R&D on AI has been picking up steam around the world. MEXT is working on R&D and applications of groundbreaking fundamental AI technologies in collaboration with industries and academic institutions. Moreover, MEXT is working to create an academic information network （ SINET5 ） by linking nationwide university supercomputers with the K computer, and building a revolutionary high-performance computing infrastructure aimed at realizing computing environments capable of responding to users various needs. At the same time, MEXT is undertaking a project that is aiming to develop the world’s most advanced supercomputer that will replace the K computer.

Supercomputer “K computer” （source：RIKEN）

Promoting Research and Development in Nanotechnology and Materials Science

In nanotechnology, atoms and molecules are manipulated at the nanometer scale （one billionth of a meter） to create completely new functions by utilizing the characteristics particular to nano-scale materials. Nanotechnology and materials science are leading technologies open to new possibilities. These leading basic technologies will be applied over various areas and will support a wide range of technological fields. In order to strengthen the nation’s industrial competitiveness, MEXT is working on the development of new materials to reduce the use of critical elements and also promotes establishing research infrastructure platform by the alliance of the institutes which provide public share-use of cutting-edge equipment. Moreover, MEXT is working to establish new materials development techniques that will dramatically shorten development time by harnessing the power of data and information sciences.

Sialon phosphors （source：National Institute for Materials Science）

Promoting Research and Development in the Fields of Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics

By using large-scale research facilities called particle accelerators, the field of elementary particles and nuclear physics aims to probe into the properties of elementary particles and nuclei that constitute the materials surrounding us. This field aims to solve the ultimate structure of matter, along with the origin of elements and fundamental forces at work in the universe. The recent discovery and naming of element 113 by RIKEN attracted a lot of attention. MEXT works on pursuing the fundamental laws of nature in addition to developing cutting-edge particle accelerators to promote such important development and research.

Dr. Morita （center） whose research group was given the right to name element 113

Promotion Policy Division








Research and Development BureauMEXT conducts large-scale research and development in the fields of space, nuclear power, oceans, environment and energy, and earthquakes and disaster prevention.

MEXT promotes research and development to solve social problems related to the environment, energy, earthquakes and disaster prevention. MEXT advances research and development on a national scale in the fields of space, nuclear energy, oceans and the earth including rockets and satellites, the nuclear fuel cycle and fusion energy, and Antarctic observation and deep-sea exploration.

Promoting Research and Development in Space and Aviation

Space development and utilization play a crucial role in strengthening Japan’s core foundations. Advances in space development improve the quality of people’s lives through the utilization of satellite-based applications including telecommunications, broadcasting, positioning/navigation/timing （PNT）, weather forecasting, and earth observation; contribute to acquiring new knowledge on space science research; and are indispensable for giving children a chance to dream.

As aircraft have also become an essential part of people’s lives, it is vital to pursue cutting-edge technologies in aeronautics to advance the competitiveness of Japan’s aviation industry and to promote the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Japan is promoting measures to secure a rocket launching system with the highest level of reliability in the world.

The H-ⅡA launch vehicle has been successfully launched twenty-four consecutive times in recent years. The H-Ⅱ Transfer Vehicle （HTV） “KOUNOTORI” which carries cargo to the International Space Station with the H-ⅡB launch vehicle was successfully launched five consecutive times, and the Epsilon rocket was successfully launched in FY2013. MEXT also focuses on promoting the following policies:● Research and development of space transportation systems

such as the national primary launching vehicle to maintain and ensure autonomy in launching satellites and other spacecraft whenever necessary;

● Construct ion of a satel l i te-based observat ion and surveillance system that contributes to observation of the global environment, disaster monitoring, communications, and positioning/navigation/timing;

● Comprehensive utilization of the space environment through the International Space Station and other space assets;

● Space science research at the highest level in the world such as space exploration in unexplored regions and the solar system; and

● Research and development in aviation science and technology in response to social demands such as passenger safety and environmental compliance.

Launching of H -ⅡA Launch Vehicle No.26 with Hayabusa2 on board （source：JAXA）

Promoting Research and Development in Nuclear Energy

MEXT promotes nuclear energy research and development which is strategically vital for Japan. Based on lessons learned from the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, MEXT is reviewing future energy policies and promoting measures to help revive communities affected by the disaster including compensation for damage caused by the nuclear accident. ● MEXT is promoting research and development related to

decommissioning and decontamination which are necessary to help accelerate the revitalization of communities affected by the nuclear accident.

● MEXT is advancing research on reprocessing more usable

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYResearch and Development Policy Division

Earthquake and Disaster-ReductionResearch Division







� S C I E N C E & T E C H N O L O G Yfuel material from spent nuclear fuel, and development of a nuclear fuel cycle which contributes to reducing the volume and hazard of radioactive waste through the Fast Breeder Reactor Monju.

● MEXT supports basic foundational research and human resource development carried out by research organizations and universities, including research on severe accidents to contribute to securing nuclear safety.

● MEXT promotes measures which support the harmonious relationship between each nuclear facility and its host community, measures which secure nonproliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Fast Breeder Reactor Monju （source: Japan Atomic Energy Agency）

Promoting Research and Development in the Environment and Energy Fields

In order to tackle the issue of climate change due to global warming, MEXT promotes research and development to transform the nation into a low-carbon society by cutting greenhouse gas emissions while enabling sustainable development.● MEXT promotes research and development on innovative

technologies, such as next-generation semiconductors and storage batteries, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

● MEXT promotes research on highly accurate climate change projections using the “Earth Simulator” and other supercomputers, research and development on adaptation measures to environmental changes brought on by global warming.

● In order to “ create the sun on earth, ” or to realize fusion energy, MEXT promotes cutting-edge research and development on nuclear fusion including the ITER Project and the Broader Approach （BA） Activities under international collaboration.

Projection of precipitation distributions due to climate changes in 208X in Japan and surrounding area made possible by the high resolution technology （produced by the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Meteorological Research Institute under MEXT’s Innovative Program of Climate Change Projection for the 21st Century）

Promoting Research and Development in the Oceans and on Earth

MEXT works on research and development of oceans and the earth to study marine resources near Japanese coastal waters, and to elucidate the nature of unknown regions of the deep sea and the Earth’s interior.● MEXT promotes observations to gain a comprehensive

understanding of the oceans and the Earth such as oceanographic observation using research vessels, Antarctic Observation Programs and Arctic research.

● MEXT promotes Japan, European consortium and the U.S.-led International Ocean Discovery Program （IODP）, using deep-sea drilling vessels such as Chikyu to drill on the deep sea floor to elucidate global environmental changes, seismogenic mechanisms and the deep biosphere.

Promotion of Research and Development for Earthquake and Disaster Prevention Areas

Japan is geographically located in a natural disaster-prone area affected by earthquakes and tsunamis such as the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and heavy snowfall. MEXT promotes research and development which aims to mitigate damages caused by natural disasters.● MEXT proposes policies for the earthquake research

promotion and carries out the researches on improving accuracy in forecasting of the earthquakes. The improvement includes the long-term probability of earthquake occurrence and its magnitude, and better understanding the mechanisms of earthquakes.

● MEXT engages in large-scale observation and research projects on future earthquakes which are predicted to cause major socioeconomic damage, including earthquakes in the Nankai Trough region and those occurring directly under the Tokyo area.

● MEXT promotes research and development of earthquake-resistant technologies by utilizing the E-Defense 3D full-scale earthquake testing facility and science and technology for mitigating various types of natural disasters.

Research and Development Policy Division

Earthquake and Disaster-ReductionResearch Division






Deep-sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu

（source：Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology）

3D Full-scale Earthquake Testing Facility （E-Defense）

（source：National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention）


Japan Sports AgencyStriving to comprehensively promote sports-related policies and to realize a sports-oriented nation

MEXT strives to promote community sports, enrich school physical education programs, enhance international competitiveness, and advance the Olympic and Paralympic movement.With the establishment of the Japan Sports Agency, MEXT aims to actively promote a healthy lifestyle through sport, regional and economic revitalization, and international exchange and cooperation.

Establishment of the Japan Sports Agency

The Japan Sports Agency was established in October 2015 as an external bureau of MEXT. The agency aims to disseminate the value of sport from Japan, and to help create an environment where everyone can enjoy sport.

The agency is in charge of creating broad core policies related to sport. It coordinates policies and collaborates with other ministries to increase a healthy lifestyle through sport along with regional and economic revitalization. The agency also encourages measures in new areas such as international exchange and cooperation through sport, and advances partnerships with the private sector to create a society where people can maintain wholesome and cultured living throughout their lives, as stipulated in the principles of the Basic Act on Sport.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle through Sport

In order to promote a healthy lifestyle through sport, it is essential to encourage people of all ages to participate in sport while creating an environment that enables them to enjoy sports anywhere at any time. The Japan Sports Agency supports initiatives aimed at encouraging people, including those who are not interested in physical activity, to participate in sport. Since the management of sport promotion operations related to para-sports was transferred to MEXT from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2014, the agency has been working to promote para-sports. More specifically the agency encourages people who work in sports-related fields and those who engage in welfare services for the disabled to work together and implement measures that integrally promote sports for everyone regardless of whether they have disabilities or not. The agency also strives to create community-based para-sports centers using Schools for Special Needs Education,

etc., which are facilities familiar to handicapped children and adults.

2015 Japan Paratrack Competition （source： X1）

Regional and Economic Revitalization through Sports

In order to promote regional and economic revitalization through sports, it is essential to create a virtuous circle with a thriving sports industry, enhancement of the sports environment, and expansion of the sporting population. The Japan Sports Agency implements sports-focused initiatives aimed at revitalizing local communities such as by promoting sports tourism and hosting large-scale sporting events as well as training camps. The agency also strives to improve the attractiveness and profitability of sports facilities, develop sports management human resources, and expand the sphere of sports through integration with other industries with an eye to transforming sports into a growth industry.

S P O R T SPolicy Division






Sport Organizations Support and Private-SectorCooperation Division


� S P O R T SEnriching School Physical Education and School Sports Clubs

The school curriculum for physical education and health places importance on realizing a fulfilling and active lifestyle by having students foster the quality and ability to enjoy sport throughout their lifetime.

Based on this premise, the Japan Sports Agency strives to enrich the content of physical education and health classes, to revitalize sports club activities and to enrich teaching curricula.

Students participating in a gym class（source：Shinagawa municipal school, Houyou no Mori Gakuen）

Improving International Competitiveness

Athletes strive to test human potential to the limit, and their efforts inspire and allow us to dream. The Japan Sports Agency supports athletes in their quest for outstanding results at international competitions by striving to strategically enhance the support of athletes throughout their athletic careers and fostering and training coaches, in addition to building bases to strengthen research activities.

Preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020

In order to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 a success, the Japan Sports Agency strives to build an environment to enable athletes to exhibit their best performance. The agency, in cooperation with relevant government agencies, will work toward the smooth preparation and management of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. The agency will collaborate with the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japanese Olympic Committee

（JOC）, and the Japanese Paralympic Committee （JPC）. Moreover, the agency also aims to expand the Olympic and Paralympic movement by advancing international contributions through sport, and expanding Olympic and Paralympic education nationwide.

From “Tokyo 2020 Tomorrow Project for Everyone” （source：Tokyo 2020/Shugo Takemi）

International Exchange and Cooperation through Sport

Japan is promoting international contributions in the field of sport through the “Sport for Tomorrow Programme”. The Programme advances “International cooperation and exchange through sport”, “Academy for Tomorrow’s Leaders in Sport”, and “PLAY TRUE 2020”- Development of sport integrity by strengthening global anti-doping activities”.

Toward the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and concrete actions thereto, Japan aims to expand sporting values and the Olympic and Paralympic movement to people of all ages for a better world. The Government of Japan has committed to creating our future through the power of sport by reaching more than 10 million people in over 100 countries in the seven years from 2014 to 2020.

Assistance to the Tanzania National Baseball Team through the “Sport for TomorrowProgramme” （source：JAPAN SPORT COUNCIL）

Policy Division






Sport Organizations Support and Private-SectorCooperation Division


Agency for Cultural AffairsAiming to become a new “ Nation Based on Culture and the Arts” through the promotion of arts and culture

The Agency implements a variety of policies on the promotion of culture and the arts towards realizing a “Nation Based on Culture and the Arts” (building the nation by promoting arts and culture as the nation’s core policy).In concrete terms, it helps to foster artists and related persons to nurture artistic activities, promotes regional culture, the preservation and utilization of cultural properties such as national treasures and historic sites, international cultural exchange, copyright protection and exploitation of works, the improvement and spread of the Japanese language, and Japanese classes for foreigners. It also does work related to religion.

Comprehensive Support for Culture and Art Promotion Policies

On May 22, 2015, a Cabinet decision was made on the Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts （Fourth Basic Policy）. The policy stipulates the performance indicators and targets towards realizing a “Nation Based on Culture and the Arts” over the six-year period of 2015-2020. Based on this fundamental policy, the Agency aims to promote our nation’s arts and culture by spreading globally the value of Japanese cultural properties and traditions. Drawing on the ripple effect on society created by arts and culture, the Agency will strive to overcome various issues to build a new social model befitting a mature society.

Abare Festival, an intangible cultural asset that is part of Noto’s exciting Japan Heritage certified Kiriko Float Festivals

Promotion of Art and Culture

Art and culture including music, theater, dance, movies, animation and manga play an essential role, enriching people's lives by creating happiness and inspiration, while also having the power to invigorate society as a whole.

In order to promote arts and culture in Japan, the Agency supports creative performing arts such as music, theater and dance, fosters young and professional artists, provides substantial opportunities for children to experience arts and culture, assists local arts and cultural activities, and promotes media arts such as films, animation and manga through the Japan Media Arts Festival.

Student Development Program through Culture and the Arts （Touring Performance Program）, Japanese classical dance performance

Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Properties

Cultural properties are precious national assets which have been created and cultivated throughout Japan’s long history, and carefully handed down to the present. For that reason, based on the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, the Agency designates, selects, and registers important items and places as National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, Natural Monuments, etc. While the Agency places certain restrictions on changing the existing conditions and on the exportation of cultural properties, it also takes other measures including those to preserve cultural properties through conservation

CULTUREPolicy Planning and Coordination DivisionCommissioner’s

SecretariatCopyright Division


Arts and Culture DivisionCultural Affairs Department




Cultural Properties Department Fine Arts Division


Architecture and Other Structures Division


� C U LT U R Eand restoration, the establishment of disaster prevention facilities, and the provision of subsidies for public authorities to purchase historic sites. The Agency formulated the 2020 Strategic Program for Promoting Use and Understanding of Cultural Properties in FY2016. The program focuses on promoting integrated use of Japan Heritage※ sites and other regional cultural properties, making easy-to-understand guides to cultural properties available in multiple languages, and maintaining cultural assets through regular repair and cleaning to make them truly attractive and accessible to people as well as something the local people rely on.

Furthermore, the Agency nominates those properties considered to have outstanding universal value among representative cultural heritage properties in Japan for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Case of use of historical building as a unique venue （event at Himeji Castle）

Promoting International Cultural Exchange and International Cooperation

Promotion of international exchanges and cooperation related to art and culture advances the development of cultural and artistic activities in Japan and contributes to their development worldwide.

The Agency makes outstanding Japanese culture known around the world through initiatives such as sending specialists in culture as Japan Cultural Envoys, promoting international cultural exchange through art exchange and holding overseas exhibitions.

In addit ion, the Agency promotes the appropriate preservation of cultural heritage overseas by actively joining in international cooperation, sending and inviting experts, and supporting the development of human resources. It also works to register Japan's cultural heritage as UNESCO World Heritage sites and Intangible Cultural Assets.

Portfolio Review by FY2015 Japan Cultural Envoy Naoya Hatakeyama for young photographers （Delhi Photo Festival, India）

Copyright Policies Responding to a New Era

The Agency has established the Subdivision on Copyright in the Council for Cultural Affairs to consider improvements to the copyright law system to respond to social changes and the development and diffusion of information technologies.

It also performs educational services pertinent to copyright, and implements various policies to promote smooth use and distribution of works.

Furthermore, it responds to international issues by strengthening countermeasures against pirated goods circulated overseas and by participating in international rule making on copyright.

FY2015 Lecture on copyright for library workers （Kyoto）

Promoting Policy on Japanese Language Policy and Japanese Language Education for Foreigners Policy

Based on the importance of the Japanese language as a crucial foundation of Japanese culture, the Agency promotes the improvement and spread of the Japanese language based on the considerations and reports of the Subdivision on the Japanese Language of the Council for Cultural Affairs （formerly the Japanese Language Council） including making the Joyo kanji-hyo※, or national list of Chinese characters in common use, common knowledge.

Moreover, the Agency promotes Japanese language education for foreigners living in Japan by supporting the implementation of Japanese language classes, fostering human resources in charge of teaching Japanese classes and conducting various research and surveys.

Administration of Religious Affairs

The Agency is in charge of administrative affairs related to certification of religious juridical persons based on the Religious Juridical Persons Act, collection of materials pertaining to religion, and appropriate administration of the religious juridical persons system. The Religious Juridical Persons Council was established as an advisory organ to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

CULTURE


Policy Planning and Coordination DivisionCommissioner’s

SecretariatCopyright Division


Arts and Culture DivisionCultural Affairs Department




Cultural Properties Department Fine Arts Division


Architecture and Other Structures Division


Minister’s Secretariat


Chief Administrative Coordinator

The Minister’s Secretariat has comprehensive responsibility for coordinating MEXT’s overall policies.In addition to general management functions such as personnel, general affairs and accounting, it performs overall administrative functions such as policy evaluation, information disclosure, public relations, information processing, administering international relations and international cooperation.

Promoting UNESCO Activities

As the contact point in Japan for activities of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization （UNESCO）, the Director-General for International Affairs works on activities of the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO. The objective of UNESCO is to contribute to international peace and the common welfare of mankind by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture. Special emphasis is currently placed on promoting Education for Sustainable Development （ESD） and activities of the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network （ASPnet）.

38th session of the UNESCO General Conference Award Ceremony of the First UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development

G7 Kurashiki Education Ministers’Meeting in Okayama

The G7 Kurashiki Education Ministers’Meeting in Okayama was held on May 14 and 15, 2016.

Led by Hiroshi Hase, then-Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the ministers discussed the new role of education before finally adopting the Kurashiki Declaration.

The Kurashiki Declaration emphasizes three aspects as the new role of education: 1. realizing social inclusion and respect for common values; 2. developing competencies required in the new era; and 3. promoting international collaboration to fulfill the new role of education.

Education ministers from G7 countries and representatives from international organizations

Personnel Division



Policy Division



Minister’s SecretariatDepartment of Facilities Planning and Administration


Aiming for safe, secure and high-quality educational facilitiesAiming for safe, secure and high-quality educational facilities, the Department of Facilities Planning and Administration promotes improvement in the earthquake resistance and disaster prevention functions of school facilities including nonstructural parts. It also promotes eco-schools, examines measures for aging facilities, establishes guidelines for maintaining school facilities, and assists schools in disaster recovery. Moreover, it promotes the enhancement of national university campuses to support educational and research activities.

Promoting the Improvement of Safe and Secure School Facilities, Disaster Response and Disaster Recovery

School facilities are not only places where children learn and do other activities, but also serve as temporary evacuation centers for local residents during disasters. As such, it is crucial to ensure the safety of school facilities and to strengthen their disaster resistance functions.

Through the provision of government subsidies, MEXT assists local governments to improve the earthquake resistance of public school facilities including nonstructural parts. School facilities must also be multifunctional and equipped to function as places for education as well as evacuation centers. MEXT works to strengthen schools’disaster prevention functions by building escape routes, outdoor escape stairs, storage areas for emergency supplies, outdoor bathrooms and portable generators.

Moreover, in the event of a disaster, MEXT provides assistance by gathering information on damage and calling on related organizations to take necessary measures to secure children’s safety. MEXT also subsidizes a portion of the expenses needed for the recovery of public school facilities.

MEXT also promotes the establishment of eco-schools by improving school facilities to reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing their coexistence with nature. Eco-schools will also be used for environmental education while serving as a base for disseminating local environmental and energy education.

The aging of school facilities is a critical issue with nearly 70 percent of all public elementary and lower secondary schools in need of renovation, having been constructed over 25 years ago. In order to improve the safety and function of as many schools as possible within a limited budget, school facilities must not only be renovated by conventional methods

to withstand a service life of 40 years, but must be upgraded into structures with a long service life of up to 80 years, while keeping construction costs low and environmental waste to a minimum. As such, MEXT established a system in FY2013 to subsidize renovations. The aim of these renovations is to improve the durability of school facilities and provide children with a comfortable educational environment. MEXT also assists local governments to advance measures for schools to improve the service life of school facilities by providing instructions for the planned development of improving aging school facilities.

Promoting Improvement of Facilities at National Universities and other Higher Educational Institutions

The facilities of national universities and other higher educational institutions are vital foundations for the development of creative human resources, innovative and diverse academic research, and advanced medical treatments.

However, now that an increasing number of such facilities will soon reach 50 years of age, higher educational institutions are facing the challenges of ensuring that these aging facilities are safe and functionally adequate in addition to the financial challenge of maintaining them as their campuses expand. These problems pose obstacles to efforts to meet advanced as well as more diverse educational and research needs. These include enhancing international competitiveness and promoting university-industry-government collaboration.

MEXT released its “ Fourth Five-Year Program for Facilities of National Universities” （FY2016-FY2020） in March 2016. The program aims to strategically implement facility management measures as part of university operations while focusing on improving facilities and enhancing their functions to ensure a high quality, safe education and research environment.

Personnel Division



Policy Division


Facilities Planning Division

Local Facilities Aid Division

National Facilities Division

Technical Affairs Division

Utilizing school rooftop solar panels for thermal power generation for environmental education class

Renovating aging facilities to improve educational environments （source：Dealing with aging school facilities, March 2013 research group meeting on model school facilities）

Improving advanced research environments


Terminology Definition

Central Council for Education

（p.6, 8, 10, 12）

The Central Council for Education, upon advice from the MEXT Minister, investigates and deliberates on important matters related to the promotion of education and lifelong learning, and plays a vital role in advancing educational reform.

Glossary

CentralCouncilforEducationOrganizationalChart（8thterm：February15,2015〜February14,2017）

（As of November 24, 2016）

Central Council for Education Committee on the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education

Special Committee for Systematization of Practical Vocational Education at the Higher Education Institutions

Subdivision on Education SystemCommittee for Planning of Lifelong Learning

Subdivision on Lifelong Learning Committee for Utilization of the Learning Outcome

Committee for the Cooperation between Schools and Community

Subdivision on Primary and Secondary Education Curriculum Comittee Special Committee for the

Planning Curriculum

Educational Personnel Training Committee

School Safety Committee

Working Group for Discussing the Community-based School Development

Subdivision on Universitiy Committee for University Education

Committee for Graduate School

Special Committee for Law School

Review Committee on Attestation on the Accreditation Bodies



Community School （p.9）

The community school system was implemented in June 2004 upon revision of the law in relation to the establishment and management of local educational administration. The law enables guardians and the community to participate in the management of public schools under a fixed scope of authorities and responsibilities. There were 2,806 board of education-designated community schools as of April 1, 2016. These community schools have a school administrative council comprised of guardians and community residents. The council serves the following three primary functions,

（1）approving basic policies on school management drawn up by the school principal,（2） giving the board of education and school principal its opinions on the school's overall

operation, and（3） offering opinions concerning the appointment of teachers to the board of education, in

which the power of appointment lies with.

Competency （Ikiru chikara）（p.8）

“Competency（Ikiru chikara）” is required for living in a rapidly changing society. It is an educational ideal set forth under the current National Curriculum Standards. The competencies include a balance among solid academic ability, a rich sense of humanity, and a healthy body.

Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding

（p.6, 12）

To promote Education Rebuilding which is one of the highest priorities of the second Abe administration, the government decided to hold the Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding on January 15, 2013. In addition to the Prime Minister, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Minister in Charge of Education Rebuilding, the Council comprises experts from the education sector, the economic sector, local governments and a broad range of other fields. The Council is discussing the basic measures to implement education rebuilding.

Glossary

School

Principal

Basic policieson school

management

Designation ofthe school

Appointment ofcouncil members

School personneldecisions

(taking into considerationopinions of School

Administrative Council)

Schoolmanagement/Educational

activities

School Administrative Council

Image of Community School

Guardians and local community residents

Members: guardians and local community residents and principal Explanations

Municipal boardof education

Prefectural boardof education

Approvals

Explanations

Approvals

Explanations Opinions

Opinions on school management

Opinions on appointment of teachers


Glossary

"Early to Bed, Early to Rise and Don't Forget your Breakfast" Campaign

（p.7）

The National Council for the “Early to Bed, Early to Rise and Don't Forget your Breakfast” is a national campaign launched in April 2006. It aims to secure children's basic lifestyle habits and promote measures leading to the improvement of children's rhythm of life. It is participated in by members of the PTA, businesses, media, academics, civic organizations, education/sports/culture-related organizations, reading and food education promotion groups, and local governments. Detailed information is provided on the website.

Free Supply of Textbooks

（p.10）

The system to provide school textbooks for compulsory education free of charge. It aims to realize the spirit of free compulsory education stipulated in Article 26 of the Constitution of Japan. It has been implemented for over 50 years（since 1963）, and has widely taken root in Japan. The system aims to deepen the national awareness of students who represent the next generation and reduces the educational expenses of households. The subjects of this system are school textbooks for all subjects in compulsory education. For FY2016, a budget of around 41.1 billion yen has been allocated for this system, and a total of around 100 million textbooks were distributed to about 9.99 million students.

Japan Heritage（p.23）

Japan Heritage is a project of designating stories describing the culture and tradition of Japan transmitted through narratives based on unique regional histories and traditions. The purpose of this project is the revitalization of regional economies by comprehensively using groups of tangible and intangible cultural properties that are attractive and the strategic promotion of the narratives pertaining to cultural properties within Japan and abroad. MEXT has designated 18 stories as Japan Heritage for FY2015 and 19 stories for FY2016.MEXT supports the efforts of the municipal governments designated as Japan Heritage for revitalizing the regional economies, and plans to award Japan Heritage designation to a maximum of approximately 100 sites throughout Japan by 2020, the year the Olympics and Paralympics will be held in Tokyo.

Joyo kanji-hyo（p.23）

The Joyo kanji-hyo is national list of Chinese characters in common use necessary to read and write Japanese today. The Joyo kanji-hyo is based on the Cabinet decision made on November 30, 2010, and the report on the revised Joyo kanji-hyo released on June 7, 2010 by the Council for Cultural Affairs. The Agency for Cultural Affairs examines ways to further enable the easy use of the Joyo kanji-hyo.



Glossary

Plan for the Creation of "Next Generation Schools and Communities"

（p.6）

MEXT developed the Plan for the Creation of "Next Generation Schools and Communities" on January 25, 2016 in order to continue realizing the three proposals made by the Central Council for Education（December 27, 2015）. The plan focuses on implementing systematic measures involving both schools and communities for the next generation. This is in line with MEXT's view that schools should work closely with communities and play an integral role in promoting regional development and the dynamic engagement of all citizens.

Special Support Service in Resource Rooms

（p.10）

This education curriculum is designed for elementary and lower secondary school students with, for example, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder（ADHD）, and autism. The students are usually enrolled in regular classes while they receive special instruction in a designated place to improve and overcome learning disabilities or other hardships in life.

Specialized Training Colleges

（p.6, 7）

Specialized Training Colleges were established as a new school system in 1976. Based on the School Education Law, specialized training colleges aim to cultivate the skills necessary for work and practical life, and aim to improve students' general knowledge. These institutions are comprised of practical vocational education and specialized technical education, and aim to foster specialists in various fields. There are currently 3,201 Specialized Training Colleges as of May 2015, with about 660,000 students enrolled. Specialized Training Colleges are comprised of 3 courses, each having differing entrance requirements： Post-secondary Courses require a high school diploma, Upper Secondary Courses require a junior high school graduation certificate, while the General Courses have no entrance requirements.

Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination

（p.7）

The Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination grants non-high school graduates with a qualification equivalent to or exceeding a high school graduate.Those who pass the exam are granted necessary entrance requirements for university. A total of 26,260 people applied for the exam in FY 2015. Of the 23,170 people who took the exam, 9,546 passed. Moreover, 49.7 percent or nearly a half of the applicants were high school dropouts.


* 1　（　）Ratio in proportion to the nation’s entire budget　2　［　］Ratio in proportion to general expenditure

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,Science and Technology

5,321.6（5.5%）［9.2%］

Local AllocationTax Grants, etc.15,281.1（15.8%）

Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare30,311.0（31.3%）［52.4%］

Ministry of Land, Infrastracture,Transport and Tourism

5,917.8（6.1%）

［10.2%］

Others9,085.0（9.4%）［15.7%］

National Debt Service23,612.1（24.4%）

Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries

2,139.2（2.2%）［3.7%］ Ministry of Defense

5,054.1（5.2%）［8.7%］

General Expenditure57,828.6（59.8%）［100.0%］

Management expensesgrants for national

university corporations1,094.5（20.6%）

National treasury's share of compulsoryeducation expenses

1,527.1（28.7%）

5,321.6（100%）

Tution support for high school stuents384.2

（7.2%）

Personnel expenses, etc. 233.8（4.4%）

Management expenses for the Instituteof National Colleges of Technology62.1（1.2%）Management expenses fornational university corporations41.8（0.8%）Public school facility expenses70.9（1.3%）Culture and arts expenses 104.0（2.0%）Scholarship programs 99.9（1.9%）Energy policies 144.3（2.7%）

Expenses for encouraging kindergarten entry 32.3（0.6%）

Sports related expenses 32.4（0.6%）Exchange student expenses 37.3（0.7%）

Purchase of school textbooks 41.1（0.8%）

Management expenses forrevitalizing education research

for private universities 2.3（0.04%）

Management expenses forprivate school facilities, etc.

10.4（0.2%）

Aid grants to private schools, etc. to cover current expenses 102.3（1.9%）

Grants to private universities to cover current expenses 315.3（5.9%）

Lifelong learning expenses 122.0（2.3%）

Science andtechnology promotion

863.5（16.2%）

Grants for private schools 430.3

（8.1%）


（2）Contents of MEXT General Budget

（1）National Budget

（unit： billion yen）

（unit： billion yen）

Data 1 Budget for FY2016

Classification Budget for FY2015

Budgetfor FY2016

Increase/Decrease

Growth Rate

MEXTGeneral Budget 5,334.9 5,321.6

－13.3

－0.2％* FY 2015 budget excludes the amount transferred to the new system

for child/child rearing assistance

＊

＊

＊

＊

＊

＊

＊

Age

School Year

AgeSchool Year

Compulsory education

Schools forSpecial Needs

Education

（1） An asterisk （*） indicates advanced courses.（2） Higher education schools, secondary education school/latter period courses, universities, junior colleges, and special needs schools

can have separate courses with course terms of 1 year or more.（3） A child aged from 0 to 2 years old can attend the center because it functions as school and child welfare.（4） Age and admission requirements for Specialized Training College General Courses and Miscellaneous Schools are not defined

uniformly.

Pre-PrimaryEducation

Integrated Centersfor Early Childhood

Educationand Care

Kindergartens

Primary Education

Elementary Schools

Elementary DepartmentLower

SecondaryDepartment

KindergartenDepartment

Compulsory education schools

　　（Lower Div.）（Upper Div.）

LowerSecondarySchools

（Lower Div.）（Upper Div.）

UpperSecondary

Schools

UpperSecondaryDepartment

Part-timeCourses

CorrespondenceCourses

SpecializedTraining College

UpperSecondary

Courses

College of Technology

Specialized Training CollegeGeneral Courses

Miscellaneous Schools


Part-timeCourses

Secondary Education

Secondary Schools CorrespondenceCourses

Universities

JuniorColleges

SpecializedTraining CollegePost-secondary

Courses


GraduateSchools

Higher Education


Data 2 Japanese School Systems

幼稚園

幼保連携型認定こども園

小学校

中学校

高等学校

中等教育学校

特別支援学校

高等専門学校

短期大学

大学

専修学校・各種学校

　　　　　　　　 11,674

　 1,943

　　　　　　 20,601

　　　 10,484

4,939

52

1,114

57

346

779

4,430

1,402,448

281,136

6,543,104

3,465,215

3,319,114

32,317

137,894

57,611

132,681

2,860,210

773,833

101,497

37,461

417,152

253,704

234,970

2,509

80,905

4,354

8,266

182,723

49,536

学　校　数在学者数教員数（本務者）

※高等学校、短期大学、大学には、このほかに通信制の学校があります。資料：文部科学省「学校基本調査報告書」（平成27年度）

Education at a Glance 2015‒©OECD 01-01-2015

0

5

10

15

20

11.9 11.6

9.88.88.8

11.6

Primary to tertiary education

ItalyH

ungaryS

painLuxem

bourgFranceJapanC

zech Republic

Slovak R

epublicA

ustriaP

ortugalG

ermany

Slovenia

Poland

Netherlands

Belgium

Estonia

FinlandO

EC

D average

United S

tatesS

weden

United K

ingdomC

anadaIsraelA

ustraliaIcelandN

orway

IrelandK

oreaS

witzerland

Chile

New

ZealandM

exico

（％）

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

02000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

（1） Science and Technology Budget per country for each year calculated with FY2000 set at 100.（2） Japan changed the budget items covered in FY1996, 2001, and 2006 in light of the Science and Technology Basic Plan. Materials：Japan: researched by MEXT, each fiscal year shows the initial budget, China：Ministry of Science and Technology “China Statistical Yearbook on Science and Technology,” Other countries：OECD “Main Science and Technology Indicators” Source： Created by MEXT

United States 162Germany 158United Kingdom 144Japan 111

China 1,075

South Korea 474

Japan United States ChinaSouth Korea Germany United Kingdom


Data３ Public expenditure on education as a percentage of total public expenditure （2012）

Data４ Trends in Science and Technology Budget per country with FY2000 set at 100

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

200

190

197

177

140

195

249

243

236

213

195

185

174

167162156154

162158156158

161164

172168

156

185188188

193

201204205

198

186

177173168162

155151151150

146141137133130

124121122120 119

123118 120

107

27

6

62

119 120 118 117 117114 112 110

106109109108

103104101

102

116

156160160

150

140136132133134133133

140139138140142145

152148

137

162165165

170

177180 181

176

166

159155150

144

136133133132

128124120

117 115109107107106106

109105 99

93 9699

87

4 56 6 6

8

5 9 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 6

16 18 20 2122 25

29 31 33 33 3336 38 39

41 42 42 43 43 41 41 41 41 42 42 41 4447 47 48 49

52 54 55 56 5758 59 59 59 60 60 61 60 60 60 60 61 61 61 62 61 61 61 61

1112 13 13 13

14 1415 16

17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 172122 22 23

2425 25

25 24 23 22 21 19 17 14 13 12 11 11 1015 18 18 19 20 20

22 22 21

2527 29

31343536 36 34 34 34 33 32

31 31 31 33 34 34 33 30 2825 25 27 26 26 27 26

Source: MEXT School Basic Survey FY2028-FY2031 is based on the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, “Japan’s future population estimate” (medium fertility / medium mortality).* “Breakdown total” and “Total” enrollment rate in higher education, and ratio of applicants still enrolled in high school may differ in some cases due to rounding the second decimal place.

University:　　　　　　　　 51.5%Junior colleges:　　　　　　 5.1%Colleges of technology:　　 0.9% Specialized training colleges: 22.4%

1960　1970　1980　1990　2000　2010　2020　20300

50

100

150

200

250（10,000 people）

Junior college entrants

Specialized training colleges,post-secondary course entrants

University entrants

Upper secondary school graduates

Students enrolled in colleges of technology/ 4th year

Ratio of entrants 2 (university + junior colleges)

56.5%

93.7%Capacity (university + junior colleges)

Ratio of entrants 1 (university + junior colleges + colleges of technology + specialized training colleges)

79.8%

Ratio of applicants still enrolled in high school (university + junior colleges)

60.8%University:　 55.5%Junior colleges: 5.3%

Population of 18-year-olds

Population of 18-year-olds is predicted to nearly level off between 2009-2020, but will begin decreasing from around 2021.

●Population of 18-year-olds= number of lower secondary school graduates from three years ago, and the number of students completing early course for secondary school●Ratio of entrants 1 = Entrants of university/junior colleges/specialized training colleges, post-secondary course for the relevant fiscal year, students enrolled in the 4th year of colleges of technology　　　　　　　　　　Population of 18-year-olds●Ratio of entrants 2 = Entrants of university/junior colleges for the relevant fiscal year　　　　　　　　　　Population of 18-year-olds○Upper secondary school graduates = Upper secondary school graduates + students completing later course of secondary school○Ratio of applicants still enrolled in high school = number of high school graduates for the relevant fiscal year who 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 submitted application to a university or junior college 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Number of high school graduates for the relevant fiscal year○Capacity = number of entrants to university and junior colleges for the relevant fiscal year　　　　　　Number of applicants to university and junior colleges for the relevant fiscal year

University:　 51.5%Junior colleges: 5.1%

　　　　　　　　 11,674

　 1,943

　　　　　　 20,601

　　　 10,484

4,939

52

1,114

57

346

779

4,430

1,402,448

281,136

6,543,104

3,465,215

3,319,114

32,317

137,894

57,611

132,681

2,860,210

773,833

101,497

37,461

417,152

253,704

234,970

2,509

80,905

4,354

8,266

182,723

49,536

Source: MEXT, School Basic Survey （FY2015）* Additionally, there are correspondence schools for upper secondary schools, universities and junior colleges.

Number of Schools Number of Students Number of Full-Time Teachers

Universities

Specialized Training Colleges,Miscellaneous Schools

Schools for SpecialNeeds Education

Integrated Centers for Early Childhood Education

and Care

Kindergartens

Elementary Schools

Lower Secondary Schools

Upper Secondary Schools

Secondary Schools

Colleges of Technology

Junior Colleges


Data５ Number of Schools, Students and Teachers （As of May 1, 2015）

Data6 Ratio of population of 18-year-olds to students entering higher educational institutions


Introduction of Related Independent Administrative InstitutionsName Telephone Number Website Address

National Institute for Educational Policy Research（NIER） 0 3（ 6 7 3 3 ）6 8 3 3 http://www.nier.go.jp/

National Institute of Science and Technology Policy（NISTEP） 0 3（ 3 5 8 1 ）2 3 9 1 http://www.nistep.go.jp/

National Center for Teacher’s Development（NCTD） 0 2 9（ 8 7 9 ）6 6 1 3 http://www.nctd.go.jp/

National Institute of Special Needs Education（NISE） 0 4 6（ 8 3 9 ）6 8 0 3 http://www.nise.go.jp/

National Center for University Entrance Examinations 0 3（ 3 4 6 8 ）3 3 1 1 http://www.dnc.ac.jp/

Japan Student Services Organization（JASSO） 0 3（ 6 7 4 3 ）6 0 1 1 http://www.jasso.go.jp/

National Institute of Technology 0 4 2（ 6 6 2 ）3 1 2 0 http://www.kosen-k.go.jp/

National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education（NIAD-QE）

0 4 2（ 3 0 7 ）1 5 0 0 http://www.niad.ac.jp/

Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private Schools of Japan 0 3（ 3 2 3 0 ）1 3 2 1 http://www.shigaku.go.jp/

National Museum of Nature and Science 0 3（ 3 8 2 2 ）0 1 1 1 http://www.kahaku.go.jp/

National Institution for Youth Education 0 3（ 3 4 6 7 ）7 2 0 1 http://www.niye.go.jp/

National Women’s Education Center of Japan（NWEC） 0 4 9 3（ 6 2 ）6 7 1 9 http://www.nwec.jp/

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science（JSPS） 0 3（ 3 2 6 3 ）1 7 2 2 http://www.jsps.go.jp/

Japan Science and Technology Agency（JST） 0 4 8（ 2 2 6 ）5 6 0 1 http://www.jst.go.jp/

RIKEN（Institute of Physical and Chemical Research） 0 4 8（ 4 6 2 ）1 1 1 1 http://www.riken.jp/

National Institute for Materials Science（NIMS） 0 2 9（ 8 5 9 ）2 0 0 0 http://www.nims.go.jp/

National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology（QST） 0 4 3（ 3 8 2 ）8 0 0 1 http://www.qst.go.jp/

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development（AMED） 0 3（ 6 8 7 0 ）2 2 0 0 http://www.amed.go.jp/

National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention（NIED） 0 2 9（ 8 5 1 ）1 6 1 1 http://www.bosai.go.jp/

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology（JAMSTEC） 0 4 6（ 8 6 6 ）3 8 1 1 http://www.jamstec.go.jp/

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency（JAXA） 0 3（ 5 2 8 9 ）3 6 5 0 http://www.jaxa.jp/

Japan Atomic Energy Agency（JAEA） 0 2 9（ 2 8 2 ）1 1 2 2 http://www.jaea.go.jp/

Japan Sport Council（JSC） 0 3（ 5 4 1 0 ）9 1 2 4 http://www.jpnsport.go.jp/

Japan Arts Council 0 3（ 3 2 6 5 ）7 4 1 1 http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/

National Museum of Art 0 3（ 3 2 1 4 ）2 5 6 1 http://www.artmuseums.go.jp/

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage 0 3（ 3 8 2 2 ）1 1 9 6 http://www.nich.go.jp/

Ministry of ForeignAffairs

Ministry of Finance

Sotobori-dori

Saku

rada

-dor

i

Toranomon Sta.

Kasumigaseki Sta.

KasumigasekiCommon Gate

MEXT

Ministry ofEconomy,Trade andIndustry

Japan Post Bldg.

Ministry ofEconomy, Trade and Industry (Annex)


Map and Directory［Central Government Building No.7 East Building］

32F

-

20F（Board of Audit of Japan)

19F

18F Research and Development Bureau

17F Research Promotion Bureau

16F Science and Technology Policy Research Center

15F Science and Technology Policy Bureau

14F Higher Education Bureau

13F Higher Education Bureau, Japan Sports Agency

12FMinister's Secretariat （Management and Coordination Division, International Affairs Division), Director-General for International Affairs

11F Minister's Secretariat （Management and Coordination Division)

10F Minister's Secretariat （Personnel Division, Policy Division)

9F Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau

8F Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau

7F Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau

6F National Institute for Educational Policy Research

5F National Institute for Educational Policy Research ［The former MEXT Building］

4F Minister's Secretariat （Budget and Accounts Division) 6F Agency for Cultural Affairs

3F Assembly hall 5F Agency for Cultural Affairs

2F Entrance4F Department of Facilities Planning and

Administration

3F MEXT Museum, Library

1F2F

1F Lounge

A space dedicated to showcasing MEXT's diverse range of activities, from the past and present, through various exhibits and events.Opening Hours： 10：00 -18：00Closed： Sundays, Saturdays and HolidaysAdmission： Freehttp：//www.mext.go.jp/en/about/museumofmext/index.htm

MEXTWebsite

Museumof

MEXT

Minister's Office in 1933（recreated as it existed in 1933）

Acess:■Toranomon Station　Exit 11　2 min. walk■Kasumigaseki Station　Exit A13　5 min. walk

（Computer version） http://www.mext.go.jp/

（Cell phone version） http://keitai.mext.go.jp/http://mobile.twitter.com/mextjapanhttp://www.facebook.com/mextjapan

◆Today's Highlight （http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/activity/index.htm）　Daily photo and video updates on MEXT activities （updated daily）◆The Monthly Journal of MEXT （http://www.koho2.mext.go.jp）　 MEXT's public relations magazine covering important policies and the latest

topics in education, culture, sports, science and technology （published monthly in e-book format）

http://www.mext.go.jp/

From MEXT to the NEXT

MEXT is the acronym of “Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology” taken from its abbreviation MECSST.MEXT MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SPORTS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-JAPAN3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959, Japan TEL: +81-3-5253-4111　［Issued September, 2016］

overview of the ministry of education, culture, sports ... · 2 , , , contents 4 organization of...

Documents