Overview of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology 2013 EDUCATION SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY SPORTS CULTURE 4 Organization of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

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

[Introduction of the Bureaus] EDUCATION 6 Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau ● EDUCATION

8 Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau ● EDUCATION 10 Higher Education Bureau 科学技術 ● EDUCATION

12 Science and Technology Policy Bureau ・学術 ● SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

14 Research Promotion Bureau ● SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 16 Research and Development Bureau CONTENTS ● SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

18 Sports and Youth Bureau ● SPORTS

20 Agency for Cultural Affairs ● CULTURE スポーツ

22 Minister’s Secretariat /Director-General for International Affairs 23 Department of Facilities Planning and Administration SPORTS 24 Statistics 26 Introduction of Related Independent Administrative Institutions 27 Floor Directory and Access Map 文 化

For items with this mark, further information is available via MEXT homepage. http://www.mext.go.jp/booklet/link.htm CULTURE Minister Organization of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

(as of July1, 2013) Senior Vice Minister (2 persons) Vice Minister (2 persons) MEXT’s Staff Members 2,086

Ministry Proper 1,851 (Administrative) Vice Minister Agency for Cultural Affairs 235

Deputy Minister (2 persons)

Lifelong Learning Elementary and Secondary Science and Technology Research Promotion Research and Agency for Organs under MEXT Minister’s Secretariat Higher Education Bureau Sports and Youth Bureau Policy Bureau Education Bureau Policy Bureau Bureau Development Bureau Cultural Affairs jurisdiction

Policy Planning and Elementary and Secondary Higher Education Policy Research and Development Personnel Division Policy Division Promotion Policy Division Policy Planning Division Commissioner’s National Institute for Coordination Division Education Planning Division Planning Division Policy Division Secretariat Educational Policy Research Management and Lifelong Learning University Promotion Earthquake and Disaster- Financial Affairs Division Planning and Evaluation Division Basic Research Promotion Division Sports Promotion Division Coordination Division Promotion Division Division Reduction Research Division Policy Planning and National Institute of Science and Technology Policy Budget and Education Media and Knowledge Infrastructure Scientific Research Coordination Division School Curriculum Division Technical Education Division Ocean and Earth Division Competitive Sports Division Accounts Division Information Policy Division Policy Division Institutes Division Copyright Division Research and Development Policy Division Social Education Division Student Affairs Division Medical Education Division Scientific Research Aid Division Environment and Energy Division School Health Education Division Infrastructure Division International Affairs Gender Equality Student Support and University-Industry Collaboration Space Development and Division Early Childhood Education Division Life Sciences Division Special Institutions International Affairs Division Learning Division Exchange Division and Regional R&D Division Utilization Division Youth Division Coordination and Community National University Physical Education Division Special Needs Education Division Information Division Atomic Energy Division Cultural Affairs Affairs Division Corporation Support Division / Youth Development Division Department The Academy Department of Facilities Materials Science and Nanotechnology International Education Division Nuclear Liability Division Planning and Administration Development Division Arts and Culture Division The Headquarters for Private Education Earthquake Research Textbook Division Promotion Facilities Planning Division Institution Department Division Japanese National Education Personnel Division Private Education Institution Local Facilities Aid Division Commission for UNESCO Administration Division Religious Affairs Division School Management Private Education Institution National Facilities Division Support Division Aid Division Cultural Properties Special Institutions Private Education Institution Department Technical Affairs Division Management Division Traditional Culture The Japan Art Academy Division

Director-General for Fine Arts Division International Affairs Monuments and Sites Division Architecture and Other Structures Division Chronology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

1871 Ministry of Education established 1998 Nagano Olympics held 1872 Promulgation of the school system 2000 The Basic Plan for the Promotion of Sports formulated (to FY2011) 1947 The Basic Act on Education, School Education Law enacted 2001 MEXT established (merging of the Ministry of Education, Science Sports and Culture and the Science 1949 Scientific Technical Administration Committee established and Technology Agency) 1950 Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties enacted Fundamental Law for the Promotion of Culture and the Arts enacted Protection of Cultural Properties Committee established (external bureau of the Ministry of Education, The Second Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated (to FY2005) Culture, Sports Science and Technology) 2002 The First Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts formulated (to FY2006) 1956 Science and Technology Agency established (external bureau of the Prime Minister’s Office) Five-day week system implemented for schools 1959 Council for Science and Technology Policy established 2006 The Third Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated (to FY2010) 1961 Sports Promotion Law enacted Revision of the Basic Act on Education enacted 1964 Olympics held 2007 The Second Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts formulated (to FY2010) 1968 Agency for Cultural Affairs established (merging of the Protection of Cultural Properties Committee and 2008 The First Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education formulated (to FY2012) the Ministry of Education Cultural Affairs Bureau) 2011 The Third Basic Policy on the Promotion of Culture and the Arts formulated 1972 Sapporo Olympics held The Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated 1984 National Council on Education Reform established (to 1987) The Basic Act on Sport enacted 1995 The Science and Technology Basic Law enacted 2012 The Sport Basic Plan formulated 1996 The First Science and Technology Basic Plan formulated (to FY2000) 2013 The Second Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education formulated

4 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 5 EDUCATION

* Promotion of Educational Reform involved in education. EDUCATION Accordingly, MEXT promotes measures to realize The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and education in which schools, families and communities Technology (MEXT) promotes educational reform based on cooperate. These include School Support Regional the principles of the Basic Act on Education revised in Headquarters aimed at promoting communities to assist December 2006. In June 2013, a Cabinet decision was school educational activities in and outside of the made on a vision for future educational policy, and the classroom, along with the Program to Promote After- Second Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education was School Classes for Children which provides children with adopted, outlining the policies to be promoted over five learning opportunities and various hands-on programs to Lifelong Learning years starting from FY2013. experience and exchange with others after school on The Second Basic Plan defines education as the weekdays and on weekends. cornerstone for tackling the risks faced by society. The plan Connecting Schools Homes and Communities Policy Bureau shows an educational vision based on the three principles http://manabi-mirai.mext.go.jp/ of independence, collaboration and creativity and sets four educational directions including “developing social Creating a society in which people of all competencies for survival”. Moreover, the plan also defines ・Improving support for education at home through ages, from children to adults, can learn performance targets, indices and specific methods to strong ties with the community Galloping Across Land and apply their newfound skills anytime, evaluate progress in each of these four policy directions. MEXT supports voluntary initiatives in local communities (Provided by the National Museum of Nature and Science) anywhere Based on the Second Basic Plan, MEXT continues to so that parents can receive information and take classes on promote educational reform based on considerations by education at home, and have a place to go for consultation. enhance community learning sites including libraries, the Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding MEXT also promotes the national “Early to Bed, Early to museums and community centers. Moreover, MEXT established within the Prime Minister’s Office and the Rise, and Don’t Forget Your Breakfast” national movement ■ Policy Planning and Coordination Division administers the Upper Secondary School Equivalency Central Council for Education. in collaboration with civic groups to improve children’s Examination which appropriately evaluates and utilizes basic lifestyles. The national movement aims to increase ■ Lifelong Learning Promotion Division candidates’ learning outcomes, assists young people, Basic Act on Education public awareness on the importance of basic lifestyles. women and working adults aiming to relearn for their Education Media and Information Policy ■ Division career development, and implements the National Lifelong Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education Support for Education at Home Learning Network Forum to stimulate the nation’s interest ■ Social Education Division “Early to Bed, Early to Rise and Don’t Forget Your in lifelong learning. ■ Gender Equality Learning Division * Realizing Education in which Breakfast” national movement symbol Schools, Families and Communities http://www.hayanehayaoki.jp/ Coordination and Community Affairs * Steady Promotion of ICT in Education ■ Division join together in Cooperation The utilization of Information and Communication ・Promoting partnership and cooperation among Technology (ICT) in schools aims to stimulate children’s schools, families and communities interest in learning and helps to create classes which are In light of the provisions of Article 13 (Partnership and easy for children to follow. In addition to traditional Cooperation among Schools, Families and Local Residents) classroom learning, ICT realizes children’s individual of the Basic Education Law, it is important to construct learning by providing education suited to every individual’s necessary frameworks for society as a whole to become strengths and potential, in addition to facilitating “Early to Bed, collaborative education, in which children teach and learn Early to Rise and from each other. MEXT promotes ICT in education by Don’t Forget Your utilizing ICT in teaching of the curriculum and special needs Breakfast” National movement education, advances ICT utilization by teachers, supports symbol measures to advance children’s information literacy, and MEXT examines the basic direction works to advance the utilization of ICT for school of education policy by planning and administrative works. drafting basic educational policies, Promoting Information and Communication works to promote education in which * Providing Lifelong Learning Technology (ICT) in Education schools, families and communities Opportunities collaborate, enhances libraries, In order to enhance lifelong learning opportunities, it is museums and specialized training necessary to secure various learning opportunities through colleges, facilitates education and school education, social education and home education. learning for gender equality, and MEXT works to enhance the curriculum provided by the advances the use of Information and Open University of Japan which offers people university Communication Technology (ICT) in education at home, to advance specialized training school education, and improve career colleges which provide practical vocational education, and education and vocational education. Math class using IT instructed by teachers and community volunteers (Bungo Takada City, Oita Prefecture)

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6 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 7 EDUCATION

* Improving Academic Performance opportunity to receive compulsory education. In order to individual’s degree of disability including in resource rooms, EDUCATION maintain a standard compulsory education, the Class in special classes (both in regular schools) and in special MEXT established the Courses of Study as a broad Organization for Public Compulsory Education and the schools named “Schools for Special Needs Education” for standard for all schools to organize their programs to Number of Teachers Act defines important factors in school elementary and lower secondary students. ensure a fixed standard of education throughout the educational environments including the range of students country. per class and teacher placement. As such, around 1.06 Special Needs Education The Courses of Study for elementary and lower million teachers are posted at public schools nationwide. secondary schools were revised in March 2008, and those Public school teachers are also regarded as local public * Nurturing Global Individuals Elementary for upper secondary schools and schools for special needs service employees. The National Treasury Share for education, in March 2009. The new Courses of Study aim Compulsory Education Expenditure System requires the With the advance of globalization, it is necessary to and Secondary to nurture in children a “Zest for life” by enhancing the state to shoulder one-third the cost of every public school foster global individuals from the early stages of content of education and increasing the number of classes, teacher’s salary. elementary school through lower and upper secondary with an emphasis on the balance between acquiring basic Through such system, MEXT promotes reform and school who excel in language, communication skills, Education Bureau and fundamental knowledge and skills, and fostering the enhancement of teacher training systems for school subjectivity and understanding towards different cultures. ability to think, make decisions and express oneself. education including compulsory education. MEXT comprehensively strives to; strengthen English In order to enable the smooth implementation of the language education, improve the teaching and language Planning Educational Enhancements new Courses of Study, MEXT also works on initiatives to * Assisting School Management skills of English teachers, promote international exchange, from Preschool through Elementary, enhance administrative systems, educational facilities and cultural exchanges between upper secondary school Lower and Upper Secondary school or to ensure the quality and quantity of textbooks. MEXT promotes the development of schools in students and exchange students, enhance education of Equivalent school to foster high-level Since FY2007, MEXT has carried out the National partnership with the community to realize high quality Japanese children overseas, and enhance education of academics and normative consciousness Assessment of Academic Ability in mathematics and education and to solve problems faced by children. MEXT returning Japanese children from overseas and foreign Japanese (science added in FY2012) for students in the encourages utilizing the strengths of parents and the children in Japan. Elementary and Secondary Education sixth year of elementary school and the third year of lower community through Community Schools (School ■ Planning Division secondary school. These results are being utilized to Management Council System) and school evaluations. International Education ■ Financial Affairs Division improve education and educational policies nationwide. * Corresponding to Problem Behavior such as ■ School Curriculum Division Outline of the new of Courses of Study Bullying, Prohibiting Physical Punishment

■ Student Affairs Division and the Promoting Career Education * Improving Teacher Quality ・ ■ Early Childhood Education Division Corresponding to the problem behavior In order to secure excellent teachers who play a vital MEXT encourages the early detection and

■ Special Needs Education Division role in the success of school education, teachers of public correspondence to problem behavior such as bullying by elementary and lower secondary schools must obtain a promoting moral education, sufficient hands-on experience ■ International Education Division teaching certificate. MEXT encourages universities to focus activities, preventive measures, counseling systems and on fostering practical teaching skills for students enrolled in collaboration between related organizations. ■ Textbook Division teacher training courses. MEXT also encourages initiatives ・Prohibiting physical punishment which foster high professionalism and practical teaching The School Education Law strictly prohibits physical High school student exchange program at University of Sydney ■ Educational Personnel Division skills for public school teachers hired and trained through punishment. MEXT works to spread thorough awareness Science School

■ School Management Support Division local boards of education. on prohibiting physical punishment by carrying out fact finding surveys on physical punishment and to highlight the * Promoting Early Childhood Education * Constructing Necessary Teaching differences between disciplinary action and physical Frameworks for Educators punishment using specific case studies. Early childhood is important to cultivate the foundation ・Promoting career education of the lifelong formation of character. As such, it is important Every Japanese citizen is guaranteed the equal In order for children to develop the attitude and ability that every child is provided with quality preschool MEXT strives to develop education necessary to subjectively choose and decide their career education. MEXT strives to; upgrade educational content that gives all children a Zest for life, paths and to live independently, MEXT promotes the for kindergartens through the 2008 revision of the Courses focusing on the overall balance promulgation of structural career education per educational of Study for Kindergartens, alleviate the economic burden between academic ability, richness stage through various educational activities. for guardians, and enhance support for families and in humanity and health, a sound communities during early childhood education. Moreover, body, and promotes fostering global * Promoting Special Needs Education MEXT is promoting the establishment of “Centre for early individuals who will lead future childhood education and care” which comprehensively society. MEXT also works to Special needs education for students with disabilities provides education and childcare to preschool children as maintain and enhance the national aims to fully develop students’ capabilities, independence well as childcare assistance to parents. educational level by improving and social participation upon consideration of every teacher quality and constructing individual’s educational needs. As such, special needs necessary teaching frameworks for education is carried out in various forms according to every educators.

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8 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 9 EDUCATION * Improving Universities and Graduate promotion of contributions to local communities, and so on. important role in Japanese school education. 80 percent of EDUCATION With drastic structural changes in today’s social university and junior college students, 30 percent of upper Schools economy, MEXT encourages strengthening the functions of secondary school students and 80 percent of kindergarteners ・Promoting measures for future university education national universities by assisting universities working to go to private schools in Japan. MEXT works to promote the Japan is now confronted with various domestic issues strengthen their globalization and innovation so that each stable and continuous management of private schools including declining birthrates and a growing aging society. At national university can increase its strengths and through measures including; subsidies focused mainly on the same time, the nation must also grapple with drastic characteristics to fulfill a better social role capable of operating costs, loans via the Promotion and Mutual Aid societal changes of advance towards globalization and a responding to society’s expectations. Corporation for Private Schools of Japan, preferential tax knowledge-based society. Against such backdrop, universities ・Fostering high-level professionals and technicians treatment and support for management of school will play an extremely important and diverse role for the Universities train advanced professionals with highly corporation. Higher Education nation’s well-being and socio-economic development by specialized knowledge and skills based on the social needs of nurturing human resources equipped with a broad range of various industries. In the medical-related field, for example, Promotion of Private Schools knowledge and a high-level of expertise, in addition to solving MEXT works to foster competent medical doctors who are Bureau society’s various problems through a variety of research. highly motivated to major in community medicine , and * Promoting the Internationalization of Universities also serve as a base for the revitalization of superior medical human resources who are able to respond Universities and Student Exchange communities and must actively lead society in the creation to society’s needs. In the veterinarian field, MEXT works to Planning promotion of higher education and dissemination of new knowledge and values. foster outstanding veterinarians who work to improve animal As of May 2012, there were about 138,000 foreign focusing on universities and graduate In order to respond to nation’s needs, MEXT strives to and public hygiene. students studying in Japanese universities while 58,000 ensure the execution of university reform in order to realize Professional graduate schools assume a leadership role in Japanese students studying abroad in 2010. schools university education of the highest international standards. various areas of society, providing graduate courses (professional In addition, as of 2009, there were about 17,000 exchange ・Assuring quality university education degrees) which specialize in fostering highly-specialized agreements between Japanese and foreign universities. Many Universities must actively respond to the diverse needs of professionals who will be active internationally. These schools universities have established organizational and continuous ■ Higher Education Policy Planning Division students and society while steadily assuring quality education. have been established to train professionals in the fields of law educational cooperation such as double degree programs to As universities aim to foster the diverse knowledge needed to (University Law Schools), school education (Teaching Profession foster human resources in collaboration with foreign ■ University Promotion Division function in the 21st century, the quality of undergraduate Graduate School), accounting, business management, universities. As globalization continues to accelerate, it is education must first be reformed to foster students’ subjective management of technology (MOT) and public policy. necessary to foster global human resources who can play an ■ Technical Education Division thinking and learning. According to August 2012 Central Colleges of technology are institutions of higher education active role with an international perspective by acquiring good Council for Education report, “Changing the quality of which provide specialized education with an emphasis on communication skills and experiencing different cultures based ■ Medical Education Division university education to build a new future” the Council experimentation and practical training over a period of five on Japanese identity. From these points of view, it is important proposes the creation of a reform-cycle which assures years for students who have completed junior high school to promote the internationalization of universities and student ■ Student Support and Exchange Division increased hours of quality learning to reform universities into education. These colleges foster practical and creative exchanges. an environment which enables individuals to “continuously technicians who represent the backbone of manufacturing. MEXT is promoting to double the number of Japanese ■ National University Corporation Support Division foster subjective thinking throughout their lives”. Moreover, the student studying abroad, in order to provide opportunities currently teacher-centered subject classes must be reformed * Scholarship Loan Programs studying abroad to all young people who are highly-motivated Private Education Institution Department into an organizational and systematic educational curriculum. and competent. MEXT is also working to achieve the “300,000 Private Education Institution Based on the above, MEXT is working to reform the Scholarship loan programs and scholarship programs are International Students Plan” by strategically accepting ■ Administration Division current system and regulations, secure a budget, and to important educational measures for the goals of equal excellent international students. In addition, MEXT has been

■ Private Education Institution Aid Division guarantee and enhance the quality of university education opportunity for education and human resource development. providing support with priority to universities promoting through the nationwide dissemination of outstanding They are broadly implemented by the independent thorough internationalization by increasing the number of

■ Private Education Institution Management measures implemented at various universities. administrative institution, Japan Student Services foreign faculty and classes taught in English. MEXT also Division ・Improving graduate education Organization, local governments, public-interest corporations continues to support the “CAMPUS Asia” project, a trilateral Graduate education needs to foster creative human and schools, etc. initiative among Japan, China and Korea which aims to resources that can lead a knowledge-based society. In order Japan Student Services Organization provides scholarship promote inter-university exchanges. Moreover, MEXT further to achieve this, MEXT is vigorously working on establishment loan programs for exemplary students who have difficulty promotes student exchanges with quality assurance through of research centers of international excellence and on getting education because of financial reasons. The programs such as the Working Group on the Mobility and Quality MEXT pursues various policies to development of global leaders who can take active roles offer interest-free loans and low-interest loans. Assurance of Higher Education among ASEAN Plus Three promote higher education. MEXT grants across industry, academia, and the government. In FY2013, the number of students to whom scholarship Countries proposed permission for the establishment of ・Assisting educational reform of national, public and loans are available considerably increased to around 1.44 by Japan at the First universities, junior colleges, and colleges private universities million. MEXT is also working to enhance the current system ASEAN Plus Three of technology, assures the quality of MEXT supports a variety of efforts to reform universities in implemented from FY2012 that requires scholarship loan Education Ministers education through teacher evaluations, supports university education reform and a competitive environment through national, public and private recipients to repay a fixed amount when their annual salary Meeting held in July fosters the development of high-level universities, with the objective of invigorating higher education after graduation exceeds a certain amount, and to prepare 2012. and encouraging excellent education and research activities for transition to a future system in which the repayment professionals. At the same time, MEXT Promotion which utilize each university’s individuality and characteristics. amount will be determined annually according to the performs administration for the selection of Student of students’ school entry, student support, ・Current situation of national universities recipient’s income. Exchanges internationalization of universities and Since the incorporation of national universities in April Japan Student Services Organization foreign student exchanges, and the 2004, each national university corporation has been utilizing invigoration of incorporated national the advantages of being incorporated according to the each universities. In addition, it promotes university’s founding principles and characteristics. Various * Promoting Private Schools private schools through preferential tax efforts have been addressed, such as establishment of treatment , subsidies and administrative management structures, revitalization of education research, Japan’s private schools carry out unique educational and guidance and advice. enhancement of student support, cooperation with industry, research activities in the spirits of their founding and play an

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10 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 11 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE & * Planning and Proposing for Basic science and technology. In order to do so, MEXT application, and provides specialized assistance for Policies on Science and Technology encourages consistent and comprehensive human intellectual properties. TECHNOLOGY resource development policies spanning across all age- Moreover, the promotion of science and technology in MEXT comprehensively promotes science and groups which aim to; increase the number of children regional areas revitalizes communities which contribute to technology based on the Fourth Science and Technology interested in math and science, enhance measures to help the sophistication and diversification of science and Basic Plan (FY2011-FY2015). Based on the fundamental children discover and develop their talents, create technology nationwide. For this purpose, MEXT promotes principles of this plan, MEXT encourages science, necessary environments for various individuals including measures which effectively support regional innovation and technology and innovation policies which aim to realize young, female and foreign researchers which enable them make the best use of the local community’s strengths and Science and sustainable growth and the advancement of society. to fulfill their potential, and to promote the growth and characteristics. Moreover, MEXT established the Council for Science and utilization of the professional engineer system. University-Industry-Government collaboration, Technology Technology, and examines and broadly deliberates such Promoting science and technology in regional areas important policies. * Strategic Promotion of International The Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan Activities * Creating and Sharing Necessary Policy Bureau Frameworks for Generic Research MEXT promotes science and technology collaborations Development Council for Science and Technology with various countries and with international organizations. Creating Necessary Frameworks to MEXT also promotes international research exchanges and In order to generate cutting-edge research originating Promote Science and Technology * Research and Assessment on joint research from the standpoint of science and from researchers’ unique and creative research and Science and Technology Policy technology diplomacy which combines Japan’s cutting- development activities, it is vital to strengthen research edge science and technology with diplomacy. MEXT further infrastructure by enhancing universities with advanced Based on the Science and Technology Basic Law, promotes both dispatching Japanese researchers and research equipment and facilities and advancing base MEXT annually compiles science and technology related accepting foreign researchers to correspond to the global technology and equipment. MEXT is promoting the creation ■ Policy Division policies implemented by the government to prepare the flow of intellectual mobility. of a platform to effectively correspond to the various user annual report on the promotion of science and technology needs by networking cutting-edge research facilities such ■ Planning and Evaluation Division (White Paper on Science and Technology) which is as the large synchrotron radiation facility (SPring-8) and the

■ Knowledge Infrastructure Policy Division submitted to the National Diet. MEXT also formulates X-ray free electron laser (SACLA), upgrading research “Guidelines for Evaluation of Research and Development in facilities and equipment, and promoting their communal Research and Development Infrastructure ■ Division MEXT” and implements R&D evaluation according to the use. Moreover, MEXT aims to strengthen research guidelines, and promotes the establishment and development foundations which sustain innovation by ■ University-Industry Collaboration and Regional R&D Division improvement of various measures. promoting the development and diffusion of advanced measurement analysis technology and equipment, along with advancing applied research and practical application for light quantum science and technology. Large synchrotron radiation facility (SPring-8), X-ray free electron laser (SACLA) Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC)

Quantum Beam Project

SATREPS H21 adopted subjects: “Burkina Faso: Developing a sustainable water and sanitary system for the African Sahel region.” MEXT plans and proposes basic policies to promote science and technology. MEXT aims to develop * Promoting University-Industry-Government human resources in science and Collaboration and Advancing Science and Japanese medalists at the International Chemistry Olympiad technology from students to leading Technology in Regional Areas researchers and engineers, strategically promotes international activities, * Nurturing Human Resources in Science The promotion of university-industry-government collaboration aims to reward society with the fruits of university-industry-government and Technology related Fields research which is also crucial for the revitalization of collaboration, the advancement of As Japan has entered an age of population decline, the university education and research. MEXT assists universities Large synchrotron radiation facility, SPring-8 (circular facility at right) science and technology in regional nation must promote measures which foster, secure and creating large-scale university-industry collaborated X-ray free electron laser, SACLA (linear facility at left) areas and innovation policies in (Provided by: Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, RIKEN) utilize human resources working in the science and research and development platform, university-industry science and technology by improving technology-related fields to become a global leader in joint research projects, research aimed at practical and sharing research bases.

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12 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 13 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE & * Promoting Basic Research advance the realization *Promoting Research and Development TECHNOLOGY of regenerative medicine in Nanotechnology and Materials Basic research which originates from the free ideas of by supporting stem Science researchers is based on spontaneity and creativity. The cell research including creation of new knowledge through basic research ultimately induced pluripotent In nanotechnology, atoms contributes to the expansion of intellectual assets shared by stem cells (iPS cells), and molecules are manipulated all of humanity. MEXT works to promote academic research basic research on the at the nanometer scale (one at universities and inter-university research institutes by; prevention and treatment billionth of a meter) to create Research reforming systems to secure measures which support basic of cancer and lifestyle- Human iPS cell colony derived from completely new functions fibroblast (provided by Kyoto University, costs, enhancing Grants-in-aid for Scientific Research, and related illnesses, brain Dr. Shinya Yamanaka) by utilizing the characteristics Promotion establishing a fund which allows multiple year appropriations science research aimed particular to nano-scale of research funds. Moreover, MEXT promotes creative and at analyzing the brain’s functions and overcoming depression materials. Nanotechnology cutting-edge large-scale research which gives humanity and dementia, and applied research on the practical and materials science are Bureau hopes and dreams. The Large-scale Academic Frontiers application of personalized medicine and personalized leading technologies open Project aims to advance neutrino research which aspires to prevention. Moreover, MEXT works to advance foundations to new possibilities. These solve the mystery behind the evolution of space in addition of analytical equipment, databases and bio-resources which leading basic technologies Promoting Basic Research in Universities, to using a giant electrical wave telescope to elucidate how contribute to a wide variety of life science research. MEXT will be applied over various Transmission electron microscope and advancing Science and Technology the galaxy was formed right after the Big Bang and the also formulates and administers laws and regulations which areas and will support a wide (Provided by the National Institute corresponding to Policy Issues mystery of life’s origin. appropriately correspond to safety measures and life ethics range of technological fields. for Materials Science) Basic research also plays a crucial role in the nation’s issues. In order to strengthen the social and economic development by stimulating nation’s industrial competitiveness, MEXT is working on the innovation. In addition to goal-oriented basic research Life Science Portalsite development of new materials to reduce the use of critical ■ Promotion Policy Division funded through competitive grants such as the Strategic elements and also promotes establishing research platform Creative Research Promotion Project, MEXT promotes by the alliance of the institutes which have cutting-edge ■ Basic Research Promotion Division *Promoting Research and Development research aimed at achieving policy goals including the in Information and Communication equipment. ■ Scientific Research Institute Division development of innovative environmental technologies at Technology independent administrative institutions for research and Nanotech Japan ■ Scientific Research Aid Division development such as RIKEN. Information and communication technology including Moreover, MEXT promotes the World Premier innovative computing technology, information reference ■ Life Sciences Division *Promoting Research and Development International Research Initiative (WPI) which aims to create technology and network technology are basic technologies in the Fields of particle and nuclear a world-class research center of highly visible presence in which are the key to deriving successful results in various ■ Information Division physics the global community, integrating various fields and fields. Network computers and super computers are vital

■ Materials Science and Nanotechnology attracting outstanding researchers from Japan and around social infrastructures which help sustain research activities By using large-scale research facilities called particle Development Division the world. of universities and industries. MEXT promotes the accelerators, the field of particle and nuclear physics aims application of large data, and research and development of to probe into the properties of elementary particles and basic technology including information infrastructure, the nuclei that constitute the materials surrounding us. This strengthening of disaster resistance, and the ultra-low field aims to solve the ultimate structure of matter, along consumption of electricity. Moreover, MEXT is working to with the origin of elements and fundamental forces at work create an academic information network (SINET 4) by linking in the universe. MEXT works on pursuing the fundamental nationwide university supercomputers with the K computer, laws of nature in addition to developing cutting-edge and building a revolutionary high-performance computing particle accelerators to promote important development MEXT advances policies to promote infrastructure aimed at realizing computing environments and research which greatly effects the advancement of scientific research originating from ALMA Observatory (provided by the National Astronomical capable of responding to users various needs. other research fields. Observatory of Japan) researchers’ creative ideas by assisting Supercomputer “K computer” research organizations and providing research grants. MEXT also promotes * Promoting Research and Development Heart simulation at the atomic research in the fields of life sciences, in Life Sciences level using the K Computer information technology, nanotechnology (Replicating heart beat and The life sciences aims to elucidate the complex and and materials, and particle and nuclear blood flow at the atomic level delicate mechanism of life phenomenon carried out by living has contributed to elucidating physics. Moreover, MEXT promotes organisms. It is also a promising field expected to greatly the causes of hypertrophic basic research aimed at practical cardiomyopathy and evaluating contribute to enhancing the nation’s lifestyle and socio- new treatments and medicinal application, while working to improve economic development by realizing the nation’s effects.) research facilities including research enhancement in health and longevity, corresponding to (Provided by University of infrastructure and equipment and Tokyo, Graduate School of contagious diseases such as new strains of influenza and Frontier Sciences, Toshiaki Aerial view of High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) advancing their utilization in a variety solving food and environmental problems. MEXT works to Hisada, Project Professor) of fields. (Provided by KEK)

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14 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 15 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE & • MEXT is promoting research and development related to the Earth and the environment to respond to problems related * Promoting Research and Development in Aerospace decommissioning and decontamination which are necessary to humanity’s future existence such as securing resources and TECHNOLOGY to help accelerate the revitalization of communities affected discovering the nature of unknown regions of the oceans and Space development by the nuclear accident. the Earth’s interior. and utilization play a crucial • MEXT is advancing necessary measures in line with revised • MEXT promotes observations to gain a comprehensive role in strengthening Japan’s energy policies for the research and development of fast- understanding of the Earth such as oceanographic core foundations. Advances breeder reactors. Based on lessons learnt from the o b s e r v a t i o n u s i n g in space development Fukushima Daiichi accident, MEXT is working to improve research vessels and improve the quality of safety measures for the fast breeder reactor Monju. buoys and Antarctic Research and people’s lives through the • MEXT supports basic research and human resource Observation Programs. utilization of satellite-based development carried out by research organizations and • MEXT assists Japan Development applications including universities which contribute to securing nuclear safety a n d t h e U . S . - l e a d t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , including research on severe accidents. Integrated Ocean Drilling broadcasting, positioning/ • MEXT promotes measures which improve the harmonious Program (IODP), using Bureau navigation/timing (PNT), relationship between nuclear energy and the community, deep-sea drilling vessels weather forecasting and measures which secure nonproliferation and the peaceful such as Chikyu to drill earth observation, contribute H-II B test launch use of nuclear energy. on the deep sea floor to acquiring new knowledge (Provided by: JAXA) to elucidate global MEXT conducts large-scale research on space science research, Fast Breeder environmental changes, and development in the fields of space, Reactor Monju Deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu and is indispensible for giving children a chance to dream. seismogenic mechanisms (Provided by: Japan Agency for nuclear power, oceans, environment and As aircrafts have also become an essential part of people’s and the deep biosphere. Marine-Earth Science and Technology) energy, and earthquakes and disaster lives, it is vital to pursue cutting-edge technologies in Antarctic Observation Programs prevention. aeronautics to advance the competitiveness of Japan’s aviation Fast breeder reactor Monju / Deep Sea Drilling Vessei CHIKYU industry and to promote the reduction of CO 2 emissions. (Provided by: Japan Atomic ■ Research and Development Policy Division Japan is promoting measures to secure a rocket launching Energy Agency) Earthquake and Disaster-Reduction system with reliability of the highest level in the world. ■ * Research Division Promotion of Research and The H-IIA launch vehicle has been successfully launched * Promoting Research and Development Development for Earthquake and sixteen consecutive times in recent years. The Konotori ■ Ocean and Earth Division in the Environment and Energy Fields Transfer Vehicle (HTV) which carries cargo to the International Disaster Prevention Studies Space Station with the H-IIB launch vehicle was successfully In order to tackle climate change issues such as global Beginning with the Great ■ Environment and Energy Division launched four consecutive times, and the Epsilon rocket was warming, MEXT promotes research and development which East Japan Earthquake ■ Space Development and Utilization successfully launched in 2013. MEXT also focuses on aim to transform Japan into a “low-carbon society”, allowing shows that Japan is located Division promoting the following policies: for sustained economic development while cutting in an area prone to frequent • Research and development of space transportation systems greenhouse gas emissions. natural disasters such as ■ Atomic Energy Division such as the national primary launching vehicle to maintain • MEXT promotes research and development on advanced earthquakes, tsunamis,

■ Nuclear Liability Division and ensure the autonomy in launching satellites and other technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. volcanic eruptions, typhoons spacecraft whenever necessary; • MEXT promotes research on highly accurate climate change and heavy snowfall. MEXT • Construction of satellite-based observation and surveillance predictions using the “Earth Simulator” supercomputer, promotes research and system that contribute to observation of the global research and development on adapting to the environmental development intended to environment, disaster monitoring, communications, and changes expected to accompany global warming. mitigate the damage from positioning/navigation/timing; • In order to “create the sun on earth”, or to realize fusion energy, such disasters. • Comprehensive utilization of the space environment through MEXT promotes cutting-edge research and development on • MEXT proposes policies 3D Full-scale Earthquake Testing the International Space Station and other space assets; fusion energy including the ITER Project and the Broader for the promotion of Facility (E-Defense) • Space science research at the highest level in the world Approach (BA) Activities under international collaboration. research and carries out such as space exploration in unexplored regions and the research on improving accuracy in forecasting the probability solar system; of earthquake occurrence and size and better understanding • Research and development in aviation science and the mechanisms of earthquakes. technology in response to social demands such as • MEXT engages in a large-scale observation and research passenger safety and environmental compliance. projects on future earthquakes which are estimated to MEXT promotes research and cause major socio-economic damages regarding development to solve social problems H-II B Rocket earthquakes that occur in the Nankai Trough region, along related to the environment, energy, with earthquakes that occur directly under the Tokyo area. earthquakes and disaster prevention. * Promoting Research and Development • MEXT promotes research and development of disaster Global warming forecast for 2100 prevention science and technologies which correspond to MEXT advances research and in Nuclear Energy (Provided by: Center for Climate System Research, University various types of natural disasters by utilizing earthquake- development on a national scale in of Tokyo; National Institute for Environmental Studies; Frontier MEXT promotes nuclear energy research and resistant technologies including the E Defense 3D full-scale the fields of space, nuclear energy, Research Center for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth development which is strategically vital for Japan. Based on Science and Technology) earthquake testing facility. oceans and the earth including lessons learnt from the Tokyo Electric Power Company Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion rockets and satellites, the nuclear Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, MEXT is / E-Defense fuel cycle and fusion energy, and * Promoting Research and Development reviewing future energy policies and promoting measures to in the Oceans and the Earth Antarctic observation and deep-sea help revive communities affected by the disaster including exploration. compensation for damages caused by the nuclear accident. MEXT works on research and development in the oceans,

For items with this mark, further information is available via MEXT homepage. 〉〉〉 http://www.mext.go.jp/booklet/link.htm

16 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 17 SPORTS SPORTS * Promoting Sport Sport is a universally shared human culture. Sport plays a key role in diverse facets of people’s lives, for example by supporting the sound fostering of youth, revitalizing local communities, the retaining and promoting of mental and physical health. The Basic Act on Sport was enacted in June 2011, following the first comprehensive revision of the Sport Sports and Youth Promotion Act in 50 years. MEXT established the Sport Basic Plan in March 2012, pursuant to this Act. To create a society where all people can enjoy a Bureau happy and fulfilled life through sport, the Plan sets the key principles of sport promotion for the coming decade, as well as the measures to be advanced over the next London Olympic medalist group photo (Provided by: Aflo Sport) Striving to promote sport, a healthy five years. maintain and improve their health throughout their lives, mind and body, and a wholesome Based on the Sport Basic Plan, MEXT is striving to * Improving School Health Education focusing on the topics of nonsmoking, drinking, drug abuse upbringing increase sport opportunities for children and promote In order to raise healthy children in mind and body, it is and sex education. sport activities in line with the life stages regardless of age, important to promote initiatives related to school safety, gender or disabilities. MEXT also works to improve such Shokuiku, school lunches and school health. School Health Education community sport environments as Comprehensive Japan is confronted with the pressing issue of assuring Community Sport Clubs and to promote coordination and ■ Policy Planning Division a safe school environment with increased threats of; cooperation between top sport and community sport. * Promoting Sound Development of children being caught in accidents during their way to and Moreover, MEXT aims to improve the international Youth ■ Sports Promotion Division from school, natural disasters such as the Great East competitiveness of athletes and promotes international Japan Earthquake and suspicious persons. On April 27, In order to develop social competencies for survival ■ Competitive Sports Division exchanges and contributions through, for example, bids 2012, a Cabinet decision was made on the Plan to such as a rich humanity and harmonious nature of youth, for and holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Promote School Safety. Based on the Plan, MEXT MEXT is encouraging various experiential activities of youth ■ School Health Education Division addition, by promoting of activities to enhance governance promotes measures to improve school safety by creating including international exchanges. The National Institution of sport organization and anti-doping activities, MEXT ■ Youth Division safe and secure environments with cooperation from the for Youth Education is providing youth with opportunities aims to create an environment where everyone can safety community, and supports the advancement of safety and places for experiential activities within its 28 youth enjoy sport. ■ Physical Education Division / Youth Development Division education to raise children’s safety awareness. education facilities and supports experiential activities for Promotion of sports, Realization of a lifelong sports Moreover, due to the increasing trend of unhealthy youth implemented by private bodies. society, Enhancement of the physical strength of eating habits, obesity and weight reduction, MEXT In addition, MEXT is promoting countermeasures children, Enhancement of Japan’s international promotes food-related instruction in schools led by diet and against illegal or harmful contents on the Internet by competitiveness nutrition teachers (i.e. Shokuiku) to instill proper knowledge collaborating with relevant government offices, ministries, on food and healthy eating habits. In addition, MEXT also agencies and other institutions to prevent youth Japan Youth promotes the use of local produce in school lunches, rice- involvement in crime or troubles. Softball based school lunches and thorough hygiene management. Furthermore, based on the Third Basic Plan to Promote Baseball Furthermore, in order to correspond to the diversified Children’s Reading Activities formulated in May 2013, Competition (Provided by: and complex health issues faced by children such as food MEXT is working towards establishing necessary Japan Sports allergies and mental health, MEXT promotes community- environments for children’s subjective reading activities and MEXT strives to promote sport by Association) based measures which advance the construction of is raising awareness for the significance of reading activities increasing sport opportunities for necessary frameworks for school health management. mainly on Children’s Reading Day (April 23). children, promoting sport activities MEXT also promotes health education so that children Sound Development in line with the life stages, improving of Youth community sport environments Student and advancing the international Establishing Coaching by presentation Countermeasures for competitiveness of athletes. top athletes of handmade Harmful Environments MEXT also promotes policies to (Photo disaster- surrounding the Youth by: Photo prevention map protect children’s health and safety Kishimoto) (Provided by: Information Center on by ensuring school safety, school Wakayama Children’s Reading health and Shokuiku (diet and nutrition Prefecture Board of education). In addition, MEXT Education) promotes nature hands-on activities Water-based nature experiential activity (National Yasukogen and reading activities to foster Youth Outdoor Learning Center) healthy children.

For items with this mark, further information is available via MEXT homepage. 〉〉〉 http://www.mext.go.jp/booklet/link.htm

18 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 19 CULTURE * Comprehensive Support for Culture Properties, the Agency designates, selects, and registers In addition, the Agency promotes the appropriate CULTURE important items and places as National Treasures, Important preservation of cultural heritage overseas by actively joining in and Art Promotion Policies Cultural Properties, Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, international cooperation, sending and inviting experts, and On February 8, 2011, a Cabinet decision was made on Natural Monuments, etc. While the Agency places certain supporting the development of human resources. It also the Basic Policy for the Promotion of Culture and the Arts restrictions on changing the existing conditions and works to register Japan's cultural heritage as UNESCO World (Third Basic Policy). This formulated the basic direction and exportation of cultural properties, it also takes measures to Heritage sites and Intangible Cultural Assets. selective policies to promote culture and arts over the five preserve cultural properties through conservation and year period of 2011 - 2015. By placing the promotion of restoration, the establishment of disaster prevention facilities, * Copyright Policies Responding to a culture and the arts as a core national policy, the Agency aims and the provision of subsidies for public authorities to New Era to increase Japan’s national strength by building an active purchase historic sites, etc. The Agency also takes steps Agency for society and realizing a lifestyle rich in spirit. to utilize cultural properties, such as subsidizing the The Agency has established the Subdivision on Copyright establishment of facilities to display cultural properties to the in the Council for Cultural Affairs to consider improvements to public and expanding opportunities to appreciate cultural the copyright law system to respond to social changes and Cultural Affairs properties through exhibitions and other events. the development and diffusion of information technologies. Furthermore, the Agency nominates those properties that It also performs educational services pertinent to are considered as having outstanding universal value among copyrights, and implements various policies to promote Aiming to become a new “culture and representative cultural heritage in Japan for inscription on the smooth use and distribution of works. arts-based nation” through the promotion UNESCO World Heritage List. Furthermore, it responds to international issues by strengthening countermeasures against pirated goods of culture and arts circulated overseas and participating in international rule Policy Planning and Coordination making on copyrights. ■ Division Commissioner’s Secretariat ■ Copyright Division World Cultural Heritage “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic ■ International Affairs Division inspiration” (Provided by: Fuji city, Prefecture)

■ Arts and Culture Division Cultural Affairs Department * Promotion of Art and Culture ■ Japanese Language Division Art and culture including music, theater, dance, movies, “Nachi no Dengaku” folk dance (Higashi-Muro District, Wakayama ■ Religious Affairs Division animations and manga play essential roles, enriching people's Prefecture) lives through creating happiness and inspiration, while also (Provided by: Wakayama Prefecture Board of Education) Copyright seminar in Niigata Prefecture in 2012 having the power to invigorate society as a whole. ■ Traditional Culture Division In order to promote art and culture in Japan, the Agency * Promoting International Cultural * Promoting Policies on Japanese Cultural supports creative performing arts such as music, theater and Properties ■ Fine Arts Division Exchange and International Cooperation Language and Japanese Language Department dance, fosters both young and professional artists, provides substantial opportunities for children to experience arts and Promotion of international exchanges and cooperation Education for Foreigners ■ Monuments and Sites Division culture, assists local arts and culture activities, and promotes related to art and culture advances the development of Based on the importance of the Japanese language as a Architecture and Other media arts such as films, animation and manga through the cultural and artistic activities in Japan while contributing to crucial foundation of Japanese culture, the Agency promotes ■ Structures Division Japan Media Arts Festival. their development worldwide. the improvement and spread of the Japanese language based The Agency makes Japanese outstanding culture known on the considerations and reports of the Subdivision on all over the world through initiatives such as sending National Language of the Council for Cultural Affairs (formerly specialists in culture as JAPAN Cultural Envoys, promoting the National Language Council) including making the joyo international cultural exchange through art exchange, and kanji common knowledge and so on. The Agency implements a variety of holding overseas exhibitions. Moreover, MEXT promotes Japanese language education policies on the promotion of culture for foreigners living in Japan by supporting the implementation of Japanese language classes, fostering human resources in and the arts towards realizing a charge of teaching Japanese classes and conducting various “culture and arts-centered nation”. research and surveys. In concrete terms, it helps to foster artists and related personnel to * Administration of Religious Affairs nurture artistic activities, promotes Youth Culture and Arts Activity Project orchestral performance The Agency is in charge of administrative affairs related to regional culture, the preservation and (Performing tour) utilization of cultural properties such certification of religious juridical persons based on theReligious Juridical Persons Act, collection of materials pertaining to as national treasures and historic religion, and appropriate administration of the religious juridical sites, international cultural exchange, * Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Properties persons system. The Religious Juridical Persons Council was copyright protection and exploitation established as an advisory organ to the Minister of Education, of works, the improvement and Cultural properties are precious national assets which Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. spread of the Japanese language, have been created and cultivated throughout Japan’s long Practical training session by 2012 JAPAN Cultural Envoy, Motohiko and Japanese classes for foreigners. history, and carefully handed down to the present. For that Shigeyama (Kyogen actor (Japanese traditional comedian) dispatched Agency for Cultural Affairs homepage It also does work related to religion. reason, based on the Law for the Protection of Cultural to Czech Republic)

For items with this mark, further information is available via MEXT homepage. 〉〉〉 http://www.mext.go.jp/booklet/link.htm

20 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 21 ■ Personnel Division Minister’s Secretariat ■ Facilities Planning Division

Minister’s Secretariat Management and Coordination ■ Division Department of Facilities ■ Local Facilities Aid Division ■ Budget and Accounts Division Planning and Administration ■ National Facilities Division ■ Policy Division Aiming for safe, secure and rich educational facilities ■ Technical Affairs Division

Chief Administrative Coordinator ■ International Affairs Division

secondary schools, the aging of school facilities is a critical issue. In order to improve their maximum safety and function Aiming for safe, secure and rich educational within a limited budget, old school structures built with a facilities, the Department of Facilities Planning and lifespan of 40 years must be renovated to withstand double Administration promotes improvement in earthquake the lifecycle of up to 80 years, while keeping construction The Minister’s Secretariat has comprehensive overall administration such as policy evaluation, resistance and disaster prevention functions of school costs low and minimal environmental waste. MEXT assists responsibility for coordinating MEXT’s overall policies. information disclosure, public relations, information facilities including nonstructural members. It also local governments to appropriately advance their mid-to- In addition to general management functions such as processing, administering international relations and promotes eco-schools, examines measures against long-term plans of improving aging school facilities. personnel, general affairs and accounting, it performs international cooperation. aging facilities, establishes guidelines for designing school facilities, and assists in reconstruction in Improving Public School Facilities times of disaster and recovery. Moreover, it promotes the enhancement of national university campuses to Promoting Improvement of Eco-School Facilities support educational and research activities. * Promoting Improvement of Facilities at National Universities and other Higher Educational Institutions * Promoting the Improvement of Safe and Director-General for International Affairs Secure School Facilities, Corresponding to Facilities of national universities and other higher educational institutions are vital foundations for the Disasters and Reconstruction Assistance development of creative human resources, innovative and School facilities are not only places where children learn and diverse academic research, and highly advanced medical do other activities, but also serve as temporary evacuation treatments. Contact for International Exchange and Cooperation centers for local residents in the event of a disaster. As such, it is With facilities constructed over 25 years ago making up crucial to ensure the safety of school facilities and to strengthen for about 40 percent of all higher educational institutions, their disaster resistance functions. aging facilities are inadequately safe in corresponding to Through the provision of government subsidies, MEXT assists sophisticated and diversified educational research activities, local governments to improve the earthquake resistance of public creating many problems for universities trying to promote school facilities including nonstructural members such as ceiling international competitiveness and university-industry- materials. School facilities must also be multifunctional, equipped government collaborations. The Great East Japan Earthquake As the international contact point for MEXT, it promotes Commission for UNESCO such as the spread of to function as both a place for education and an evacuation center. also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the exchange activities and cooperative projects with education, scientific cooperation and the preservation MEXT works to strengthen schools’ disaster prevention functions earthquake resistance of university facilities, as many various countries. of cultural heritages through UNESCO. by building escape routes, outdoor escape stairs, stockpile buildings suffered damages and communities were As the contact point in Japan for activities of the It also undertakes activities to promote the UNESCO storages, outdoor bathrooms and portable generators. completely cut off from utility lifelines. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Associated Schools Project (ASP) and Education for Moreover, in the event of an earthquake or disaster, MEXT In August 2011, MEXT formulated the Third Five-Year Organization (UNESCO) which pursues international Sustainable Development (ESD), which are some of the provides assistance in the prompt recovery of school facilities by Program for Facilities of National Universities (FY2011- peace, it works on activities of the Japanese National UNESCO’s priorities. swiftly gathering information on the damage situation and FY2015). The plan aims to systematically and selectively subsidizing a portion of the expenses needed for disaster recovery. secure a high quality and safe educational research MEXT also promotes improving school facilities to reduce environment while working to increase sophistication of their environmental load and take into account coexistence with these facilities. nature. It also promotes the establishment of environmental Improving Facilities of National Universities and friendly eco-schools to utilize as teaching materials to serve as other Higher Educational Institutions centers for global environment and energy-related education. With facilities constructed over 25 years ago currently making Guideline and Case Studies for Improving School up for about 70 percent of all public elementary and lower Facilities

General Assembly of the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO UNESCO school ESD-related activities (removing non-native plants) (Photo provided by: Yoshino Elementary School, Omuta city, Prefecture) Japanese National Commission for UNESCO Utilizing school rooftop solar panels for thermal Renovating aging facilities to create good Improving advanced research environments power generation and as an educational tool educational environments For items with this mark, further information is available via MEXT homepage. 〉〉〉 http://www.mext.go.jp/booklet/link.htm

22 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 23 Data 1 Contents of MEXT 2013 General Budget Data 3 Japanese School Systems

Management expenses for the Institute Purchase of school textbooks 41.2 billion yen 0.8% of National Colleges of Technology Age Exchange student expenses 33.7 billion yen 0.6% 58 billion yen 1.0% School Age Management expenses for Sports related expenses 24.3 billion yen 0.5% national university corporations Expenses for encouraging entering kindergarten Preschool Elementary School Secondary School Higher Education Other 46.5 billion yen 0.9% 23.5 billion yen 0.4% Education Education Education Public school facility expenses Lifelong learning expenses Amount budgeted Amount budgeted Increase/Decrease 60.3 billion yen 1.1% 98.7 billion yen 1.8% Classication Amount for FY2012 for FY2013 Lower Upper Personnel expenses etc. Growth Rate Kindergarten School for Special Culture and arts expenses Department Elementary Department Secondary Secondary 313.3 billion yen 5.8% (181.5 billion yen) Needs Education 103.3 billion yen 1.9% MEXT (224.9 (-43.9 Department Department 5,355.8 General billion yen) billion yen) Scholarship programs Budget billion yen 106.9 billion yen 2.0% -1.1% Including Energy policies Agency for 103.2 103.3 0.1 157.9 billion yen 2.9% Cultural billion yen National treasury’s billion yen billion yen Affairs 0.1% share of compulsory Secondary Schoo education expenses *gure in parenthesis shows amount itemized for the reconstruction special account 1,487.9 billion yen 27.8% (Early Course) (Later Course) *1

Science and 5,355.8 billion yen Graduate School technology promotion 100% 875.7 billion yen 16.4% Grants for Management expenses for private schools University revitalizing education research 431.9 billion yen Tuition waivers for public high schools and *3 for private universities 8.1% Management expenses tuition grants for private high schools, etc. 4.5 billion yen 0.1% grants for national 395.0 billion yen 7.4% university corporations Management expenses for 1,079.2 billion yen private school facilities, etc. 20.2% 7.7 billion yen 0.1% Aid grants to private schools, Upper etc. to cover current expenses Secondary Program expenses for strengthening national university reform 102.2 billion yen 1.9% School 14 billion yen 0.3% *2 Grants to private universities Program expenses for strengthening to cover current expenses university education research foundations 317.5 billion yen 5.9% Junior College 4.5 billion yen 0.1% *3

Lower Kindergarten Elementary School Secondary School Data 2 Number of Schools, Students and Teachers (As of May 1, 2012) Specialized Training College (Specialized Course)

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

Kindergartens

College of Technology Elementary Schools

Lower Secondary Schools Specialized Training College (Upper Secondary Course)

Upper Secondary Schools

Secondary Schools Specialized Training College (General Course)

Schools for Special Needs Education Miscellaneous School Colleges of Technology

Junior Colleges Compulsory Education

Universities School Age Age Specialized Training Colleges, Miscellaneous Schools

Notes * There are correspondence schools for upper secondary schools, (*1) This chart shows the average years required for graduation from Japanese schools. Data: FY2012 School Basic Survey universities and junior colleges in addition to these. (*2) Includes schools that offer part-time or correspondence courses. (*3) Includes schools that offer correspondence education.

24 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 25 MEXT’s homepage: Introduction of Related Independent Administrative Institutions Floor Directory (Computer version) http://www.mext.go.jp/ (Cell phone version) http://keitai.mext.go.jp/ Name Telephone Number Website Address 32F ─

(Board of Audit of Japan) National Institute for Educational Policy Research (NIER) 0 3( 6 7 3 3 ) 6 8 3 3 http://www.nier.go.jp/ 20F 19F

National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP) 0 3( 3 5 8 1 ) 2 3 9 1 http://www.nistep.go.jp/ 18F Research and Development Bureau 9F Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau

17F Research Promotion Bureau 8F Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau National Institute of Special Needs Education (NISE) 0 4 6( 8 3 9 ) 6 8 0 3 http://www.nise.go.jp/ 16F Science and Technology Policy Research Center 7F Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau

National Center for Teacher’s Development (NCTD) 0 2 9( 8 7 9 ) 6 6 1 3 http://www.nctd.go.jp/ 15F Science and Technology Policy Bureau 6F National Institute for Educational Policy Research

14F Higher Education Bureau 5F National Institute for Educational Policy Research The former MEXT building National Center for University Entrance Examinations 0 3( 3 4 6 8 ) 3 3 1 1 http://www.dnc.ac.jp/ Minister’s Secretariat 13F Higher Education Bureau, Sports and Youth Bureau 4F (Budget and Accounts Division) 6F Agency for Cultural Affairs Minister’s Secretariat (Management and Coordination Division, National Institute for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE) 0 4 2( 3 0 7 ) 1 5 0 0 http://www.niad.ac.jp/ 12F International Affairs Division), Director-General for International Affairs 3F Assembly hall 5F Agency for Cultural Affairs Minister’s Secretariat Department of Facilities Planning and 11F (Management and Coordination Division) 4F Administration Center for National University Finance and Management (CUFM) 0 3( 4 2 1 2 ) 6 0 0 0 http://www.zam.go.jp/ Minister’s Secretariat 2F Entrance 10F (Personnel Division, Policy Division) 3F MEXT Museum, Library

2F Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) 0 3( 6 7 4 3 ) 6 0 1 1 http://www.jasso.go.jp/ 1F 1F Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan 0 4 2( 6 6 2 ) 3 1 2 0 http://www.kosen-k.go.jp/

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

National Women’s Education Center, of Japan (NWEC) 0 4 9 3( 6 2 ) 6 7 1 9 http://www.nwec.jp/ Acess: •Ginza Line Toranomon St. Exit 6.11 2min. walk •Chiyoda Line Kasumigaseki St. Exit A13 National Museum of Nature and Science 0 3( 3 8 2 2 ) 0 1 1 1 http://www.kahaku.go.jp/ •Marunouchi Line Kasumigaseki St. Exit A13 5min. walk •Hibiya Line Kasumigaseki St. Exit A13 Ministry of Foreign Affairs National Institution for Youth Education 0 3( 3 4 6 7 ) 7 2 0 1 http://www.niye.go.jp/ A 8 A 9

National Agency for the Advancement of Sports and Health (NAASH) 0 3( 5 4 1 0 ) 9 1 2 4 http://www.naash.go.jp/ A10 C 1

Kasumigaseki St. National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) 0 2 9( 8 5 9 ) 2 0 0 0 http://www.nims.go.jp/ A 11 a A 11 a A 13 C 2 National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) 0 4 3( 2 0 6 ) 3 0 0 4 http://www.nirs.go.jp/ A 12 Ministry of Ministry of Economy, Economy, Ministry of Finance Trade and Trade and Industry Industry 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/ (Annex)

Japan Post Museum of MEXT Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) 0 3( 6 2 6 6 ) 6 4 0 0 http://www.jaxa.jp/ Bldg. A space dedicated to showcasing Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) 0 3( 3 2 6 3 ) 1 7 2 2 http://www.jsps.go.jp/ MEXT’s diverse range of activities, both past and present, through MEXT various exhibits and events. Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) 0 4 8( 2 2 6 ) 5 6 0 1 http://www.jst.go.jp/ 6 Opening Hours 10:00-18:00 7 Closed Sundays, Saturdays and 11 5 9 10 RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) 0 4 8( 4 6 2 ) 1 1 1 1 http://www.riken.jp/ Kasumigaseki 8 holidays Common Gate Toranomon St. Admission free 3 4 1 Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) 0 4 6( 8 6 6 ) 3 8 1 1 http://www.jamstec.go.jp/ Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Sotobori-dori

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

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

Minister’s Office in 1933 Sakurada-dori Japan Arts Council 0 3( 3 2 6 5 ) 7 4 1 1 http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/ (recreated as it existed in 1933)

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

26 [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] [ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ] 27 From MEXT to the NEXT

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

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-JAPAN 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959, Japan TEL: +81-3-5253-4111 [Issued November 2013]