## [Improve language activities]

Language is the foundation of intellectual activities (logic and thinking), communication, sensibility and emotion. While improving guidance in Japanese language class, language activities in other subjects should also be improved based on the ability developed in Japanese language class.

## [Improve science and math education]

In the face of intensifying global competition in science and technology it is necessary to improve the amount and quality of science and math education, including repetitive learning to acquire knowledge and skill as well as observation, experimentation and report writing to cultivate the abilities to think and express.

Taking into account the first revision to the Basic Act on Education, guidance should be enhanced with attention to international applicability and the systemization of content to usher in the “New Educational Era” by cultivating reform in primary and secondary education and securing adequate time for speaking.

## [Improve education regarding tradition and culture]

Education should be enhanced to promote acceptance and understanding, inheritance, and development of the qualities of the tradition and culture of our nation and land to cultivate Japanese people who can participate in international society. Specific measures include emphasizing the classics in Japanese language class, enhancing the learning of history in social studies, traditional Japanese musical instruments and singing in music, our nation's artistic culture in art class, and enhancing martial arts guidance in physical education.

## [Enhancing moral education]

Emphasize the guidance content for each level of development, enhance learning materials and experiential activities and establish roles in the home and community to cultivate a person who can act responsibly and make independent decisions by cultivating morality, such as basic lifestyle habits, the minimum normative consciousness, self trust and compassion, and promoting the understanding and observance of laws and rules.

## [Enhance experiential activities]

Promote and emphasize group overnight trips (elementary school), work place experience activities (lower secondary school), service activities and job experience (upper secondary school) in order to cultivate sociability and ample human qualities in children.

## [Language activities at the elementary school level]

Rather than simply accelerating the beginning of lower secondary school English grammar education, develop a smooth transition to lower secondary school by actively encouraging communication while deepening understanding of the language and culture and providing familiarity with the sound of English and basic expressions in order to cultivate a foundation consisting of a wide range of language ability and an international awareness.

For this reason, it is appropriate to implement the activities as one hour per week in the upper elementary school years outside the period of integrated study and not place them as a subject.

## [Items that need revision laterally across subjects to keep up with the changing society]

Revision is needed for the seven areas of information education, environmental education, creativity education, career education, food education, safety education, and the correct understanding for growth and development of the mind and body.

## 3 Specific proposals in “Regarding the Revision of Courses of Study for Kindergarten, Elementary School, Lower Secondary School, Upper Secondary School, and Schools for Special Needs Education” (Central Council for Education Report)