Japanese as Foreign Language/Second Language in the White Papers of Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (1953-2000)

Abstract

This paper reports on some changes of description concerning Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) and Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) in White Papers of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture between 1953 and 2000 (21 volumes in all).

1. 1953-1964: neither JFL nor JSL was mentioned in this period. During this period, national self-estimation of education changed from ‘extremely poor' (1953) to ‘rather high-level both qualitatively and quantitatively' (1964).

2. 1970-1980: For the first time, two subjects (Japanese children living abroad and foreign students) relating directly to JFL/JSL appeared in 1970. These subjects were included in the category regarding equal opportunity programs in education. Then in 1980, the matter of JFL and JSL became an independent chapter. This chapter was placed in the context of corresponding internationalization.

3. 1988-1996: In the name of increasing internationalization, teaching JFL/JSL received an increasingly detailed description. At the same time, the White Papers emphasized the importance of having ‘self-awareness of being Japanese' and to respect ‘Japanese culture, history and tradition'. In their description, Japan was monolithic. Only Western Europe and USA were focused in the context of ‘international education'.

4. 1997-2000: There were no significant changes of description concerning JFL or JSL. However, some new expressions emerged which took notice of diversity in Japan. Additionally, attention was now given to the culture and language of some countries outside of Western Europe and USA, such as Asian countries.