This research paper aims to elucidate the educational philosophy of Scouting posited by Goto Shinpei, the first Chief Scout of Japan. In particular, his understanding of the Scout Movement, his thinking about the difference between school and scout education, his self-government theory in scout education, and his idea of applying the theory to adult education are considered.
Scout documents included in Goto Shinpei’s documents are mainly used in this paper. These scout documents had been kept by a relative of Goto Shinpei before World War II, and were thought to be long missing until recently. Consequently, no prior research has referred to them.
Goto Shinpei actively gained knowledge on the theory and practice of scouting, and he gave lectures on scouting across the whole country. He insisted on the need for scouting activities, distinct from school education; this was to be consistent with his cultivation of the autonomous spirit, a concept he had long advocated. Goto Shinpei’s idea, “Ethics Movement of Politics” was the application of education on self-government in scouting to adults.
