Politics · Japan · 12 hrs ago
Japan proposes printed-and-digital textbook system from fiscal 2030
Japan's education ministry has proposed a hybrid textbook system for schools, combining printed books with digital materials.
The system is planned to begin gradually in elementary, junior high and high schools from fiscal 2030.
Under the draft guidelines, students in fourth grade or younger would not use fully digital textbooks, and printed content would remain the main format for them.
Students from fifth grade onward could use fully digital textbooks, but only in certain subjects, including foreign languages and arts-related subjects.
The ministry says digital material should support learning, while panel members have raised questions about screen time, health and how devices might be used at home.
Local education boards would choose printed, fully digital or hybrid textbooks, and the ministry says it will review the guidelines as research develops.
Japan’s education ministry has proposed a system combining printed and digital textbooks from fiscal 2030.
The draft would not allow fully digital textbooks for elementary students in fourth grade or lower.
From fifth grade onward, fully digital textbooks would be allowed only in certain subjects.
Local education boards would choose between printed-only, fully digital or hybrid textbooks.
The ministry says it will review the guidelines as research into learning outcomes and health effects develops.
- Who
- Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology proposed the guidelines.
- What
- The draft sets out rules for printed, digital and hybrid textbooks from fiscal 2030.
- When
- The system is scheduled to begin gradually in fiscal 2030.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- The draft takes students’ developmental stages into account and provides a framework for textbook publishers and local education boards.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The ministry showed its draft guidelines to a panel of experts.
Digital textbooks are scheduled to be introduced gradually in elementary, junior high and high schools.
- Start date
- Fiscal 2030
- Fully digital limit
- Not permitted through elementary fourth grade
- Fully digital grades
- Allowed from elementary fifth grade onward, in certain subjects
- Local education board choices
- Printed only, fully digital or hybrid
- Draft presented
- Oct. 22
What people are saying
If a student takes an extra year to prepare for entrance exams, how long after graduation can they use digital textbook content?
With textbooks becoming hybrid, students may have to bring digital devices home. It would be good to also consider informing and coordinating with families to prevent a negative cycle in which the devices are used differently at home, such as for entertainment.