Study on Life Education for Children in Japan

─Focus on Education Conducted by Medical or Health Care Professionals─

Abstract

 This study aimed to describe the characteristics and state of education dealing with “life” or “death” delivered to children in Japan, commonly referred to as “death education” or “Inochi no kyoiku (life education),” for instance. In this study, we conducted a literature review of 15 original articles sourced through an online search of Ichushi-Web (Ver.5) employing 8 key words. We also conducted and summarized individual interviews with four experts on life and death education.

 Results indicated the following: while “death education” was the mainstream before 2000, “life education” appeared after 2000. Establishment of academic institutions and official notice from the government had an impact on this transition. When communicating the importance of life to children, some educators believed that emphasizing the importance of one’s own life would eventually lead to the development of respect for lives of others. Medical or health care professionals conducted the education not only in hospitals but also in schools in cooperation with teachers.

 The results suggest that it is important to have children think about their own lives. In addition, medical or health care professionals are expected to deliver “life and death education” in a variety of settings.