Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Textbook Approval System and Geography
Textbooks in Japan
Minori Yuda
Abstract
In this chapter, the author describes procedures of the textbook approval
system and geography textbooks used in Japan's schools. Geography content within
textbooks and skills required at each grade level are further explained to provide a
picture of geography education in the country.
Keywords
Geography education Geography textbooks in school education
Japanese education Textbook approval system
5.1
Introduction
To understand education in a country, textbooks can be an indicator and a data
source for research. In Japan, most textbooks are written in Japanese. This language
barrier may deter foreign scholars interested in the country's geography education.
The author argues that it is worthwhile to implement a textbook system and text-
books in Japan that are in English.
The aim of this chapter is to provide information about the textbook approval
system in Japan and to summarize textbook content to show the landscape of geog-
raphy education in schools. First, the author explains the textbook approval system
for school education and then introduce contents and skills required at each school
level that meet the National Curriculum Standards.
In Japan, geography education starts from Social Studies in third grade and
continues to the senior high school level. Here, the describes textbooks used from
third to sixth grades in elementary schools and in junior and senior high schools.