LDP aims to codify government’s responsibility for overseas Japanese schools

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:00 JST, June 1, 2022

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has compiled a bill to improve the educational environment of overseas Japanese schools that clearly states the promotion of education at such schools is a “national obligation” and calls on the government to provide necessary financial support.

The LDP aims to have the bill enacted in the current Diet session.

According to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, as of April 2021, there were 94 Japanese schools in 50 countries and regions around the world, with approximately 15,000 students. In addition, there were 228 supplementary schools for children studying at local schools.

In many cases, these schools are mainly operated by local Japanese associations.

The government has provided support such as dispatching teachers, providing textbooks and constructing school buildings, but until now there has been no law to provide a basis for such backing.