The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Abstract

This chapter begins by discussing the history, organizational structure, staffing and budget characteristics of Japan’s national Ministry of Education, before and after the 2001 reorganization in which it was merged with the Science and Technology Agency. There are also brief descriptions of the roles of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Sports Agency. (Since 2001 the full name of the ministry has been the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology or MEXT.) The chapter then analyzes the ministry’s place in the policy-making process through a discussion of three major reforms: the drive to introduce yutori kyōiku, or “pressure-free education” to schools; English language education reform aimed at improving practical communication skills; and the partial privatization of national universities in 2004. The chapter also highlights aspects of education in Japan that have international appeal as well as how MEXT has responded to some international trends in education reform.