As Calls for Japan's 'September Semester System' Grow Louder... Abe Says "We Will Consider Various Alternatives"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] In Japan, following the extension of school closures due to the state of emergency declared to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the demand for introducing a 'September academic calendar' is rapidly spreading. Regarding this, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on the 29th, "We will consider various alternatives."

According to NHK and other sources, Prime Minister Abe appeared at the House of Representatives Budget Committee that day and responded this way when Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, asked his opinion on switching to a September academic calendar.

Prime Minister Abe said, "I think there are concerns about whether the postponed classes can be made up through supplementary lessons and about disparities between regions," adding, "It is necessary to fully consider those concerns." He continued, "At the same time, considering the prolonged school closures, starting the new academic year in September would have a significant impact on society as a whole, so there are cautious opinions," and said, "We will review various options amid these major changes going forward."

Koichi Hagiuda, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, said, "It is not a simple matter, but in this situation, if we do not consider various options, we cannot guarantee learning," adding, "If coordination with various sectors is possible and the issue is widely recognized among the public as a societal problem, I think it could be one of the major options."

Within Japan, as the closure period of public schools lengthens, more local government heads are demanding the September academic calendar. Some private schools and schools in certain regions have resumed attendance, raising concerns that the longer the school closures continue, the greater the educational disparities will become.

However, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that switching to a September academic calendar is not a simple issue, as it requires amendments to laws such as the School Education Act, which sets the compulsory education period, the Local Autonomy Act, and the Finance Act.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.