TOKYO - Japan's education ministry unveiled a draft of its new national curriculum guidelines on August 31, placing stronger information education for the AI era and greater flexibility in allocating classroom hours among the central pillars of the major overhaul carried out roughly once every decade.
The national curriculum guidelines are standards set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to maintain a consistent level of education at schools across Japan. They are substantially revised about once every 10 years.
The ministry presented a preliminary draft summarizing discussions to date at a meeting of education experts on August 31.
Responding to the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, the draft warns that the spread of false and misleading information through social media, the reinforcement of biased values and the growing influence of AI on human cognition and decision-making could contribute to divisions within democratic societies.
It says a foundation of knowledge covering the basic mechanisms of AI, its effects on human cognition and media literacy has become increasingly important.
To promote the effective use of digital technology and improve media literacy, elementary schools would add dedicated study of information-related topics within the existing Period for Integrated Studies. Junior high schools would introduce a new subject tentatively called Information and Technology.
Another major feature is a proposed system allowing elementary and junior high schools to adjust the number of class hours allocated to individual subjects more flexibly.
Under the proposed system, schools could reduce the annual number of lessons in individual subjects by up to about 15%, using the freed-up time to provide learning support tailored to the individual characteristics and needs of students or to give teachers more time for research and professional training.
The draft also says the importance of building a society that respects and embraces diversity is growing.
It emphasizes education that encourages students to view national and social issues as matters directly relevant to themselves and to understand their role as citizens.
In social studies, geography and history, and civics, the ministry plans to review human rights education where necessary, including instruction relating to sexual minorities, Japan's former Eugenic Protection Law and Hansen's disease.
The Central Council for Education is expected to compile its recommendations based on the draft in the winter of 2026.
The new curriculum guidelines are scheduled to be fully introduced at elementary schools from fiscal 2030, with implementation at other school levels to follow, while classes covering information-related fields are expected to begin ahead of the broader rollout in fiscal 2028.
Source: TBS
