2025 Volume 57 Issue 1 Pages 73-80
This examination considers the alignment between Norio Nishino’s ideas and the revised curriculum guidelines of 1998. Nishino has persistently advocated transforming external standards in art education into intrinsic ones meaningful to children. Upon becoming a professor at Joetsu University of Education, Nishino expanded his ideas to include broader theories of school education, incorporating modern thought. However, his writing style became increasingly complex. Nishino led discussions as the chief examiner during the compilation of the 1998 guidelines, delegating management to Inspector Itarashiki. While editing the “Explanation,” collaborators ensured alignment with Nishino’s ideas. There is concern that Nishino’s aim to integrate school and life may disregard the external frameworks of schools, educational goals, content, and methods, potentially opposing the principle of self-limitation of power in public education. Nishino’s ideological base is linked to Shimoda Shizuo and A. S. Neill, with roots in Jodo Shinshu sensibilities. However, his absolute emphasis on children’s autonomy may invert the traditional Jodo Shinshu doctrine of ‘other power’ into a self-centric approach.
